Kenneth William MAHON

MAHON, Kenneth William
B. COM, C.P.A, F.C.A
August 21, 1934 – January 17, 2017
Surrounded by his family, Ken passed away peacefully at home. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ellen, and his children, Kevin (Jo- anne), Andre (Brock Rowland) and Peter (Andrea). Ken was predeceased by his son Andrew. His 7 grandchildren will remember him as a role model and a loving grandfather; Trevor, Stuart, Paul, Tessa, Fraser, Lucy, and William. Ken was predeceased by sister, Joan Henderson and is survived by his sister Barbara Sutton.
Ken was born and raised in Vancouver and made it his lifelong home. He graduated from Kitsilano High School, and went on to UBC where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (1958). In 1961 he was awarded his CA degree, won the Gold Medal and was the class valedictorian. He started his accounting practice with his business partner, Alan Wolrige, creating Wolrige Mahon Chartered Accountants in 1962, an iconic B.C. accounting firm. Ken founded the Adera Group of Companies in 1969 and many other business ventures followed. His contributions to both the business world and the community were recognized when he was elected as a Fellow of the CA Institute (FCA 1983), followed by being honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2003). In 2015, Ken received the CA Institute's highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Over the years, Ken volunteered extensively in the accounting profession, including as a member of the ICABC Council, as the chair of the Practice Review and Licensing Committee, as a professional development lecturer, and as a governor of the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation.
He also lent his expertise to more than 40 not-for-profit organizations. In 1988 he was asked by Mayor Campbell to chair the Finance Committee to put the then insolvent Vancouver Symphony onto a firm financial footing. He Co-Chaired the creation of the UBC Thunderbird Golf Society and he played an instrumental role in the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Ken chaired a $5.5 million fundraising campaign to build the St. John Hospice at UBC, and served as president of Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, the Vancouver Opera, and the BC Neurological Centre. In recognition of his volunteerism, he received the Order of St. John Medal of Merit, and an Honorary Life Directorship from the Vancouver Opera.
Ken was a true Renaissance Man. He loved music, sports and had a lifelong love of learning. He was an intelligent and respected businessman, who was known for his strong opinions and strength of character. He was happiest when his family was coming over for dinner, uncorking the wine, getting the beer ready and sitting down and playing the piano, looking forward to good conversation and the love that everyone brought. He enjoyed golf, travel, skiing, cards, music with friends, but most of all spending time with Ellen and their nightly crib competitions.
A memorial service will be held at Ryerson United Church, 2195 West 45th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Andrew Mahon Foundation, Four Bentall Centre, PO Box 49214, Vancouver, BC V7X 1K8.