Thousands honour life of 'irreplaceable' Barry

Published on Wednesday 9 December 2009 09:24

Barry Mason, a member of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association who was instrumental in twice bringing the Dalai Lama to the city, has died aged 68.

Tributes have been paid to Barry Mason, a navy veteran and key figure in Edinburgh's faith community.

His impact was such that thousands of people around the world offered prayers as he underwent heart surgery before his death.

He was born on 20 December, 1941, the second son of Joan and George Mason, and brother to Anthony.

At 15, he went into the navy as a boy entrant, joining the Fleet Air Arm, and served on the aircraft carriers HMS Eagle and Ark Royal, servicing the aircraft and touring the world.

During this time Barry married Christine Carter and had three children, Nicola, Paul and Jonathan, eventually becoming a grandfather of eight.

Barry was in the navy for 12 years, and when he left the service he went to live in Kingston-upon-Thames, and worked for a company called Schular, which serviced book-binding and printing machines.

He first came to Edinburgh 20 years ago when a new venture into the leisure industry introduced him to Marco's Leisure.

During his visit, Marco's managing director Bert Demarco introduced him to Victor Spence at the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, beginning a long association with the group, fostering links between faiths in Edinburgh and internationally.

Mr Mason was involved with many multi-faith charities and in the course of this work he had the privilege of welcoming the Dalai Lama to Scotland, and also befriended Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Spence, general secretary of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, said: "Barry was a major cog in the workings of delivering numerous big events. His proudest moment was when he became the first person to welcome the Dalai Lama during his second visit.

"No one will be able to replace Barry."

From the age of 41 Mr Mason had suffered from a heart condition, but he tried to stay active.

He enjoyed water-skiing and golf, but his main passion was the sea. He had dreamed of owning a luxury yacht but never realised that ambition.

Last month his heart condition worsened and he decided to undergo risky surgery to alleviate the condition. He never regained consciousness and passed away due to complications on 19 November.

Mr Spence said: "Thousands of people on five continents were praying and lighting candles for Barry on the day of his operation.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been informed of Barry's passing."

Arun Gandhi, who spoke to him by telephone before his surgery, said: "I found Barry had a great and compassionate heart and was always so willing to give of himself.

"My prayers are with him and I know his soul now rests in eternal peace. May his life of love and compassion inspire future generations."