Please join the family of Jorgen Norman Mason in celebration of a long, prosperous, and productive life thoroughly embedded in the history of Big Rapids! In 1891, Norm's grandparents, Jorgen and Maude Madsen, and his father, Martz, emigrated from Denmark and settled on a forty-acre plot southwest of Big Rapids (off what is now 13 Mile Road). The Madsen farm was part of Daneville, an intensive Danish settlement. Maude and Jorgen lived on and farmed that swampy forty acres all their lives, speaking only Danish. Norm's dad, Martz Mason learned English by taking courses at Ferris Institute one winter. At the turn of the century, he bought 80 acres of higher adjoining land, built a frame home, and married another Dane, Jennie Oman. Martz and Jennie eventually changed their last name to Mason, and produced two sons, Nels (Toby) in 1905 and Jorgen Norman in 1911. Jorgen Norman (Norm) Mason was born July 27, 1911 at the family home in Big Rapids Township. This is where he spent his first 57 years, initially assisting his father, and then taking over the dairy farm. He attended Pleasant View School through eighth grade and graduated from Big Rapids High School. Norm remained a single farmer until he married Ruth Hanson in 1949. By the time he chose to participate in the federal whole-herd-buy-out program in the 60s, he had expanded the farm to several hundred acres of productive pasture, till, and forest. He sold some of the first rural building lots in Big Rapids Township by subdividing acreage unsuitable for farming. While farming, Norm also began his political and civic careers serving as Big Rapids Township Supervisor from 1941 to 1962, and as a member of the Mecosta County Commission. Norm sold the family farm when he was elected Mecosta County Clerk in 1962, and moved his family into the City of Big Rapids. After ten years as County Clerk, he became Executive Director of the Mid-Michigan Alliance, a six-county community action agency. In his early retirement years, he accepted a position as Executive Director of the Big Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Following that, he served the City of Big Rapids as Commissioner and Mayor. Norm loved his work; and his work was his life. His passing on the night of December 5 was gentle, quiet, and confident, like the way he lived. He was immediately preceded in death by his beloved, cat, Magnolia. Also guiding his way were wife Ruth, brother Toby, and stepson Richard Totten. Norm is survived by a stepson, Robert Totten of Kalama, Washington; best friend Donna Ellis of Big Rapids; daughter Debra Mason of Bakersfield, Vermont; and Earl, who is now top cat. A celebration of Norm's life will be held on Sunday, January 6,2008 at the Inn at Rustic Gate, Hungerford Lake Drive, Big Rapids from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contributions in his honor may be made to Mecosta County Commission of Aging or Baldwin Family Health Care. Envelopes may be obtained at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.