William Mackall Jason 1926 – 2011
Polo will never forget Mack Jason – never.
By Patrick Brent
1926 – 2011 The simple dash (-) within epitomizes one exceptional life.
Quality gentlemen of the World War II era such as Mack Jason are indeed, America’s “greatest generation”. Mack validated it in everything he undertook – his impressive family, his businesses and of course a singularly “defining” avocation labeled polo. Mack played throughout the world and raised the bar wherever he went.
After returning from the Far East and the war, no less than as captain of a U.S. Navy mine sweeper – the USS YMS. (albeit only ranked an naval ensign)
Young Mack Jason while delivering dry cleaning met the love of his life Madelyn Gilmore and they with a distinctive style and a quiet class hit the equestrian trail with a passion for all things polo. Remarkably, along the way they were able to breed a Kentucky derby winner ’79 named Spectacular Bid.
Clearly, polo defined Mack as he rose to a three-goal handicap placing him in the top 4% of polo association players.
He also set an example by “giving back” to the sport; as a U. S. Polo Association player, delegate, governor, treasurer, membership chairman, Director Polo Training Foundation, USPA Vice President and Ambassador to the International Polo Federation, which originated in Argentina. He invested unstintingly in the development of programs and the growth of polo in clubs such as Menlo, Eldorado, Santa Barbara, Palm Beach, Horse Park, and Mokuleia Hawaii. Menlo Polo was uncommon. He was Mr. Polo and President at this club he treasured which is located at the Circus Club in Atherton, California. Mack kept Menlo special as the emphasis was on friendly chukkers and comporting one’s self as ladies and gentlemen. Mack and Madeline personified the Gilmore family tradition of service and dedication to the Game of Kings. Rarely, has the USPA owed so much to one man and his family.
Madelyn Gilmore Jason, a polo lady second to none, passed away last year at the same time of day as Mack 11:05 am. Madelyn and Mack made quite the polo family. Daughter Lyn Jason Cobb and her family continue this four-generation tradition with the same enthusiasm Lyn’s father, Mack and grandfather, Bill Gilmore brought to the game. Their daughter Madelyn has joined Lyn and her husband Herschel on the polo pitch since she was twelve years old. Mack and Madelyn would be proud.
Two “Mack” classics …
Once on the polo pitch at the Menlo Polo Club one new minus two player in his first season scored an easy goal and was quietly celebrating on his way back to the midfield line-up when Mack rode along side and said: “that was your first goal- right?” The rookie nodded – smiling from ear to ear… no one else noticed – Mack did
Years later when the same player now a seasoned veteran and messed up an easy shot at goal; Mack again rode alongside smiling and said a common refrain of his:
“what’s the matter can’t stand prosperity?”
companioned by his patented special laugh he kept the sport fun and was the exemplar of quiet leadership.
What manner of man was William Mackall Jason ?
Well, I will tell you.
Mack Jason had a profound sense of style, class and above all exceptional manners. –
The French would have called it “je ne se qua”
Defined: as a mysterious quality, one that is impossible to define –
one either comprehends “it” or if you do not understand – you may never get “it”
Mack Jason had it.
Polo Clubs worldwide would do well to have their players emulate Mack and proselytize his style and form throughout the polo world.
No easy undertaking — Mack Jason was a one-of-a-kind gentleman – a treasure without peer.
Mack for over forty years was my mentor. I battled not to disappoint him both on and off the polo field.
Polo & I will never forget Mack Jason – NEVER
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Once a USPA Governor – FIP ambassador and Two Goal player Journalist / Businessman
Mack Jason USPA posts: VP, President of PTF, Chairman Membership, Treasurer, Winner National 12 goal inter circuit cup, winner Pacific Coast Circuit 12 Goal intra circuit, winner Governor & Lt. Governor’s Cup winner.
Rarely, has the USPA owed so much to one man and his family.