Masson lauded at funeral

FORMER independent senator Helen Drayton, described the late Norbert Masson as an exceptional gentleman, devoted husband, caring father, loyal friend and professional public servant.

He was nurtured by strong traditions of service typified by the values of respect and decency, she said.

“In turn, Dr Masson didn’t just draw from that culture but infused it with personal rectitude and technical excellence. He was steeped in classical traditions, yet contemporary and progressive in his approach to systems management.”

She was delivering the eulogy for the celebrated retired public servant at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval, yesterday. He died last week at 85.

Masson was appointed a permanent secretary in 1978. He was appointed to the ministries of Education, Culture, Community Development, Youth Affairs and Sports.

Drayton said Masson understood the nature of politics and the culture and needs of politicians whom he handled well without compromising professional and personal principles. “He held many positions in the public service and had influence over hundreds of others but understood that how well he treated those who he led is what defined the quality of leadership and not the power vested in positions. It is why so many people including former students from John S Donaldson Technical Institute remember him as a compassionate teacher.”

Yet, she added, Masson didn’t suffer fools gladly. She said he didn’t have patience with flippancy and foolish actions, which may sound contradictory to his humanness, but those two sides of his personality – intolerance and humility – weren’t conflicting at all. Simply put, “He didn’t know how to waste time with foolishness.”

Masson was educated at Fatima and Presentation Colleges, then studied in the UK at Loughborough University, the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine of London University, the Royal School of Mines and Leeds University. Having graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering with first-class honours from Imperial College, and a PhD from Leeds, Masson began working as a trainee with Shell Holland and Shell Trinidad.

In 1963 he was appointed the first principal of the John S Donaldson Technical Institute. He served as chairman of the Board of Industrial Training and was the First Secretary of the National Examinations Council for Vocational and Technical Education. As director of the Metrication Board, he ushered the country into the metric system of units and measurements in 1975.

In 2005 he was appointed chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), having been first a member from 1983.

Drayton said from what she learnt from other EBC commissioners, Masson’s approach to leadership was democratic, with a taskmaster's eye for detail.

“He was fiercely independent. No one could point a finger and tarnish his reputation with accusations of partisan politics. Any politician trying to influence him wasted their time. The success of the EBC in executing its mandate is mostly attributed to Dr Masson and the commissioners’ independence in getting the job done. He was a decisive leader.”

Drayton also spoke of his streak of wittiness and unmatched dry humour, recalling he would say something like, “You have the right to be stupid, but you are abusing the privilege,” which got chuckles from the congregation.

During Masson’s more than five decades of distinguished service he was a director of a number of companies, and a member or chairman of many commissions of inquiry.

Masson was awarded the Medal of Merit (Gold) in 1984 and Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 2000.

He wrote three books and several publications, one on mechanical engineering for students sitting the UK Engineering Council Examination, a textbook on applied mechanics and one entitled Questions & Answers on the Constitution.

Drayton ended by saying: “Dr Masson was a compelling and honourable person. His passion for excellence was inspiring. We celebrate his life in the knowledge that he brought value to ours and gave meaning and substance to the role of public servants.

“He believed sincerely that the health of a democratic society depends on the quality of the service each of us gives.

“The excellence of Dr Masson’s extraordinary service to this nation, his love of humanity, his unbridled honesty, his search for truth and sincere love of country is the measure of the man.”

Masson’s daughter Leah, in her tribute to her father, spoke of his love after quoting Corinthians 13:4 on love and kindness, then said: “As my sister and I look out at this large audience, we are humbled by the huge expression of love shown towards my father. I am sure that love is reciprocal and is enhanced by Dr Masson’s hard work, commitment, and service to his beloved country TT. He would have been pleased and proud to see all this pageantry hero today. This outpouring of love is truly appreciated.”

Among the high-profile personalities and public servants at the funeral were Chief Justice Ivor Archie, the Brooks clan, which included Clebert, Norla, Ian and Gerry, retired PS Frank Abdulah, former minister Overand Padmore, finance minister Colm Imbert, and banker Dunbar McIntyre.

Another tribute was also read by Justin Miller on behalf of Masson’s childhood friend, Dr Basil Ince who could not be there for the service, which also featured hymns sung by the resident choir and members of the Presentation College choir.

Masson, who leaves to mourn his wife Velda and daughters Margo and Leah, was cremated privately at the crematorium at Long Circular Road, St James.