This memorial website was created in memory of Mason Burnett McFarland, who left us far too early. We will remember him and honor him forever. You can view his Feb. 4 memorial service in the Gallery section of this site. (It's the first video.)
"Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity."
- Terri Guillemets.
To John and family, thinking of you with awareness that no amount of time passing can completely erase the pain -- and praying you find a balm in your memories and those enduring heartstring connections to Mason.
- Terri Guillemets.
To John and family, thinking of you with awareness that no amount of time passing can completely erase the pain -- and praying you find a balm in your memories and those enduring heartstring connections to Mason.
“They who we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now ... wherever we are.” -- St. John Chrysostom
Thinking of your whole family today and praying the legacy of Mason's beautiful life and spirit is continuing to carry you through the grief.
Thinking of your whole family today and praying the legacy of Mason's beautiful life and spirit is continuing to carry you through the grief.
John- The stories and photos of your son and his amazing life journey are a gift to those of us who did not know him. A gift that reminds us of the importance of faith and family and exhorts us to hold on to those things above all else. I will hold you and your family in my thoughts as you navigate these first few weeks and months of grief and hope that the first celebration of Mason's life planned for May will being you joy to offset that pain. So grateful to be part of your extended AHA family.
John - I was so sorry to learn of your son's passing. Reading your words he sounds like an amazing young man who brought joy to so many. Thinking of you and your family during this tough time and want you to know that your AHA family is here for you. Sending wishes of peace to you and all who mourn his loss.
I'm heartbroken for your loss and moved by your loving remembrance. Praying for peace for you and all who loved him, and I am hoping you will find comfort in your memories.
Lori, John and Riley,
Thank you for sharing your son and brother with us. We learned so much from him and I will forever cherish his memories and replay our conversations. I am heartbroken for you all and I wish so much I could take away your pain.. Please know we will be there for you! I am so so sorry for your loss. -Char
Thank you for sharing your son and brother with us. We learned so much from him and I will forever cherish his memories and replay our conversations. I am heartbroken for you all and I wish so much I could take away your pain.. Please know we will be there for you! I am so so sorry for your loss. -Char
John,
I was so deeply saddened to hear the news of Mason's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing your son's life and legacy with us through your beautiful and heart-warming tribute -- what an amazing young man. I know all the memories, stories and photos captured here -- and so, so many more -- will go on to live in your heart forever. Sending prayers and wishes for comfort, healing and peace to you and your family from across the miles.
I was so deeply saddened to hear the news of Mason's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing your son's life and legacy with us through your beautiful and heart-warming tribute -- what an amazing young man. I know all the memories, stories and photos captured here -- and so, so many more -- will go on to live in your heart forever. Sending prayers and wishes for comfort, healing and peace to you and your family from across the miles.
John, I'm beyond sorrowful for your loss. I always enjoy us sharing stories about our families when we set time aside to stay caught up. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about Mason. You and your family are in my thoughts. I'm here when you're ready for us to have our chats again.
To Mason
Thank you for being my best friend man you were always there for me no matter what. You have brought so much joy and happiness to this world and I thank you so much for that, you have taught me so much in life what it means to have a real brother by your side what a true friendship means how much being an honest loving caring person changes the world around you. You have made such a strong impact in my life. We had so many plans for the future but don’t worry i will finish what we started and continue the journey to success knowing you’ll always be right beside me supporting me on every step of the way!
I hate to say this but this is Goodbye my friend. ❤️
Thank you for being my best friend man you were always there for me no matter what. You have brought so much joy and happiness to this world and I thank you so much for that, you have taught me so much in life what it means to have a real brother by your side what a true friendship means how much being an honest loving caring person changes the world around you. You have made such a strong impact in my life. We had so many plans for the future but don’t worry i will finish what we started and continue the journey to success knowing you’ll always be right beside me supporting me on every step of the way!
I hate to say this but this is Goodbye my friend. ❤️
Oh John, what heartbreaking news. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute. Mason sounded like an amazing, courageous young man, and I am devastated at your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Much love.
