A century of positivity and achievement: Cyril’s Time to Think story
At 100 years of age, Cyril Mason has accumulated a lifetime of stories—of wartime service, business success, sporting achievement, family and enduring connection to the Bunbury community.
Cyril recently stayed at Capecare Busselton through the Time to Think program after being referred by the social work team at Bunbury Regional Hospital.
Cyril required a comprehensive assessment to help determine the care and support he would need in the future. With assistance from his daughter Anne, the Time to Think program gave Cyril the opportunity to transition from hospital into a supportive environment while an application for residential aged care was progressed.
Rather than having to make significant decisions while still in hospital, Cyril and his family had time and space to consider his next steps, supported by the Capecare team.
A lifetime of enterprise
Cyril was born in Westonia, a small Wheatbelt town, in May 1926. He moved to Bunbury with his family in 1941, when he was 15 years old.
At just 18, Cyril enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and proudly served his country during the Second World War.
After the war, he returned to the South West and began working in administration at Sunny West Dairy in Boyanup. On his first day, he met Roma Woods, whom he remembers as “one of the prettiest girls in Bunbury”. The couple married at St Paul’s Cathedral in Bunbury in April 1951 and shared more than six decades together before Roma passed away in 2013.
Cyril became a successful business owner after Sunnywest, purchasing and operating a Bunbury newsagency, which he successfully ran until 1974. While running the newsagency, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to teach himself the specialised skill of engraving. What began as a personal interest developed into a successful business, with items sent to him from throughout Western Australia.
His reputation for quality workmanship led to one particularly memorable commission: engraving the prestigious Perth Cup for Caris Bros Jewellers.
Cyril later established a stamp-making business with a friend, continuing a working life characterised by curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn new skills.
Sport, family and community
Sport has been another constant throughout Cyril’s life. He played 168 league games for the Bunbury Football Club and was awarded life membership—a connection that continues today. His family recently held his 100th birthday celebration at the club.
Cyril also played cricket for Bunbury, enjoyed social tennis with friends and played golf at Capel.
His sharp memory remains evident as he recalls with pride the day he achieved every golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one.
Family is equally important to Cyril. He has four children living across Australia and a combined 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “They love their Pop,” he said.
Finding connection at Capecare
Cyril’s warmth, humour and positive outlook were immediately apparent during his time at Capecare Busselton. “They’ve been very good here—been terrific, so nice,” he said. “I’ve been treated so nicely.”
His natural openness to others also helped him quickly make new connections.
“You meet nice people everywhere you go,” Cyril said. “As soon as I moved into this place, I met a chap and his wife who were playing a game. I walked towards them and they invited me to sit down with them, so I got to know them.”
At 100, Cyril remains modest about his achievements. He speaks with a smile, retains a keen sense of humour and continues to approach people and new experiences with interest and positivity.
The value of time
The Time to Think program supports older people who no longer need to remain in hospital but require further assessment, recovery time or assistance to plan what comes next.
For Cyril, the program provided a supportive transition from hospital and allowed his future care needs to be considered in a calmer, more appropriate environment.
It also gave the Capecare team the privilege of getting to know a man whose century of life has included service to his country, successful business ventures, sporting milestones, a loving family and a lasting contribution to his community.
People such as Cyril remind us that every person who comes through our doors brings a lifetime of experiences, achievements and wisdom with them. It is our privilege to listen to their stories and support them through the next stage of their journey.
Capecare 
