Achievements
Mason graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1941. He worked as a general practice lawyer in Lynchburg for 10 years. From 1956 to 1961 he worked for the People's National Bank and Trust Company in Lynchburg as both trust officer and later, as vice president.
Aside from his successes in law and politics, Mason is also well known for his talents on stage. Mason began acting while a freshman at Hampden-Sydney College. In 1971, he began acting again with Hollins College Theatre, Showtimers and Mill Mountain Theatre. He was especially known for his stage portrayals of Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, and Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond.
Mason appeared in four feature films: Crimes of the Heart, In a Shallow Grave, Mississippi Burning and Gods and Generals. He also appeared in made-for-television movies.
Friends credited Mason's charisma, sharp wit, love of life and genuine interest in people that propelled him to success. "Tom was a citizen of the world," said former state Del. Clifton Woodrum III, who knew Mason from his time as federal prosecutor. "Anything that involved people, he would excel at. … The worst mood I ever saw him in was cheerful."
Read more about this topic: Thomas B. Mason
Famous quotes containing the word achievements:
“When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality, they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a man’s name live for thousands of years. But above this level, far above, separated by an abyss, is the level where the highest things are achieved. These things are essentially anonymous.”
—Simone Weil (1909–1943)
“Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our failures, discouragements, and doubts. We tend to forget the past difficulties, the many false starts, and the painful groping. We see our past achievements as the end result of a clean forward thrust, and our present difficulties as signs of decline and decay.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“Freedom of enterprise was from the beginning not altogether a blessing. As the liberty to work or to starve, it spelled toil, insecurity, and fear for the vast majority of the population. If the individual were no longer compelled to prove himself on the market, as a free economic subject, the disappearance of this freedom would be one of the greatest achievements of civilization.”
—Herbert Marcuse (1898–1979)