My heart goes out to you John, and to all of your family and friends who are missing Mason. You are all in my prayers.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." --Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." --Proverbs 3:5-6
John--So sorry for your loss. Your words paint a beautiful portrait of Mason's life. I am keeping you and your family in my heart.
There are no words for such an unimaginable loss, and my heart aches for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Mason.
Dear John,
My heartfelt condolence for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt condolence for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mason and those who loved him. What a moving tribute to a fine young man. Rest in peace.
Lori and family,
I cannot imagine the pain you are all feeling with the loss of your son and brother. You have a tremendous community of friends and family that love you all so much and we are thinking and praying for you. May you feel our love and prayers across the mikes, and find solace in them.
Mason sounded like an amazing person who gave generously to his friends, family and community. Lori, I felt like I watched him grow up through your posts on Facebook. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
I cannot imagine the pain you are all feeling with the loss of your son and brother. You have a tremendous community of friends and family that love you all so much and we are thinking and praying for you. May you feel our love and prayers across the mikes, and find solace in them.
Mason sounded like an amazing person who gave generously to his friends, family and community. Lori, I felt like I watched him grow up through your posts on Facebook. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
John and McFarland family, I offer my sympathy for your loss. I also pray that the memories you have of Mason, your faith, and the love shared by many will all be comforting at this difficult time.
Dear John, Lori, and Riley,
I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
John & Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your incredible loss. Praying that God's love enfolds you and your family, comforting you through the pain.
Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Realize the pain is incredible right now; give yourself grace as you mourn on your own timeline. Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your incredible loss. Praying that God's love enfolds you and your family, comforting you through the pain.
Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Realize the pain is incredible right now; give yourself grace as you mourn on your own timeline. Thinking and praying for you and your family.
McFarland family, you all are in my prayers. Mason surely left a legacy of love and laughter for you to cherish.
John, I am so very sorry to learn of your and your family's heartbreaking loss. May your memories of your beloved son bring you comfort at this difficult time.
John, my deepest sympathies for your family. One of the things that I've missed about being able to go into the office is talking with you about your family, b/c the big smile you'd get talking about Mason and Riley could instantly put anyone in a good mood.
John and Family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved son, Mason. I hope that you find strength and comfort in the prayers that myself and your AHA family are sending.
"...There should be no despair - though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart for ever?" Emily Bronte
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved son, Mason. I hope that you find strength and comfort in the prayers that myself and your AHA family are sending.
"...There should be no despair - though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart for ever?" Emily Bronte
Please know that I'm holding you and yours in my heart. May memories of Mason be a light in the hearts of all who knew him.
John, Lori, and Riley,
At a time like this, there are no words that can truly provide comfort or understanding so please know that we are praying for you. Praying for peace in the midst of your sorrow and for God to wrap you in His embrace as you mourn and celebrate the life of Mason. John, you are so loved and respected by your AHA family and we are here for you and your family. We are crying, mourning, and celebrating your incredible son with you.
At a time like this, there are no words that can truly provide comfort or understanding so please know that we are praying for you. Praying for peace in the midst of your sorrow and for God to wrap you in His embrace as you mourn and celebrate the life of Mason. John, you are so loved and respected by your AHA family and we are here for you and your family. We are crying, mourning, and celebrating your incredible son with you.
John,
As you know, I usually have a lot to say, but I just don't have the words to adequately express my condolences. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. What a beautiful tribute to him. You and your family are in my prayers.
As you know, I usually have a lot to say, but I just don't have the words to adequately express my condolences. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. What a beautiful tribute to him. You and your family are in my prayers.
John -- My heart breaks for you and your family. But I'm glad you find comfort and peace in knowing that Mason is now at home with Jesus. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
To John and family. Praying for strength to guide you through this most difficult loss. I remember the joy you shared when describing time you spent with Mason. One day, even today, may the gift of being Mason’s father (and family) bring you at least a sliver of that joy and light.
