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| Nombre | Byron Mason |
| Fecha de nacimiento | 20 julio, 1972 |
| Fecha de defunción | 1 noviembre, 2020 |
| Ciudad de origen | Oakland, CA, US |
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published a tribute .
Byron, we’ve known each other for years as we went to grammar school and high school together. You will be missed and will always be in my memories. Thank you for being a friend during our years together at school.
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published a tribute .
Byron, we walked past each other in the office for almost 2 years before we actually met! And not a single time did we pass each other without smiling. I always admired your style and how you carried yourself. When we finally met, everything made sense, your soft-spoken nature, your kindness, your style, and of course your gorgeous smile--it all added up to a very special person. I remember dancing with you and the gang at the last holiday party. You are sorely missed and will never be forgotten.
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publicó un comentario .
Byron, I just got to know today that you’re no more with us. Was looking at Actelion 2018 holiday party photos and saw your smiling face. We didn’t have a lot of interaction on most days but I always admired your grace and elegance. You had a kind smile that seemed to make everyone so comfortable around you. Thanks buddy for all the smiles and memories. I wish you rest well and in peace ! We miss you.
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published a tribute .
I'm just coming here to send light, love and healing to all that knew and loved Byron, especially his brother Jarrett (whom I worked with in NYC over a decade ago) and mom. My prayers have been with them since I learned of Byron's passing.
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published a tribute .
I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul at a National CFAR meeting in Philadelphia several years ago and we instantly connected. We spent a lot of time outside of the meetings socializing with other colleagues. His sense of style, grace, intellect, humor and peaceful temperament will be tremendously missed. Rest well, my fellow King.
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published a tribute .
I met Byron in 1999 and we have been friends ever since. A wonderful person who enlarged my view of the things that matter. I will always be greatful. He visited me in Germany and I've seen him every year in Oakland for a long walk and talk, lunch or a drink in a bar. After he texted me about his illness I was devastated and only learned about his death through Ubuntu Biography Project.
Can anyone tell me where his grave is so I can pay my last respects to him after the pandemic is over.
Hans-Peter Henzler, [email protected]
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published a tribute .
I met Byron in the mid 90s. We had a lot in common but we really bounded through photography. I had been into photography most of my life and Byron was just starting out. In general, Byron was understated in most things. He wasn't loud, he liked t-shirts and jeans and he even danced quietly. But when it came to photography he went big! He wanted to photograph expansive landscapes, redwoods and fireworks. When it came time to print his photos Byron wasn't satisfied with Walgreens 8x10 prints. He pushed the limit--researching printers in the area that specialized in super large prints. To me, Byron expressed himself most completely through his images.
Over the years I grew to love Byron. I am so grateful that I got the chance to tell him.
The photos below were taken in 2014 on one of our outings. We each did a portrait of the other using the same camera.
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published a tribute .
Ms. Maureen and Jarrett,
I am so sorry for your loss. Since Aisha introduced me to him when I moved to the Bay Area 13 years ago, Byron has been a creative inspiration and treasured friend. I’m so grateful for his example and that he introduced me to you, Jarrett. The last time I saw him, we danced the night away in Oakland in celebration of legendary Frankie Knuckles. I will keep dancing and creating in honor of his memory. Sending you both all my love and condolences.
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published a tribute .
All love to you out there in the universe Byron. Meeting you with Jarrett was such a blast. My best US friends. To you Jarrett, you are like a brother to me and I clutch at words to consider how this is for you. I send all my love to you and your mother from over this side of the blue sphere. xx
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published a tribute .
ms maureen & brother jarrett: i offer sincerest condolences
gotdambit byron mason:
the loss of u here means no more potential for deep conversations on our walk & talks or together deliberating the mashup of art & visibility & freedom or giggling after entering the room like skinny snobby b*tches (which we really didn't have the heart to be)//so many things that i'll have to henceforth rely on only as memories, so many contributions to my good times treasure chest like b/glam writings & gentleman's club & how i feel & an appreciation for greyscale
i'm glad i got to say that u are beloved & appreciated//that my time here in the bay & on earth was made brighter by your chesty laughter, your razor wit & taser tongue, your sharp shouldered thrusts to deephouse bass, your big brains & ever-expansive blackness
brister
i hope that heaven looks like amsterdam &
that u are eternally deservedly unreservedly
happy.
