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Ruric O’Brien Mason II passed away on April 21, 2019, at Powell Valley Hospital. He was 66.
He was born on Feb. 14, 1953, at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Ruric D. Mason and Barbara Eukel.
O’Brien graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1971, and completed his studies at the College of Santa Fe in 1986, to become a registered nurse. He married his wife, Terry Odom, in Seattle, Washington, on June 2, 2013.
O’Brien had a long career of helping people. He worked at Christus St. Vincent for 45 years, starting as a central distribution tech and then becoming an operating room technologist.
After graduating from the College of Santa Fe, he continued to work in the OR as an RN. He was a preceptor for many new RNs and techs. He was a patient teacher, and his colleagues greatly valued him as a member of the OR team. He made an impact on each patient he cared for.
He was an avid Lobo basketball fan who purchased season tickets every year. From November through early March, he could be found at “The Pit,” enjoying the game with many friends over the years, especially Charlie and Loretta Maxwell.
O’Brien also loved traveling with his wife. During their time together, they explored Alaska, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado.
He loved to fish and took every opportunity to go. It didn’t matter if it was a lake, river, stream or pond, he was ready to catch some fish. He taught Olivia, Cara and Craig his fishing skills and was looking forward to teaching Madeline, Hudson, Jack and Ryan. He also enjoyed collecting gemstones.
O’Brien was a kind and generous man who brought a smile to many faces. He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his father Ruric D. Mason.
He is survived by his mother Barbara Mason of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his wife Terry Odom of Powell; stepmother Leslie D. Mason; stepdaughters Erin (Paul) Albuquerque and Shawna Burgower; sisters Robin Casey, Kathy (Skip) Noltensmeyer and Shelly (Bill) Moon; and five grandchildren.
There will be a visitation on May 2, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kiva Chapel of Light of the Santa Fe Memorial Gardens in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A memorial service will be held on May 3, 2019, at 2 p.m., at the Santa Fe Memorial Gardens.
Flowers can be sent care of Rivera Family Funeral Home 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505. The family would also appreciate donations in O’Brien’s name to the Powell Medical Foundation, Santa Fe Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society for colorectal cancer research.
