It’s always incredibly difficult to say goodbye to members of our AnCan community, as each person—whether a patient, survivor, carepartner, volunteer, moderator, or a board or advisory board member—means so much to us. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Mason, who was one of those cherished individuals.
A true friend, Ken lived his life with an infectious zest that inspired everyone around him. His laughter was a melody that brightened the darkest days, and his kindness knew no bounds. Whether he was sharing a clever (or terrible) joke, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply lending an attentive ear, Ken made everyone feel valued and loved. His sincerity was a rare gem, shining brightly through his genuine interactions with friends and strangers alike. A man of both humor and heart, Ken’s legacy will continue to touch lives and bring smiles for generations to come.
AnCan Founder Rick Davis said:
I loved this man.
News of Ken’s demise was just like one of his crummy jokes – no one wanted to hear it.
Ken cared so much for others. Gary described his beloved as ’empathy, silliness and love’ exuding ‘kindness’. I might add to those qualities his quick wit and sense of humor. I feel honored to have been frequently on the receiving end of Ricklesian insults.
I had the privilege of supporting Ken virtually from around 2013 onwards through his four cancers. While all relatively benign, Ken shouldered the anxiety like the trooper (or MP??) he always was. Whatever bothered Mason was never the cancer.
Mason, as he self identified, was a treasured moderator for our AnCan virtual support groups. He always empathized. If a pressing issue was not voiced, Ken surfaced and addressed it. Every Group he attended is grieving.
I will forever miss Ken’s homespun, invariably impractical advice offered with the very best of intentions. I became expert in dismissing them without offending him, and was comforted when I read he offered comparable suggestions to Howard Wolinsky.
We had the privilege of meeting several times, the first with Gary when they came to dinner. It’s timely that I recently opened the balsamic you both gave me. Ken, G-d Rest His Soul, lived so much of his life in the present right to the meditation retreat at the very end. I doubt he would have planned his demise better.
Myself as well as all who knew Mason at AnCan offer Gary and Family much comfort. For us and all who knew Ken, his memory will always be a blessing.
Advisory Board Member Howard Wolinsky shares:
I loved Ken—most in the PCa world called him “Mason”—like a brother. We all did.
He kept me and everyone in stitches at support groups for men with low-risk PCa.
Ken also asked great questions—though he didn’t seem to know it. Communicating with Ken, especially privately, could create Zen moments—and laughter. He was the prototype Laughing Buddha, without the pot belly.
Ken wanted to be called Mason because as he stated he “was in witness protection (he was not) with warrants (false)” and the only way he was able to participate was to “use an alias”. While his husband Gary described him beautifully as ‘the purest, kindest soul I know’—full of empathy, silliness, and love—Ken also had a wonderful knack for delightful ‘BS,’ which, frankly, only made us love him even more.
We shared memories of Ken with Gary during the first part of our Active Surveillance meeting. If you did not get the privilege to meet Ken, we encourage you to listen to stories and some of his classic “Ken Jokes”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2- 5pm at Barred Owl at the Scarlet Hotel, 2101 Transformation Dr 6th Floor,, Lincoln, NE 68508. The event will be streamed virtually – AnCan will provide details. Bring your worst jokes.
