Riga – March 23, 2021. Passed away at the age of 41 following a year long battle with cancer. Mason was born in Racine, Wisconsin and lived in Connecticut and Massachusetts before coming to the Rochester area in 1988. Mason was a graduate of Hilton High School and Nazareth College with a degree in English. Mason’s command of the English language was legendary to those who knew him and have been on the receiving end of his witty and sometimes irreverent, but always thoughtful opinions and observations. Mason suffered a spinal injury at birth and spent all 41 years of his life in a wheelchair and faced many health, mobility and accessibility challenges. He faced all of this with an incredible spirit and determination that was widely respected by all who knew him. Mason had a passion for sports and followed his favorite teams: The Green Bay Packers, The Boston Red Sox and The Milwaukee Brewers with the same energy and enthusiasm that he used to overcome his disability.
Mason is survived by his father, Jim Kanous and his partner Sheila Beers; brother, Trevor Kanous, his wife Lauren and their two children, Samantha and William of Littleton Colorado; Grandmother, Ann (Whelehan) Kanous.
Mason is predeceased by his mother, Carol (Johnson) Kanous; Grandfather, Roy Kanous; Grandmother, Joan (O’brien) Johnson and Grandfather, Frank Johnson.
Following his birth Mason spent 500 days in Milwaukee Children’s Hospital now known as Children’s Wisconsin Corporate Center. They saved his life and made his spirited 41 years possible. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Children’s Wisconsin Corporate Center, 999 North 92nd Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53228 Attn: Joseph Hanson
A celebration of Mason’s life will be announced at a later date, when it is safer to gather together.
