Zane Walter Mason

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Zane Walter Mason of Palm Bay Florida, passed away March 4th, 2025.

He was born on June 14th, 1941 to Harlan Armstrong Mason and Margaret Chapple Mason in Ririe, Idaho. He was the 5th of 6 children.  He grew up and attended school in Ririe.  He was very active in sports and was a happy and engaged student.  After graduating from Ririe High School he loved going back and took great pride in not missing a class reunion if he was in the United States.

He attended Ricks College after graduating high school where he studied Journalism.  He was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the French – Swiss Mission and was also drafted into the military.  Because of his mission call, he was extended a deferment from military service.

At the completion of his church mission, he transferred his credits from Ricks College to BYU in Provo, Utah.  He received his degree in Journalism and French Language.  While at BYU he met and married Jenny Farmer.  Zane then fulfilled his 2-year stint in the military in Washington DC at the Pentagon, due to his proficiency in languages and education history.

After his release from the military, Zane and Jenny moved to Florida where Jenny’s family lived.  By then they had 3 sons, David, Jared and Brad.  He went into law enforcement in Dade County, Miami Florida where he worked undercover operations.  It was very dangerous work and was very hard on family life.  He was then hired as the Police Chief in El Portel, Florida. His work in law enforcement was very stressful and Zane and Jenny divorced.

Zane was recruited by DynCorp, a contractor with the United Nations peace keeping military force in Croatia and Czechoslovakia, stationed in Kosovo.  He became Station Chief of the American Division for the 4 years of his contract.  He was able to travel to much of the surrounding area of Europe while there.

He retired and went home to Florida to spend more time with his sons.  DynCorp again recruited him for security at the war crimes trial for Slobodan Milosevic in The Hauge, Netherlands.  He retired again and came back to his Palm Bay home to spend time with his sons and to enjoy some of his favorite pastimes, golf and motorcycling.

He met his sweet companion Sandy Otto and together they traveled to Idaho and many other states to spend time with family and friends.  After their summer visit to Idaho in 2023 Zane was diagnosed with several significant health issues.  In 2024 those issues took a toll on his body and he passed away on March 4, 2025.

Zane is survived by his 3 sons, David Zane (Marta) Mason of Lakeland Florida, Jared Charles (Lisa) Mason and children Jasmin and Tyler of Miami Gardens Florida, Bradley Mason of Palm Bay Florida and his companion Sandy Otto of Titusville Florida.

His sisters, JoAn Wood of Rigby Idaho, Geri Kukura (Harold Hadley) of Idaho Falls Idaho, his brother, Michael (Shirley) Mason of Boise Idaho, Sister-in-law Helen Mason of Idaho Falls Idaho and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Zane was preceded in death by a baby daughter Elizabeth, his parents Harlan and Margaret Mason, his sister Janet Ashbocker and his brother Dallon Mason.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W Main Street, Rigby, Idaho.  The family will visit with friends prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:45 am.  Interment will be at the Ririe Shelton Cemetery after the funeral service.