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published a tribute .
Ms. Maureen and Jarrett:
My deepest condolences to you. It is close to unfathomable for a mother to bury a child and one twin to bury another. I was one of the people who did not know Byron as well as some others but who was so tremendously impacted by our limited but cherished time together. I met Byron during one of my many trips to San Francisco to visit my bff, Cedric Brown. On another one of those trips, Byron hosted a small cocktail party, while his mother was visiting, and I was delighted to meet her. Shortly thereafter, I moved from NYC to the Bay Area myself and, before moving, remember asking Byron how it was to live there as a Black man. He provided a really thorough, thoughtful and insightful response. I came to know Byron as a warm, compassionate, creative, intelligent, generous, fashionable, interesting and interested person, as Jarrett noted so powerfully at yesterday's beautiful memorial. Byron clearly loved Black people and greatly believed in creating community. I so appreciated his efforts, and even though I lived in the Bay Area for only a year before moving back East, I thought of Byron often and fondly, and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I think that the brighest stars often dim too soon. I will always remember Byron as one of the very brightest.
My love to you both.
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published a tribute .
“This is thy hour O soul. Thy free flight into the worldless, away from books, away from art. The day erased, the lesson done, thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou lovest best; night, sleep, death and the stars.”
W. Whitman~
Byron, M’dear. You have been deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Peace, and Forever in our Hearts. Nick~
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published a tribute .
I met Byron at college in Atlanta many moons ago. We reconnected via Facebook many, many years after that, exchanged numbers and when we finally talked, that conversation was the best! Byron shared his journey with me and said he landed where he did because he just wanted to be free and comfortable in his skin without judgement. He encouraged me, probably more than he knew. I’m fortunate that our paths crossed in this lifetime. Rest well Byron...and thank you.
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published a tribute .
Byron, ATL misses you tremendously. You were a beautiful soul - compassionate, intelligent, considerate. We shared a mutual love for vinyl and house music. I had planned to will you my vinyl collection, but trust me I will keep it with me and bring it when I see you next. Just have the turntables ready. Love you friend.
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published a tribute .
Many heart-felt thanks to Jarrett, to Mrs. Mason, and to all who organised the beautiful memorial service, allowing us to be together from all over the world, to grieve together, to pay our respects and to honour and celebrate the life of Byron Mason. My deepest condolences to you all. Sending much love and strength, from London.
I met Byron via mutual friends, on a few occasions over the years, when he was in, or passing through London, and during a wonderful holiday in southern Spain. He made a strong impression on me, the news of his passing hit me hard. Not Byron!
Creative, intelligent, cool, strong, beautiful in every way - heart, soul, truth, emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, kindness, sweetness, fun, fun-loving, elegant, gentle, friendly, interesting, open, warm, a man of the world, a true gentleman. I enjoyed every second of Byron's company. I will miss him.
Europe loved Byron, we always will. Deeply saddened that he has been taken from all of us. Byron's memory and inspiration will always stay with me. To a life well lived! To Byron!
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published a tribute .
"There is stardust in your veins. We are literally, ultimately children of the stars." -- Jocelyn Bell Burnell
I told someone today, that you were Stardust. In my heart, you were a quiet tour-de-force that made the world seem a bit more magical when you smiled.
I think I offered you and Jarrett a slice of cheese & sausage thin crust pizza as we all loitered outside of Kings & Queens on Lake Street. Often time I saw you and Jarrett in the club and like most country Southsiders I greeted you by saying "Hey Twins". Yet, on that night, the night that Kings and Queens was closed without notice, I noticed there was a subtle difference in your spirit -- I endeavored to call you Byron.
I will never forget your smile, you fussing a Jarrett for a myriad of reasons, your effortless and eloquent style, the quiet power you always exuded, dancing with you and Jarrett on many a dance floor, and most of all I will never forget how kind you were to me. A quiet kindness that warms my heart to this very day.
We never talked much, but your very existence, your photography, your style, your appreciation for the world, and your amazing grandeur inspired me so.
Rest in absolute Bliss and Power my dear Byron. You were the personification of Stardust. Your magic will forever live on in all of our hearts.
