John MAHONY

MAHONY, John Joseph
November 9, 1924 - January 5, 2014
It is with great sadness that the family of John Joseph Mahony announce the passing of a beloved father and grandfather, who died peacefully, family at his side, this past Sunday, at the age of 89 years. John was a remarkable member of the older generation. Born prematurely on an Alberta farm in the winter of 1924, he weighed less than three pounds. His parents bundled him in a tiny box, using the heat from a wood- burning stove as a makeshift incubator. He was unlikely to survive, according to the local doctor. Against the odds, he survived that winter and many more, living through the Great Depression, and growing tall. As a young man, he served in the Canadian Navy in World War II, later studying law and opening a practice in Calgary in the 1950s. In 1952, he married Margaret Flanagan, the young nurse who later became mother to their six children. John practised law for 45 years. In the 1950s, he served on the Board of the Father Lacombe Children's Home, first as a director, and later as chair. Active in community service clubs, he volunteered with the John Howard Society, and became a trustee of the Calgary Separate School Board in 1961, serving two successive terms. In the 1970s, he led the drive to establish the Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship Fund, fundraising to endow scholarships for Calgary high school students. In the 1980s, he served on the committee to form St. Mary's University College, Calgary. In 1986, John was named Queen's Counsel, and received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association in 2005. His achievements aside, we will remember Dad – "Jack" to many – best for his Christian humility, integrity and fairness. He was a kind, generous soul who was always there for his children and grandchildren, despite a busy work life. He gave of himself unsparingly, was a force for good and a role model for us all. An unwavering provider, mentor and friend, he also had a dry wit and a sparkle in his eye. Together with Margaret, his wife of 59 years, he made everything possible for us. Our solace at this difficult time is knowing that such souls are rewarded in heaven. "We love you Dad. You did much good." Predeceased by Margaret in 2011, and his son John (Junior) in 2007, John is survived by daughters Mary (Jeff) and Maureen (Trent); sons Michael (Lorna), Dennis (Zoe), and James, by grandchildren Andrew, Alexander, Liam, Michaela, Kenna, Kianna, Shannon, Conrad, Lauren and John Patrick, and by nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. Sincere thanks to the staff of Nursing Unit 32, Foothills Hospital, and of Carewest Sarcee for their unfailing kindness and compassion during John's recent illness. Relatives and Friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Luke's Catholic Church (corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive N.W.) on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Deacon Dan Deck, officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. David Meadows, Presider. A light lunch will follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with John's family through www.evanjstrong.com. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made directly to the Sisters of the Precious Blood (2715 Erlton Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2S 2W4). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. Telephone: 403-265-1199.