Humble and neighborly: Meet the Masons of L & L Repair

The Mason Family of L&L Repair Photo: Deb DeKoff, Park City Photographers

HEBER, Utah — You would have to go back to the settling families of Heber Valley to trace the lineage of the Mason Family. Both Lynn and Theresa were born and raised in the community they serve, living on family land that is connected to Heber’s rich history. “No one outside of our family has owned it, that’s why it is so special to us,” said Lynn, of the family home located across the street from the prominent Fort Heber marker. 

The Masons are a family of seven; Lynn, Theresa, their boys Porter and Parker, daughter, Peyton, and dogs Fish and Micah. I suppose a family of 13 if you count their six chickens: Liv and Maddie, Terry and Terri, and of course Chip and Dale. All three of their human children have musical talents and enjoy similar hobbies like marching band and trap shooting in the Rodeo Club. Porter and Parker have both graduated from Wasatch High and Peyton is starting her time there this year. Even the two older boys who have graduated still call Heber Valley home.

The traditions of Heber Valley have influenced their family ambitions and accomplishments as well as their sense of neighborly pride and service. Proud owners and operators of L & L Repair, Lynn and Theresa have nurtured trusted, steady customers and are about to celebrate 25 years in business.

Graduates and Wasatch High School sweethearts, the former Wasps enjoyed all that life had to offer to two youngsters in love. “What attracted us to each other? That feels like a million years ago,” Theresa laughed, “It would have to be Lynn’s ability to keep everyone safe and accounted for.” Lynn agreed, “I’m still that way now. I’m way over prepared. I need to have what’s necessary to take care of everyone.” The two would marry in 1996 and it would be six years before their first child was born. “That was the time to do things on a whim – quick vacation, go out to dinner – once we started a family that became our focus.” 

Theresa attended dental assistant school, a trade she did for 12 years, while Lynn went to school for auto body repair. “Breathing in all the fumes and dust was not for me, so I switched gears and quickly finished up my certification [in automotive] and bounced around a few places in town turning wrenches before eventually working at the local hardware store,” where customers would often come in and ask Lynn for guidance on their car repair needs. “I would say, ‘let me take a look at it’ and would be outside in the dark with a flashlight getting people taken care of,” said Lynn, “From lawnmowers to bicycles and cars, that’s all I have ever wanted to do.” That, and building demolition derby cars, where he earned himself the nickname Looney Lynn – the origin of their shop’s name. “1999 is when he started working on cars in his own bay,” Theresa says, pointing out the window next to me, “You can see the first place Lynn worked right through there, that yellow building and roof. He leased one bay and was pretty much a one man band.” 

Theresa eventually stayed home to raise the kids before finally joining Lynn at the shop where they now run the business together. “Theresa really put her life on hold for the kids.” Lynn said, and Theresa joked that she, “Has picked up more car knowledge than I ever thought possible.” 

From such humble beginnings, it comes as no surprise that the Masons have a knack for making meaningful connections and caring for others. Whether it was starting a business out of helping friends’ car repair needs, actively serving in The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints as the first counselor in the bishopric, Scout Master, or donating hundreds of hours a year to the Wasatch County Search and Rescue, the couple is visibly proud of where they’ve come from and how successful their business has become. “It’s really pretty amazing when I say it out loud” says Lynn, of his busy garage, “I’ve worked my butt off to earn and keep this reputation.” “And we are very blessed with the support of the community and the guys that work here,” Theresa added.

One year ago, Theresa was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and now, rheumatoid arthritis. “I am cancer free and getting better. The weekly chemotherapy turns down my immune system and it’s been an adventure figuring out how to keep moving forward and have faith in the future.” But their family, colleagues, and the community they serve have been great support for them through it, a wonderful return on their investment. “The community who walks in the door is how we survive. Our invoice says keeping your family safe and on the road since 1999. We really believe that.”