By Obituaries on March 26, 2018.
CLOSE Mason Shane Close of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the age of 21 years, beloved son of Wendy and Shane Close and loving brother of Brady. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Bev Jans and grandfather, David (Leila) Close; great grandmother, Ramona Close; aunts and uncles, Sherry (Dave) Strothmann, Kelly (Sherri) Jans (and their children Cody, Brooke and Madison), and Brent Close. He was predeceased by his grandmother Marilyn Nelson. Mason was born on September 5, 1996. He was an intelligent, kind, witty, loyal, and the most loving son and brother. He was very dedicated to his brother Brady. They shared many common interests including football, hockey, and of course baseball. Most special was the annual family trips to Spring Training in Phoenix. Growing up, he enjoyed playing hockey and spent time as a stick boy for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Mason played Little League baseball, then high school baseball which led him to the American Legion program for four years. The friendships he made through sports would end up being a priceless treasure. Mason and those friends shared a brotherly bond. Mason was educated in Medicine Hat graduating from Monsignor McCoy High School in 2014. After taking Business Education at Lethbridge College, he returned home and worked as an assistant instructor for the baseball program at Notre Dame Academy. That spring, Mason was an assistant coach for the McCoy JV and Senior teams, leading to an assistant coaching position that following summer with the American Legion Majestics. Mason loved coaching and his players and he vowed to continue in the future at some level. Mason was inspired to become a realtor for some time. When he decided to pursue this career, he was very focussed and excited to join the welcoming Royal LePage team in January. To honor Mason’s request, this is not a sad day but a celebratory one. A Celebration of his life will be held in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Moose Monarchs, Knights American League Baseball, payable to “Medicine Hat Big League Baseball” c/o Box 661 Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 7G6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Mason Close, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.