Dr 'Willie' Mason was born in Paisley on 10 October 1924 and educated at Paisley Grammar School and Glasgow Academy. He became a dental student at Glasgow in 1942, qualified Licentiate in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1947 and obtained the Higher Dental Diploma in 1949.

After National Service in the Royal Air Force Dental Branch with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany he returned to Paisley and started his own dental practice. About the same time he was appointed a Visiting Dental Surgeon at the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School.

In 1957, to enhance his experience and clinical skills, he spent a year in Canada at the University of Dalhousie in Novia Scotia and graduated Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1958.

On his return to Scotland he expanded his practice and developed his interest in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. His main academic involvement was in Dental Radiology and he became Consultant at the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School. He gradually established one of the leading departments of Oral and Dental Radiology in the UK. He became President of the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology in 1975 and was a prime mover in introducing specialist training programmes. He was recognised as a founder Diplomate in Dental Radiology in 1985, paving the way for career and consultant posts in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology.

Away from his professional life he played golf off a handicap of 2, and also was an accomplished pianist. Latterly and especially in retirement, he enjoyed gardening and painting. A visit to his garden was a memorable and colourful experience as he demonstrated his latest products. He had always enjoyed the artistic aspects of dentistry and, in retirement, he found painting a natural progression, working mainly in pastels and oils. He exhibited his own work at Paisley Art Institute and in Glasgow.

Whatever he did, he was always looking for a constructive outcome...

Willie was a modest man who enjoyed life. He made many friends and loved company and conversation. Whatever he did, he was always looking for a constructive outcome and he enjoyed working with friends and colleagues to achieve it.

He is survived by his wife Lillias, his son George, daughter Sheena and three grandchildren, of whom he was very proud, and by his brother, Professor Sir David Mason. The family provided him with a happy home life and comforted him during the last few years of serious illness, which he fought with great courage, spirit and dignity. He died on 22 October 2006.