Mason Riley Chrisman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on June 10, 2026 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. He was born on June 16, 1937 in Charlotte, NC. Mason lived a life of remarkable accomplishment — as a pioneering entrepreneur in early computing and decorated racing sailor.

At the age 18 Mason married Sara Jane Wolfe, the love of his life and steadfast partner in all his adventures. Sara Jane preceded him in death on July 6, 2025. Together they raised three children: Linda Langley (Robert), Catherine Swanson (David), and David Chrisman. Mason is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who carry forward his spirit of curiosity and adventure.

For ten consecutive summers, Mason hosted his children and grandchildren on Squirrel Island, Maine — a tradition he cherished as an opportunity to provide recreation and lasting connection across three generations.

Mason graduated from NC State with honors in 1959 with a BS in Civil Engineering. After working at IBM, he co-founded Systems Associates Inc. in 1966 investing his life savings. The company grew into a pioneering healthcare computing company, with its hospital division branded SAINT, before going public in May 1983. He later served as President of South Central Oil Company.

A lifelong aviator, Mason soloed at age 16 and continued flying for business and pleasure until age 85. He was an equally passionate sailor, winning the Y Flyer National Championship with his wife Sara Jane as crew, and going on to race J/24s, J/35s, J/105s, and New York 40s. He cruised extensively aboard a series of DeFever motor yachts — all christened Wild Goose — exploring the Great Lakes, the Bahamas, Belize, and beyond. Later in life, he took up golf and enjoyed the competition and spending times with his friends.

Mason served as Commodore of Lake Norman Yacht Club, Commodore of the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association, and Vice President of U.S. Sailing. He chaired the Naval Academy Fales Committee and served as President and Trustee of the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation. He was a long-time supporter of the College of Charleston sailing team and his donations funded the construction of their sailing center at Patriots Point in the early 2000s. Mason was a member of the New York Yacht Club for 46 years, served on the Board of Trustees and chaired its Long Range Planning Committee for 10 years. He was also a member of Carolina Yacht Club where he enjoyed the fellowship of members for many years. His leadership and guidance to all of these organizations was greatly valued.

Mason Riley Chrisman lived with rare breadth — building companies from nothing, racing at the national level, flying for seven decades, and giving generously of his time to causes he believed in. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 10 from 4 to 6 PM at Carolina Yacht Club, 50 East Bay St, Charleston. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Charleston Community Sailing Inc. either on-line or at PO Box 21811, Charleston SC, 29413.