Jarrett and Ms. Maureen, my love and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. May God Bless and keep you both.
xoxoxo
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Byron, I miss you tremendously. I’m resentful that you were taken away way too soon, when you had so much more living to do. I’m really sad that our friendship of 20 years will not continue for 20+ more years. I’m sad we won’t be exploring new restaurants together and being the last patrons left as we enjoy our time together while covering a lot of conversational territory. I’m sad we won’t be taking anymore trips to Tahoe. Thank you for your friendship, the laughter, the support, the love, and even the tears.
Ms Maureen and Jarrett, you are in my thoughts and well wishes during this difficult time. Thank you and the others for the beautiful memorial service.
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published a tribute .
To the love spirit, spit fire, dancing Diva, DJ Byron - thank you for living bravely, passionately and to the fullest. Let's keep the beat going!
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published a tribute .
I met Byron in 2011, when he was working at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) at UC San Francisco and I was on the Community Advisory Committee (CAB). We bonded quickly. I recruited him to join the planning committee for an annual San Francisco Bay Area wide event to honor Black LGBTIQQ History each February. Byron was extremely supportive and joined the committee in 2012 to plan the 2013 event. Among other roles on the planning committee, he also volunteered to liaise with San Francisco GLBT Historical Society to create a coordinated and parallel exhibit at the SF GLBT History Museum to honor Black LGBTIQQ History at the same time. Byron was incredibly influential in the planning of our event and curating the exhibit at the SF GLBT Museum. Our event was a success and the exhibit at the museum was well received. Using program evaluation data that we collected at the event, Byron, another colleague/collaborator, and I then presented about the positive impact of the events at the NAESM Conference of African American MSM Leadership in HIV and Other Health Disparities the following January (2014 in Kissimmee, FL). That presentation was also a success and well received, and inspired community members at cities around the country to try to implement adaptations of the model that we had created. For budgetary purposes, Byron and I shared a hotel room for the NAESM conference and that's when we were able to spend great quality time together, and learn about the surprising expanse of our shared interests. Byron couldn't join the planning committee for subsequent years, but stayed connected through our time together at the UCSF CAPS CAB. After we both left that committee, we definitely stayed in touch via email and Facebook and would try to cross paths at least a couple of times a year afterwards. There were some fun dinner parties and hangout sessions with music and wine. One of many favorite memories was when I heard about a ballet being performed at the San Francisco Ballet, set to the music of Bjork, I knew that I had to see that with Byron. We had a fabulous time. I already miss Byron. I hold him in my heart -- remembering his intellectual and artistic brilliance, his passion for and dedication to supporting our shared Black LGBTQ+ communities, his generosity of spirit, his voice and his laugh. I keep Jarrett and Ms. Maureen in my meditations and wish you the warmth of his memories, and knowledge of all the good that he created in this world. I know that Byron's memory will always be a blessing. I have a few photos to share but can't seem to upload them to this site. If Jarrett or another organizer contacts me via email, I can send the photos by email.
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I'm thankful for more than 10 years of glorious friendship with Byron. We met at Gilead and Byron was always game for a good costume. We had an April Fool's day where we all picked a manager and dressed like them. Byron got to play a pregnant Indian woman for the day, and I'd say he made it look as stunning as ever. I'll miss our "Gilead Survivor's" Dinners (see Renard's post) and having him over to spill the tea on my back deck in Oakland. I'll miss his laugh. I'll miss his everything.
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published a tribute .
Our “Ex-Gilead monthly dinner” meet ups. Our meet ups will be missed.
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published a tribute .
Jarrett & Mrs. Mason you’re in my thoughts & prayers! Please accept my most syncere condolences on behalf on the McKinney & Grant families. Rest In peace Byron!!!! I love you all so much!!! Sharing memories from our last time together.
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published a tribute .
I first met Byron when he was my boss is 1998. He was only slightly older than me, but I was in awe of his poise and charisma. We met again many years later, this time as co-workers. During that time, we became friends who frequently had lunch together. He helped me get through one of the most difficult periods in my life then. As before, I was mesmerized by his poise, his charm, his intellect, and his passions. He is someone I will never forget. Maureen and Jarrett, we never met but I want to thank you for sharing Byron with the world and I also want to extend my deepest sympathies to you. Byron made a big impact on the world and he will always be here with you and the many, many people who loved and knew him.
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published a tribute .
My fondest memory of Bryon was his smile and gentle tone. I am blessed to have worked with him. His life was a blessing, his memory is a treasure, he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Love & Peace Sandy
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published a tribute .
