"Father Don was such a wonderful friend and traveling companion for my dear aunt Judy Gunn. He was like a member of our family and even performed the marriage ceremony for our daughter, Rachael and her husband, Brandon. He christened our twin grandsons, Jacob and Jeremy. We will never forget the good times we had with you up here in Colorado. May God bless you and keep you always, Father Don."
In loving memory of
Donald W. Monson
1934 to 2016. The Reverend Donald W. Monson, a retired priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona passed from this world to be with his Lord on June 5, 2016. Don was born in Alhambra, CA raised in Tucson, served in the U.S. Army and earned a Masters in Divinity in 1965 from General Theological Seminary in New York. Don served on many different councils and committees of the Episcopal Church and worked 30+ years in full time ministry, most in Arizona where he built two Episcopal Churches, St. Michael's in Coolidge and St. Michael's and All Angels in Phoenix. After retiring from full time ministry in 1995, he continued to serve part time at All Saints Episcopal Church until 2012. Don was extremely active in all of the various bodies of Arizona Masonic Fraternity. A few of the numerous high offices he held included: Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona, Grand High Priest R.A.M., Grand Illustrious Master for the Grand Council and Grand Commander K.T. in the York Rite. He was an active Scottish Rite Mason, having received its highest honors as a 33rd Degree Mason. He also held the top elected positions of the many and various appendant bodies of the fraternity in Arizona as well as several major leadership and chair positions nationally. Don was known for his quick wit, knowledge of Holy Scripture, and his deep spiritual care for and life of service to his fellow man. He is survived by many cousins and longstanding friends. His Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. His interment will be in All Saint's Close Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers please send donations to All Saints Episcopal Church or to the Arizona Masonic Library Fund: Checks made out to: "Roskruge-Casey Memorial Library", 14801 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023. Visit hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
Tributes
"Don was a great friend and a wonderful person he will be sorely missed"
"The Rev. Gordon C. Hill June 13, 2016 I pray that our Lord has received Don in His arms as he goes on this new journey with Him. I remember well Don's good guidance and counsel on my behalf throughout the years that we worked together at St. Michael and All Angels in Phoenix."
"So grateful for Don's presence in my life. Over the thirty some years of our wonderful personal friendship he was always there in good times as well as the difficult ones. When my life partner was diagnosed with cancer Don was there and when Gary died Don's reach out was of such comfort and support. His Epiphany parties were always such fun. Don Monson loved people and loved life. The Larger Church and particularly the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is a far better place for his dedication and ministry with us. Rest well dear friend. May your memory be eternal! Chaplain Tom ChapmanFSJ"