“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Justin Charles Mason was a Professor of Vascular Rheumatology, Co-Head of the Cardiovascular Division at the National Heart and Lung Institute, and Co-Director of the Center of Excellence in Vasculitis Research at Imperial College, London. Prof Mason also held an Honorary Consultant position in Rheumatology and Medicine at Imperial College NHS Trust. He was also a mentor of the Indian Rheumatology Association Vasculitis (IRAVAS) group since Prof. Paul Bacon’s passing away. Prof. Mason died on May 2, 2022 at 61 years of age.
Prof. Mason was born in Aldershot, England and was older by two siblings. He did his medical graduation from Charing Cross hospital and joined Hammersmith hospital as rheumatology registrar where he rose to the rank of professor and was working there till his untimely demise. He trained with Sir Ravinder Maini and Prof. Patrick Wannabe and went on to become a giant in the field of large vessel vasculitis, especially Takayasu arteritis and vascular biology. He was the Co-Director of Imperial College, Center of Excellence in vasculitis research and served as Chair of Arthritis UK, Basic Scientific Research fellowship panel and the Heberden Committee. He was awarded the prestigious Heberden Oration in 2018.
He was introduced to the Indian Rheumatology fraternity by late Prof. Paul Bacon. He used to attend the IRACON meetings regularly and attended the last IRACON at Puducherry in 2019. He also attended rheumatology meeting, IRACON 2014 and 1st International Vasculitis meeting in 2018 at Chandigarh. Each and every member of the Indian Rheumatology Association who came in touch with Prof. Mason admired him for being someone who would immediately establish a rapport with everyone, would make everyone feel at ease, would listen very attentively, and give sound advice. His smile and giggles were infectious. To fully describe and do justice to Justin’s life in this space is simply not possible.
On a personal note, I had known him since 2011 when he came to Chandigarh for a rheumatology meeting. He was friendly, caring, kind, genuine, compassionate, and warm-hearted. He was easily one of the most wonderful people that one feels blessed to have known. I am are sure that we are not going to meet someone like him but can find solace in the fact that he touched so many lives positively and left sweet memories for everyone to cherish.
With his passing away, vasculitis world has lost a shining star, IRAVAS has lost its mentor, and we have lost a dear friend.
May God give strength to his family and friends and also peace to the departed soul.
With Prof. Mason at ANCA Vasculitis Workshop, Paris 2013.
