Lasting Memories

Russell Ellsworth Mason
Nov. 9, 1920-July 16, 2006
Portola Valley, California

Russell Ellsworth Mason, 86, a longtime resident of Portola Valley, died July 16, 2006, in Palo Alto.

Born in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 9, 1920, he graduated from Columbia College in 1942 and earned a Ph.D. at Purdue University. He was a decorated lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army in World War II and then practiced clinical psychology for 26 years at the Veteran's Affair Hospitals in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

He was a prolific writer whose works include a treatise, "Internal Perception and Bodily Functioning." In addition, he started the company FI Communications and, together with his wife, Yuri Mason, founded The Ethical Society, an organization promoting the practice of ethical living as a means to the betterment of society. He lived in Portola Valley for more than 50 years with his wife, who is a painter. One of his true passions in life was to facilitate Yuri's creation of art, and he frequently kept her company while she painted, loved ones recall. He helped her with many household chores so that she would have more time to paint.

He is survived by his wife, Yuri of Portola Valley; and his two cousins, Dorothy Kennedy and Frances King of Texas.