"Enough with all the fussin'. Smile–be happy. I've lived a good life." These are the words Terry Dale Mason, age 64, shared with his family as they embraced him one last time on July 23, 2022.

Terry was born to the late Delano Mason and Nettie Bunker on May 13, 1958, in Onaway, Michigan. He was the fourth of eight children, a brood of four boys, Tony, Terry, John, and Joe and four girls: Debbie, Jude, Connie, and Theresa.

As a toddler, Terry was diagnosed with Polio in his left arm, resulting in a physical disadvantage that he refused to let limit him. Instead, he used it to fuel an incredible work ethic and selfless character, two traits he applied as a provider, father, motivator, colleague, and companion.

Terry was a supportive son—always helped out with dishes and cleaning around the house—and defender, constantly looking out for his younger sisters, whether that meant protecting them from older brothers or making sure they had money.

Growing up with very little shaped Terry's formative years. It taught him how to be content and resourceful. His family couldn't afford a new bike so he built one using miscellaneous parts and scrap. He was known for taking on all sorts of odd jobs around the neighborhood, which not only helped him earn extra money but also build a broad set of skills.

Terry grew up a "Tower Cat," a phrase used to describe the male adolescents who roamed the small community of Tower, Michigan. The Tower Cats operated without boundaries and spent most of their time hunting, fishing, running around the ball fields, or swimming in the Tower Pond. Mischief usually accompanied these activities. Although Terry was athletic, he wasn't much into organized sports. The high school track coach once tried to recruit Terry for his speed; when Terry learned he'd have to cut his hair to join the team, it was an easy decision.

Terry was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He built early friendships and connections around the activities, but most importantly, unbreakable father-son bonds. Annual escapes to hunting camp were spent in his hometown and provided an opportunity to eliminate distractions, embrace the outdoors, and connect with friends and family. His sons didn't view hunting camp as a time to spend with Dad; they saw it as an opportunity to become more like him.

Terry met his future wife, Therese, on December 1, 1979. A group of mutual friends brought them together at the Silvertop Honkey Tonk in Afton, Michigan. At the time, she was working at a factory in Harbor Springs, and he was a lumberjack. Therese was proper and a rule follower. Terry … far from it. For their first date, he took her ice fishing on Tower Pond. She was petrified. Eventually, that fear faded, and she became drawn to the different life he shared with her.

After a few months of dating, their relationship became a long distance one. A recession pushed Terry to find work in Florida but he had a plan to return on the Fourth of July. He made good on his promise, and they were soon reunited. However, Terry had concocted a new plan: a move to Sidney, Montana. Sidney was becoming a center of oil production, and pay in the oil fields was lucrative. Seven months into their relationship, Therese took out a loan to help Terry tune up his 1971 Barracuda, and the couple left for the Treasure State.

Sidney provided better pay and new adventure. Terry and Therese fished the Yellowstone for paddlefish and hunted the open plains for whitetail and mule deer. Because they often worked opposite shifts, Terry would visit Therese at the M&M cafe and shoot pool until her shift ended.

A little extra money enabled Terry to fulfill a longtime dream: He bought his own motorcycle, a Honda 750. He was so concerned someone would steal that motorcycle, he rolled it into their tiny home each night. One year into the move, Terry & Therese married. Another year later, they replaced that Honda 750 with something he loved far more: their first child, Sara, born January 17, 1983.

In February 1984, an injury in the oil field sent Terry home for a few months to recover. A loose thread on his sweater cuff had caught in a large turbine, breaking both his wrist and elbow. Wasn't much of a setback; he relished the opportunity to spend more time with his 1-year-old daughter. The extra time off also led to other leisure opportunities—and ultimately, his second child and first son, Lucas, born November 12, 1984.

