Bathian Mason Obituary, Death – The Grand Rapids Public Schools community is in grief following the death of a City High Middle School coach who had worked there for many years. Coach Bathian Mason died as a result of a medical issue that occurred on Wednesday morning. He coached students at City Middle School for more than a decade. Coach Mason, a GRPS alumni, spent the school year mentoring student-athletes in volleyball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, and track and field. He was most recently seen on the court coaching pupils the previous week.
“He was always there for the right reasons promoting GRPS and supporting middle school athletics,” GRPS Middle School Athletics Coordinator Brodie Larson said. “He was always doing the right thing.” “He had a strong drive and passion to help student-athletes improve in their sport, and he did so with vigor and enthusiasm… The children adored him. Coach Mason’s students at GRPS went on to become outstanding athletes in high school and beyond, and he was able to win multiple tournament championships throughout his stint there. The scholars whom Coach Mason nurtured are having difficulty accepting the news that he has died.
Mr. Larson expressed surprise at the occurrence. “The vast majority of the children were silent. They were simply unable to trust what they were hearing. The basketball game slated for Wednesday afternoon between City and Grand Rapids University Prep has been rescheduled. This was done to give students and faculty more time to process the loss. The game will take place at City on Friday at 4 p.m. A letter from the City High Middle School administration was delivered to families’ homes on Wednesday evening. Scholars who seek further assistance will have access to support specialists in the coming days.
“This is a big loss for our community, and we are all hurting,” said GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. “While we mourn, we will remember Coach Mason for all he did to brighten the lives of our young people,” one member of the group stated. His passion to our pupils serves as an example to all of us as we carry on his legacy.