Donald Mason, age 53, of Albany, Oregon, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, September 15th in Hospice care.

Donald Gregory Mason was born March 17, 1968 to Don Mason and Elizabeth (Smith) of Portland, Oregon.

After receiving his high school diploma, his father challenged him to make his mark on the world. Motivated by that challenge, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Gulf War.

Don's time in the Navy influenced the rest of his life. He served in Fire Control aboard the USS Albert David and USS Antietam, achieving the rank of FC 1. Don collected stories and keepsakes from many ports around the world. In January of 1996, Don was honorably discharged from the Navy and began his life again as a civilian. While enlisted, Don discovered and honed an aptitude for technology that served him the rest of his life.

He returned to Oregon to work in IT for Fusion and Axcelis for the next 11 years. He bought his home in Albany in the late 90's and commuted from Albany for many of those years.  He then joined his Dad and Mom in October of 2007 to help run the family business, Dieselboss, Inc. located in Albany.  Later, his son, Kaleb Crommett, joined the business. Don worked there up to the day he passed.

In 2005, Don met Denelle Crommett and the two fell in love. Married in 2009 on the beaches of Maui, Don and Denelle made their home in Albany, Oregon.

Don was a passionate advocate for the motorcycle community and was instrumental in proposing legislation to enhance motorcyclist rights and freedoms. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family (including his cats), connecting with the community, and gaming with his friends.

He is survived by his blessed, blended family - wife, Denelle Crommett; son Kaleb Crommett; sisters Jeanette Mason, Meg Kearney, and Bradi Knight Gates; brothers August Mason, Greg Mason, and Brooke Knight; and his parents Don Mason and Jan Babbitt.

He was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Ann Smith Mason.

A memorial celebration will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 2nd at the Linn County Veterans Memorial, Timber Linn Park, Albany, OR.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).