Five years in Montana and two young children left Terry and Therese longing for family. In August 1985, they headed back to Michigan, choosing to settle in Traverse City. Not long after, Terry started his career with Team Elmer's—employee No. 23. He quickly learned about excavation and site development. While he eventually learned to operate many different machines, you were most likely to find him in his green DoMor—a specialty finishing grader. He excelled on the DoMor. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a sculpting artist. Terry shaped the land with precise detail; the DoMor was the perfect tool for the craftsman and perfectionist.

Butch, the owner of Elmer's at the time, always told his crew, "Are you ready to sign your name on this job?" That resonated with Terry. He believed the quality of your work defined you; it truly was your signature.

On August 7, 1991, Terry and Therese welcomed their third child and second son, Joshua.
Terry always had an interest in running his own business. Raising a third child brought that interest back. In December 1992, Terry made a tough decision to leave Elmer's. He went into business with his brother-in-law Gary. They started a construction and excavating company called RHEMA. In 18 months, the two men built two houses and completed a number of small excavating jobs. Though Terry loved the work, the overhead of running a business and lack of affordable health insurance made raising the family more difficult. Terry and Therese decided to reverse course.

In June 1994, Terry rejoined Team Elmer's. Butch was plenty happy to welcome him back. In all, Terry gave Team Elmer's 35 years of quality, sweat, laughs, and overall good vibes. He valued all of his daily interactions and deeply cared about the well-being of his co-workers. So many felt his impact and took the time to share:

"He always took time to teach the younger guys to operate equipment."

"Always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word."

"You could always count on Terry to be there when you needed someone."

"Not only a good friend but a great teacher with patience to no end. A true, one-of-a-kind."

"Terry was such a wonderful man and brought a lot of joy to my life in the time I got to work with him and the years after. Truly one of the most wonderful and caring people I've ever known."

"He was my inspiration on quality. He gave all to all he did. I cherish the time spent with him. I will forever carry his teachings."

"In thirty years of working with Terry, I only saw him angry one time."

"So many people have talked to me about the influence Terry had on them. He was a man who put others first."

Terry not only made time for everyone; he made everyone feel special. It's why he became a favorite uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, colleague, and friend. But it also meant he was always the last one to leave a gathering. He drove his family nuts when it came to saying goodbye, an event he made, at minimum, a 45-minute process.

One way that Terry expressed his love was through breaking bread–or preparing and giving away food. It was usually fish or venison. The last time he flew to visit his daughter in Colorado, he double-wrapped frozen venison hot dogs and stuffed them into his suitcase for her. And, boy, was he insistent when it came to sharing food. Even during his final weeks in the hospital, he demanded his children try his "magic cups" (vitamin-filled ice cream). Or he'd cut his cheeseburger in half and offer it to the nearest visitor or hospital staffer. During his last night, shortly before being transferred to the ICU, the nursing staff told us he had insisted on sharing his pistachios with them.

Terry connected with every staff member he met at Munson. It was important to him to make sure that each one of them knew how grateful he was for their care. Nobody left without a thank you.

In 2021, the family finally got him to consider retirement. He planned to retire at the end of 2022—or at least dial back and help train and mentor the next generation of land sculptors. The fact that he didn't make it to retirement might seem tragic. It shouldn't. A lifetime of frugality allowed Terry fewer distractions. It simplified life and made it easier for him to live in each day and feel grateful within each moment. Terry understood that he didn't need much because he gave so much.

Terry relished his time as Papa to Lily, Hattie, Jack, and Emily. Together, they helped him surface his inner child … and maybe a little Tower Cat.

Terry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Therese, and his three loving children, Sara (Tim) Duncan, Lucas (Katie) Mason, and Joshua (Mariah) Mason.

A visitation will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. A celebration of life party will be held at a future date.

Arrive as late as you'd like; Terry was never on time for anything. He avoided formality and stuffiness—and he would truly be irked if you showed up in a suit or tie. Please dress comfortably.

Terry has left us with decades of colorful memories. We know that everybody has a Terry story, and we want to hear every one of them.

In lieu of flowers, the family is planning a memorial perennial garden at his and Therese's home.