Ralph Westley Mason, 91, of Idyllwild, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, after battling cancer.

He was born Dec. 13, 1916, and was proud to be an Eagle Scout in his youth. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and served as a dentist overseas during World War II in the 7th Army.

After the war, he married Mary Ashmore of Riverside, had two daughters and practiced dentistry in Rubidoux until he retired. He was often called the “gentle dentist.”

He served terms as president of the Lions Club in Riverside and Riverside Dental Association, and secretary of the Desert Art Center. He later lived in Rancho Mirage and Idyllwild, where he continued to pursue his passions in life: golf and oil painting.

He received many awards for his art, and especially enjoyed capturing likenesses of celebrities and family in portraits.

He led a long and good life, and will be greatly missed.

He was laid to rest in Olivewood Cemetery in Riverside at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10.

He is survived by a brother, Robert Mason, of Sunnyvale; two daughters, Jean and husband Ritch Perkins of Moreno Valley, and Marty and husband Paul Eisenberger of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Scott Anderson, Melanie Muenchinger, Shirley Bales and Paul Jobe; and four great-grandchildren, Natalie Bales, Noah Anderson, Jonathan Muenchinger and William Muenchinger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to Ramona VNA & Hospice, 890 W. Stetson Ave.,
Suite A, 
Hemet, CA 92543, or ARF (Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild), P.O. Box 1965, Idyllwild, CA 92549.