Remembering Fred Mason Jr.

Words: Justin Stengel

In February, the masonry industry was struck with the news of the passing of Fred Mason Jr, a well renowned masonry instructor at Columbus Career & College Academy and a person loved by everyone around him. Referred to by many as a top-tier instructor, Fred Mason Jr. leaves behind an amazing legacy in both masonry and education.

Known for his dedication to teaching the next generation of masons since 2012, Fred’s students have always had nothing but incredible things to say about him. His supporting and successful career as an instructor has led to many of his students competing in and winning numerous competitions within the industry. And it wasn’t just his students who Fred had an impact on, it’s many other instructors who knew Fred who aspired to be the kind of educator, and man, that he was.

 

Beyond his teaching, Fred had many hidden talents. He was a spotter for a race car team, and his driver won a championship last season. Fred was also a lifelong volunteer at his local fire department. His heart for service and his generosity were remarkable, making him truly special. His enthusiasm for giving back was contagious, and everyone who met Fred felt uplifted.

Fred had a way of making you feel appreciated, always thanking others for their contributions, yet it was he who deserved the gratitude. Everyone left Fred's presence feeling better about themselves, that’s just the kind of man he was. Fred's positivity was unwavering, in victory and defeat. Many had the opportunity to learn not only masonry, but life lessons from him as well. His approach to life taught us about the importance of a positive attitude and the impact of giving.

  

Fred's commitment to his students was extraordinary. He would leave at 4 AM to get them to an 8 AM contest without an ounce of complaint. His dedication to involving his students in every opportunity was inspiring, even without extra compensation. That didn’t matter to him, the satisfaction of seeing his students succeed was his reward.

Losing Fred was a shock to his town, Boardman, NC, his students, fellow instructors, and the masonry industry as a whole. His legacy is a call to action for all of us to strive to be like him, to hold his honor, and to continue his work in preparing the next generation for success in the industry.

 





About: News and Events
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More