Alan Charles Masson

Alan Charles Masson, of Sauk Prairie beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away August 31, 2026 at the age of 88 at Maplewood Nursing Home.

Alan was born on July 19, 1938, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England. He grew up in southeast England with his parents, Reginald Frank and Doris Beatrice Masson, and his brothers, Donald and Richard.

Alan’s early childhood unfolded against the backdrop of World War II. He remembered air raids, bomb shelters, rationing, and being evacuated with his mother and brother to the English countryside. He also fondly remembered the simple pleasures of childhood like playing football (soccer), exploring his father’s tool shed, and enjoying the beautiful garden his parents lovingly maintained.

As a young man, Alan trained as an auto mechanic. He developed a lifelong appreciation for cars, motorcycles, machinery, and the satisfaction of repairing or creating something with his own hands.

Alan served in the British Army, training in tank technology. Although military structure and authority did not suit his independent nature, he said that the experience taught him resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s life.

Before joining the Army, Alan met our mom, Anne Patricia Knight. Their friendship grew through walks around Hampton Court, Home Park, and Bushy Park, and through letters exchanged during his military service.

Anne and Alan began married life in a small caravan near Chertsey, England. As a young father, Alan worked long hours as a mechanic repairing lorries in London.

While living in Reading, England, Alan and Anne joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They raised all eight of their children in their faith and sacrificed much to live the gospel they loved and provided a strong foundation for their family.

Seeking greater opportunities for their family, Alan and Anne made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States. Alan traveled first and alone, carrying his tools and a few belongings, while Anne and the children remained temporarily in England. After arriving in New York, he crossed the country by Greyhound bus to Salt Lake City, where a job awaited him as a mechanic.

With little money and thousands of miles still ahead of him, Alan carried his heavy luggage to the top of the Empire State Building so he could see New York from above. He also encountered his first American hamburger and was surprised to discover that it was meant to be eaten with one’s hands.

Alan built a new life of opportunity for his family in Utah before settling in Laguna Hills, California, where they lived for many decades as he worked for Toyota Motors. He and Anne served devotedly in their faith and together served a mission in the Kenya Nairobi Mission from 1999 to 2001 where they served the people in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They remained steadfast members of the LDS Church throughout the remainder of their lives.

When his beloved Anne developed Alzheimer’s disease, Alan cared for her with tenderness and unwavering love for many years until her passing in 2018.

Alan never forgot his English roots and remained deeply proud to be British. He will be remembered for his resourcefulness, mechanical mind, strong opinions, and determination to find his own way through life.

Most importantly, Alan will be remembered for the family he loved and the life he built for them. His life’s journey was one of struggle, adventure, faith, courage, and an enduring desire to create a better future for those who followed him. We love him for this amazing strength and sacrifice.

Alan is survived by his eight children, Kevin (Tammy), Jill Wimer (Tracy), Ian (Michelle), Lisa Ashton (Bill), Richard (Susan), Carol Wilkes (Hans), Judi Pickell (Vaughn), and John (Holly); 35 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard (Pat) and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and his eternally beloved wife, Anne.

Alan’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff and nurses from Maplewood and the Hospice Nurses for their wonderful care. Thank you

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial be made in Alan’s name to the Alzheimer's Association .