May your memories of Mason always bring smiles to your faces and any tears be tears of joy for all of the wonderful times you shared together.
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.” Washington Irving
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.” Washington Irving
To all the days you had your beautiful boy. ... Sending you and your family love.
For Katrina’s sun dial
By Henry Van Dyke
Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is
Eternity.
For Katrina’s sun dial
By Henry Van Dyke
Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is
Eternity.
May his memory be a blessing. Put another way, here's hoping that every time you think of Mason, you smile and maybe even laugh; and any tears that fall are happy ones.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are the ones who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
He was so loved, and will always be loved.
Blessed are the ones who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
He was so loved, and will always be loved.
John 14: 1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
"Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity."
- Terri Guillemets.
To John and family, thinking of you with awareness that no amount of time passing can completely erase the pain -- and praying you find a balm in your memories and those enduring heartstring connections to Mason.
- Terri Guillemets.
To John and family, thinking of you with awareness that no amount of time passing can completely erase the pain -- and praying you find a balm in your memories and those enduring heartstring connections to Mason.
Gallery
Recent stories
Mason's Gift 2022
We are once again honoring Mason's memory by helping people.
Join us if you can May 4 – what would have been Mason's 23rd birthday – for a day of celebrating his life and his generous spirit. We'll be gathering at the Frisco RoughRiders stadium, where Mason worked for years, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., collecting food, clothing and supplies for people who are homeless.
Last year we raised $18,000 for groups helping homeless people and several truckloads of food and supplies. Mason's friends whom Mason supported in their work helping people were able to hand out 400 backpacks or bags that included a hot meal, a cold meal, snacks, socks, water and supplies.
We're collecting these items at the ballpark for their work:
- Water bottles
- Granola bars
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Trail mix
- Oatmeal
- Hot chocolate
- Individual packages of disinfecting wipes
- Band-Aids
- Socks
- Lightly used clothing, shoes and backpacks.
If you can’t make it May 4, that's OK. Please consider ordering some of the above items on Amazon and sending them to: 7802 Greenvalley Lane, Frisco, Texas 75033. Or donating to ...
- Mason’s friends who serve people who are homeless (a web address will be published soon, in the meantime you can send to the above address)
- The Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Frisco high school student who has autism or a learning disability:
https://www.friscoisd.org/departments/frisco-education-foundation/donate-online
- Vogel Alcove, which helps families who are homeless (vogelalcove.org)
- The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, which offers shelter and resources for homeless people (bridgehrc.org)
- Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org)
- Or just go helps somebody who needs help, however you want to.
Thank you for making a difference in Mason’s memory!
After the event, we'll stick around and further celebrate Mason at the RoughRiders game.
For more information, email John McFarland mcfarland7802@gmail.com, or visit the Mason’s Gift page on Facebook.
Join us if you can May 4 – what would have been Mason's 23rd birthday – for a day of celebrating his life and his generous spirit. We'll be gathering at the Frisco RoughRiders stadium, where Mason worked for years, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., collecting food, clothing and supplies for people who are homeless.
Last year we raised $18,000 for groups helping homeless people and several truckloads of food and supplies. Mason's friends whom Mason supported in their work helping people were able to hand out 400 backpacks or bags that included a hot meal, a cold meal, snacks, socks, water and supplies.
We're collecting these items at the ballpark for their work:
- Water bottles
- Granola bars
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Trail mix
- Oatmeal
- Hot chocolate
- Individual packages of disinfecting wipes
- Band-Aids
- Socks
- Lightly used clothing, shoes and backpacks.
If you can’t make it May 4, that's OK. Please consider ordering some of the above items on Amazon and sending them to: 7802 Greenvalley Lane, Frisco, Texas 75033. Or donating to ...
- Mason’s friends who serve people who are homeless (a web address will be published soon, in the meantime you can send to the above address)
- The Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Frisco high school student who has autism or a learning disability:
https://www.friscoisd.org/departments/frisco-education-foundation/donate-online
- Vogel Alcove, which helps families who are homeless (vogelalcove.org)
- The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, which offers shelter and resources for homeless people (bridgehrc.org)
- Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org)
- Or just go helps somebody who needs help, however you want to.