In all our conversations, I always felt like Bryon was encouraging me to be my best self, my truest self. I adored him and was inspired by him. I hope I can honor his memory by trying to make others feel as seen as he always made me feel. I'll miss laughing with him and having what always felt like secret shared moments even in a crowd. <3
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published a tribute .
Jarrett, although we haven't been physically in each other's presence since high school I always considered both of you special to me. I was there during that time discovering House Music together. I was so lucky to have had you all in my life and to have shared those moments and times together. We laughed so much together and dance until we couldn't dance anymore. The memories are rich and I still talk about our times together with my children. My entire family sends their love and condolences. Sending you love Jarrett and Maureen.
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published a tribute .
Good bye, Byron. Your beautiful and loving brother is left with us to remind the world of your spirit. We will hold him for you.
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published a tribute .
Rest in Peace dearest, sweetest, coolest, wonderfulest Byron. With love from your second home, The Netherlands.... Dexter & Susanne
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published a tribute .
RIP. You were a beautiful soul. I pray you are walking and dancing in the sun light.
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published a tribute .
I will miss your beautiful spirit, our soulful conversations, your passion for life. To your Mom and twin brother I can only say this - it was such a privilege and honor to call him my friend. His gentle spirit will be deeply missed. It is a crushing loss.
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published a tribute .
Byron, you will dearly be missed. You were the one that got me trained and involved within the team. You were so welcoming and made sure I wasn’t eating alone on my first lunch at work. You had such patience and a kind soul. You shared such great things to me about your life and family and wow it was amazing to hear. I will never forget you telling me that you weren’t so keen on meeting millennials but with me you didn’t find me annoying. It was such a sweet compliment! If there is anything I regret is that I didn’t get to know you longer than a year but you made such a great impact! Hope you’re partying with Prince in heaven and we will meet again my friend
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Truly one of the kindest and sweetest souls. I will miss sitting across from you, our morning greetings, and seeing you smile every day. May you rest in peace, and I pray for strength for your family during this most difficult time.
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published a tribute .
I miss you so much Byron! I miss our office conversations. You were always someone I can talk to without any fear of being judged. We had so many fun memories and endless laughs. I was really looking forward to partying with you in Amsterdam. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in paradise my friend, until next time. <3
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publicó un comentario .
Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Byron’s family. Byron was a positive force and his legacy will live on.
publicó un comentario .
A beautiful soul. Our world has lost a special man. My deepest sympathy to Jarrett and to all who loved Byron.
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published a tribute .
The news of Byron's passing left me devastated.
His kind and caring character radiated through his infectious smile and laugh. He made a big impact on my life both as a colleague and friend. His life demonstrated true acceptance of people from any walk of life. My memories of of his travel adventures were always great - whether it was driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur, going to Amsterdam, or taking his camera to capture some great pictures in San Francisco will always bring a smile to my face. Byron is already dearly missed, and will NEVER be forgotten.
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I am heartbroken to hear this news. Byron had such a kind and warm spirit. But he was also funny, worldly, interesting and one of the nicest people I know. Praying for peace and healing for his family. If there is a service or somewhere we can send flowers or tributes, please let us know!
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published a tribute .
Byron was such a special human and offered kindness and joy to this world. I will never forget his laughter and his smile and our conversations in the hallways. My condolences to his family and hope Bryon is resting in peace. He will never be forgotten! A few memories to share from the world of Actelion....
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published a tribute .
Byron and I enjoyed sharing many chats during our days in the Actelion office. Often, he'd provide me suggestions of places to visit in Oakland, as he had many favorite locales and generously shared them with me as a newly-arriving neighbor. But, one particular talk about music is my favorite memory of Byron. He and I had long established that we shared a favorite pastime of live music, including my favorite locale, Oakland's Fox Theater. He spoke glowingly about attending the Prince concert in Oracle Arena, which was a late scheduled and initially known only by the most ardent fans receiving word. He bought a fantastic seat and admitted it was the most expensive concert he'd ever attended. But, after hearing his detailed recount of the incredible up-close experience, we agreed it was absolutely well worth it. Shortly thereafter, Prince tragically passed away and he and I reinforced how important it was that he attended that concert. I will forever miss having these fun chats with Byron. Rest in peace, my friend.
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publicó un comentario .
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