David Peck Mason was born on Sept. 15, 1941 in San Francisco to Dr. David G. and Louise Mason. He died surrounded by his adoring family in Seattle on Dec. 27, 2008. Mr. Mason grew up in Mount Baker and attended Lakeside High School, where he played football, wrestled, was track team captain and developed a lifelong love for the humanities. He studied philosophy at Whitman College and was president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He did graduate work in philosophy at the University of Oregon.

Anticipating being drafted and despite deep reservations about the war in Vietnam, he enlisted as an officer in the Marine Corps. He was posted to Khe Sanh, where he was awarded a Purple Heart for valor.

Mr. Mason earned a J.D. at the University of Washington law school and practiced in Seattle and for Boise Cascade in Portland, Ore. While in Portland, he developed his enduring love for landscaping and served on the board of the New Rose Theater. He returned to Seattle in 1983, where he began practicing family law and was an early leader in the field of mediation.

Mr. Mason was philosophical, articulate and funny. He loved his family, good friends, animals and plants, his garden, skiing, the English language, spicy food, the water and fine craftsmanship.

Mr. Mason resided on Mercer Island and is survived by his wife, Nina; son, Whit (Amanda); daughter, Alexandra; sisters, Linda Kelly and Mary Hepworth (Claude); sister-in-law, Patrice Harris; father-in-law, Hyman Harris; granddaughter, Zhanna; many nieces and nephews; friend, Pat McConnell; and his dog, Teddy.

A memorial service will be held at Mr. Mason’s home at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11. Remembrances are suggested to either the Kaplan Research Fund at Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle 98122, or Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue at www.spdrdogs.org.