Thank you for making a difference in Mason’s memory!
After the event, we'll stick around and further celebrate Mason at the RoughRiders game.
For more information, email John McFarland mcfarland7802@gmail.com, or visit the Mason’s Gift page on Facebook.
Mason and Riley in the news
This video is from years ago when Mason, Riley and some friends were volunteer "B-roll" talent for the American Heart Association. B-roll is the background video you sometimes see with no sound behind anchors on newscasts.
This footage was made available by the AHA's public relations team to any news outlet that was airing a story about kids being inactive, sitting around the house playing with devices and watching TV.
They really got into character, excessively slouching and downing a ton of chips.
This footage was made available by the AHA's public relations team to any news outlet that was airing a story about kids being inactive, sitting around the house playing with devices and watching TV.
They really got into character, excessively slouching and downing a ton of chips.
Mason's Gift event provides supplies, thousands of dollars, to help people who are homeless
Family, friends and loved ones gathered May 4 -- what would have been Mason's 22nd birthday -- to honor Mason's spirit of generosity by gathering supplies for people who are homeless.
The event at RoughRiders Ballpark in Frisco, where Mason worked for years, was part of a larger fundraising effort in Mason's name. In all, the Mason's Gift effort raised more than $18,400 and truckloads of clothes, food, water and supplies.
The entire event was an amazing outpouring of love and generosity honoring Mason's memory. You can find plenty of photos of the event at the Mason's Gift Facebook Page.
We'll be honoring him in similar fashion next year. But please feel free to help people who need it year-round by donating to these organizations we supported through Mason's Gift:
Vogel Alcove is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. Here is Vogel Alcove's wishlist for donations. Here is the mailing address:
Vogel Alcove
1738 Gano St.
Dallas, TX 75215
The Bridge is the only shelter in Dallas that provides day shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness. Here is the Bridge's wishlist and mailing address:
The Bridge
Attn: In-Kind Donations
1818 Corsicana St.
Dallas, TX 75201
The event at RoughRiders Ballpark in Frisco, where Mason worked for years, was part of a larger fundraising effort in Mason's name. In all, the Mason's Gift effort raised more than $18,400 and truckloads of clothes, food, water and supplies.
The entire event was an amazing outpouring of love and generosity honoring Mason's memory. You can find plenty of photos of the event at the Mason's Gift Facebook Page.
We'll be honoring him in similar fashion next year. But please feel free to help people who need it year-round by donating to these organizations we supported through Mason's Gift:
Vogel Alcove is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. Here is Vogel Alcove's wishlist for donations. Here is the mailing address:
Vogel Alcove
1738 Gano St.
Dallas, TX 75215
The Bridge is the only shelter in Dallas that provides day shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness. Here is the Bridge's wishlist and mailing address:
The Bridge
Attn: In-Kind Donations
1818 Corsicana St.
Dallas, TX 75201
We're also collecting donations for the group of Mason's friends that delivers food and supplies to people every month. Here is the wishlist and mailing address
Lightly used or new backpacks
Lightly used or new clothes/shoes
NEW socks
NEW undergarments
Lightly used or new blankets
Masks
Water bottles
Razors
Shaving cream
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Deodorant
Unscented baby wipes
Small bottles of shampoo/soap
Bandaids/ointment/small first aid kit
Lotion
Tampons/menstrual items
Rain gear
Snacks
Granola/breakfast bars
Beef jerky
Tuna/chicken salad cracker kits
Chips
Trail mix
Instant oatmeal
Hot chocolate
EmergenC packets
Motivational material (e.g., The Daily Bread)
Notepads
Pens
Gift cards
Transportation passes
Mail donations to:
Ryan Newell
1214 Dillion Dr. Ste. 202
ADD2027-2
Dallas, TX 7520