1926-2026
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of the remarkable man that was Danny Mason.
But mourning or moping were never part of Danny’s life. His enthusiasm, generosity and kindness were a lesson to us all – positivity personified! And a life to be celebrated.
Cycling was just one of many facets to Danny’s life, but a very big one non the less. It is encouraging to know that his legacy will live on in the form of The Danny Mason Highland Challenge an event he instigated nearly four decades ago.
Danny came from ‘a generation of heroes’ and lived through some of the darkest times in our history. At just 18 he was parachuted onto German positions as part of ‘Operation Varsity’ a highly successful mission which contributed greatly to ending World War II.
After two weeks of fighting Danny was wounded and evacuated to a hospital in Leuven, Belgium. It was here that he learned of Germanys’ surrender and that the War was over.
So, next time that you are cycling in this wonderful English countryside, spare a thought for those who were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom we enjoy today…..
Danny will be remembered by a great many people, in many different ways. He moved to Ludlow with his wife Jean in 1956 as the warden of Ludlow Youth Hostel. He also ran Duke of Edinburgh award schemes set on the River Teme that runs through the town. In later years he ran the Hardware store in the Bull Ring where he lived until his passing only last month. He and Jean were blessed with a family including his sons Danny, Ashley, Che, Stafford and Kevin. His children accompanied Danny on trips abroad to commemorate the allied victory over Germany.
It was Danny’s earnest desire to be the ‘last man standing’ from his regiment/battalion and to celebrate his 100th birthday in style. Sadly, it was not to be, after he failed to recover from a broken femur/hip following a fall in July.
In his lifetime Danny had endured far more than his fair share of grief and setbacks. All of which he bore with stoic resilience and without any complaint and always coming up smiling.
Cyclists and all those who met him were all deeply enriched for knowing such a wonderful person.….
The Shropshire Hills are indeed a magical part of the World and occupy a special place in many people’s heart. None more so than that of Danny Mason, so A. E. Housman’s words are especially appropriate:
“Into my heart an air that kills
From yon far country blows:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.”
Goodbye and God bless you Danny……
Robin J. Kyte –Life Member – Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club
Funeral Details: Tuesday 11th August, 12.00 noon at St. Laurence’s Church, 2 College St., Ludlow SY8 1AN