It's impossible to accurately summarize a life as storied as Lanty Ray Mason's, age 71, at the time of his passing on 10/20/26. A Vietnam veteran, a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Airforce, he served his country with honor and distinction for over two decades, only to move on to the IT world and all of its innovation. He grew from poverty to comfort through hard work and a powerful, beautiful heart. No matter where he ventured, he took the time to help all around him through constant devotion to charity; and through it all, he had time to be a loving husband and a wonderful father. While far from perfect, he did his utmost to strive toward a loving, safe home. He took time to wipe away the scars of war, beat alcoholism and set aside a smoking habit to give his family a finer world. He was an ear to those who needed a confidant, a hand to those who needed help, and a shoulder to help carry the burden of many. There is no life he didn't light upon that wasn't changed for the better and however subtle to some, the world will notice his departure. From the burning deserts of Arizona to the frigid mists of Korea, to the humid heat of Florida, Lanty moved about all the world and many of the States and carried with him the stories of all the places he had been. From all the corners of the world, he helped make a family that will endure despite his passing due to the love he shared with them and the lessons he gave.

He remains a role model for those who survive him, including his beloved wife, Betty Mason; his children, Jesse, Laura, SonHui, Cat, and Cote; his sister, Caris; his grandchildren, Alexander, Josh, Marissa, Matthew, Mya, Nathaniel, Thomas, Jaxyn, and Koda; and his nieces and nephews, Diana, Jamie, and John. In the rare moments he managed to pry himself away from work or his many projects, he spent his time visiting endless worlds in Sci-Fi books, ventured through the Illiad and enjoyed many a film. He had the same love for cooking as his own long departed mother and gathered supplies to prepare for just in case scenarios. He was a gun range enthusiast who made sure those he left behind knew how to defend themselves. And knew how to compete with his incredible aim. A warrior through and through, he had earned just a few more years due to the support of the fine doctors and nurses at Shands Hospital, where he refused to let his declining health take him. We had more time with him after a double lung and liver transplant that he endured so he could spend years saying I love you over and over. His legacy shall be the kindness he showed the world, the dignity with which he carried himself, the quiet humility of his wonders and the strength of spirit he taught to those he raised. There shall never be a hero like Lanty Ray Mason again, but there shall be many who can take heart at his accomplishments and his failures, to learn from and to grow from. 

No matter how late, taken too soon.

"Lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another, 

Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 

Seeing, shall take heart again."