Hugh Mason

Hugh Earl Mason, age 78, of Charlevoix, passed away on March 29, 2025 at home, surrounded by family. Hugh was born on June 21, 1946 to Francis and Myrtle (Hinkley) Mason in Gaylord, MI. After graduating from Gaylord high school in 1964, Hugh joined the US Army and served in West Germany as a helicopter crew chief. He later attended Western Michigan University, and after graduating with an accounting degree in 1972, moved to Charlevoix. After working several years in Petoskey, Hugh opened his own accounting practice on Park Avenue in Charlevoix in 1979. In 1986, that firm would become Mason & Kammermann PC. Hugh served the greater Charlevoix community as a CPA until his retirement.

Hugh loved Charlevoix, and during his fifty three years here, would serve as director of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Charlevoix Area Hospital board, and (for over 30 years) as a member and then chairman of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). He was particularly proud of his role on the DDA, as his efforts helped shape downtown Charlevoix into the amazing place it is today. Outside of his business and civic endeavors, Hugh was a wonderful husband and father, and a devoted friend. He could often be found traveling Northern Michigan with his family, relaxing on the front porch with his feet up and an Oberon, or out with friends on the golf course. In 2002, Hugh’s life was forever changed when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an illness which would eventually take his mobility, but never his spirit.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, brother Darwin, and sister Joanne Pake.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy (Papineau) Mason, to whom he was married for 39 years, his two sons, Chuck and Matthew, sisters Lorraine O’Rourke and Elizabeth Ball, brothers-in-law Greg Papineau & Chris (Lynn)Papineau, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of Hugh's life will be held later this summer in Charlevoix.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com