Mason Klyle Elliott, 32, passed away on July 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 23, 1993, to Marty Elliott and Tracy Shouder, Mason was his parents’ early Christmas gift. From the beginning, he brought energy, determination, and a larger-than-life personality to everyone around him.

Mason graduated from Gaylord High School in 2012 before earning his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2016. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and, alongside his cousin Ian, founded a website and social media development company, combining his creativity with his passion for technology.

Mason built a successful career with AT&T Prime Wireless, where his dedication and leadership led him from Sales Associate to Associate Store Manager, then Store Manager, and ultimately Account Manager. He took tremendous pride in his work, and his commitment and leadership earned the respect of colleagues across the company.

To know Mason was to know someone who lived life boldly. He was larger than life in every sense of the phrase. He had a booming voice that could fill a room, a contagious laugh, and a personality that was impossible to ignore. He never minced words, stood firmly by his convictions, and was fiercely loyal to those he loved.

He had a passion for travel, especially anywhere with a beach, palm trees, and tropical sunshine. A devoted Jimmy Buffett fan, Mason embraced the island state of mind wherever he went. His wardrobe reflected that same spirit - filled with bright, loud, and unapologetically flamboyant shirts that perfectly matched his vibrant personality. Whether he was on vacation or simply wishing he was, Mason brought a little bit of the tropics with him wherever he went.

Beneath his bold exterior was a generous heart. He loved deeply, celebrated the successes of those around him, and would do anything for the people he cared about. His authenticity, humor, and unwavering loyalty are the qualities his family and friends will cherish forever.

Mason was preceded in death by his namesake grandfathers, Mason Shouder and Klyle Elliott; his grandmother, Beverly Elliott; and his grandfather, Ray Hart.

He is survived by his parents, Marty Elliott and Tracy Shouder; his sister, Riley Elliott; his beloved four-legged basset hound, Mr. Whitley Elliott; his grandmothers, Jean Shouder and Jenny Hart; his aunts, Kelly Thomas and Laurie Bohn; his uncle David Elliott and aunt Jean; his cousins, McKenzie (Eric) Stema, Brett Elliott, Jessica Elliott, Zack (Kelsey) Elliott, Molly Thomas, and Jacob Thomas; along with numerous extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues who will miss him beyond measure.

One of Mason’s favorite quotes came from The Shawshank Redemption: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” Few quotes captured his approach to life more perfectly. Mason lived life the only way he knew how—with conviction, volume, color, and a suitcase never too far from the door. He taught us that life is meant to be debated, laughed through, and lived boldly. We hope those who knew him will honor his memory by speaking honestly, loving fiercely, chasing the sunshine, and never passing up one more sunset.

The family sincerely thanks everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of great comfort.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, we’d like to honor Mason in a way that would have made him smile.

Mason wasn’t the most charitable of fellows, and despite our diligent searching, we were unable to locate any nonprofit organization dedicated to his lifelong dream of abolishing the USPS. As a result, we aren’t requesting monetary donations. Instead, if you are able, please consider donating blood or platelets in Mason’s memory. During his final days, the generosity of countless anonymous blood and platelet donors gave us something that cannot be repaid—more time. Those precious donations gave our family more laughs, more memories, and more opportunities to say, “I love you.” There is no greater tribute to Mason than giving someone else, and their family, that same gift.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mason will be held on Friday, August 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cheboygan Eagles, 626 N. Main St., Cheboygan, MI 49721.

Family and friends are invited to join us as we gather to share stories, laughter, and memories of a life lived boldly. In keeping with Mason’s love of Jimmy Buffett, tropical destinations, and shirts that could be seen from space, we encourage everyone to leave the black at home and instead wear your brightest, boldest, most flamboyant tropical or island attire. Hawaiian shirts, loud prints, bright colors, flip-flops—if Mason would’ve smiled and said, “Now that’s an outfit,” you’ve chosen well.

Let’s celebrate Mason the way he lived: boldly, colorfully, and with a smile.