John Patrick McMahon January 25, 1950 ~ September 27, 2014 John Patrick McMahon was born in Tacoma, WA to Art and Dorothy McMahon. He spoke fondly of the years he spent at St. Patrick's Grade School and Bellarmine Preparatory School and for the rest of his life would gladly offer personal tours of the City of Destiny. Bolstered by a great sense of humor, John cultivated many friendships in school that would last his lifetime. John later attended Seattle U. where he met his wife Jane (Berghoff). John and Jane would raise their two daughters in Auburn where they were members of Holy Family Parish. He spent his entire career working in the shipping industry he loved and found many close friends among his coworkers and customers. In recent years, his office was located right across the street from the Cinerama Theatre in Seattle, a fitting location for a film aficionado. John also loved music and once told Jane, "If you don't like jazz, you don't even like music!" Those of us who knew him will remember a good-natured and generous man. John's intelligence and wit made him a great conversationalist and it was always fun spending time with him. Jane and his daughters, Molly Daley and Shannon Walsh, remember many road trips, which are also documented in John's photos. John's favorite destination was the ocean where he would sit outside with a book, rain or shine. Along with his wife and daughters, John leaves behind his brother, Brian; sister, Mary Beth Rasmussen; and two beloved grandchildren, Owen and Alice. In the past few months John felt the love and support of his family and friends and many talented caregivers, including the staff at the University of Washington Medical Center. He kept his sense of humor and strong spirit intact through a difficult illness. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 11:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 7:00pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, Auburn, WA. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Sep. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN McMAHON

16 Entries

carolyn andal

March 8, 2017

Miss those late night calls, Johnie ,
the ones where we hashed out politics, family, etc.; Your humor and kindness never will be forgotten.

Love always, your cuz, Carolyn

Judy Senecal

October 13, 2014

Dear Molly, Shannon and families, I was thankful to get to go to John's service with Tom and Carol (Berghoff)and to see so many classmates of Jane's and mine there. John was a very kind, special man. I remember being in their home over the years and he was always ready to please and knowledgeable about all of the movies and jazz. Please keep in touch from time to time about how your mom is doing. You know she's been like a sister to me for many years. Will she be staying in DesMoines?

Gina Alexander

October 2, 2014

I worked with John for 22 years. Having him in the office next to me was such a joy. He always had a great story or good joke to tell. When it came to the business, he was the office Buddha - he always had an answer. Playing Santa for the office at Christmas or plying us all with Irish Coffee on St. Patrick's Day, John was the heart of the office. RIP Big Man, I'll remember everything you taught me and will miss you forever.

Kristina Andal

October 1, 2014

I will treasure my memories of John and Jane stopping by the Andal home on their travels through CA. I loved his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye that reminded me of his dad, my favorite uncle. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jane and all the family.

Connie Lee

October 1, 2014

Mr. John McMahon was a good man. I am shocked & deeply saddened by the news of Mr. McMahon's passing. He was a wonderful person recalling his smile he once visited our office here in Long Beach. I can still remember his lovely voice on the phone when I used to call him up for help, he would always have that cheerful welcoming voice. Mr. McMahon will be missed, but forever remembered in my heart. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Cindy Sale

October 1, 2014

We have many happy memories of St.Onge visits to the McMahon house as a child and then later, with my own family. John was always in the middle of the activity with his stories, his great conversation about anything anyone was interested in, and his love of music and film. We will miss him. May he rest in God's peace.

September 30, 2014

Our John was compassionate, loving, intelligent, loyal,giving and witty.
He thrived on debates and good conversations. He loved people. And when storms and dark clouds targeted him,John always saw the sun. He loved his Molly, Shannon, and grandchildren so very much. Brian and Mary Beth: Know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Gene & Carolyn

Polly Thompson

September 30, 2014

John..such happy memories of him and our times together growing up..And the wonderful, special times we all had when the St.Onge cousins were together with the Mc Mahon cousins in the old family home in Tacoma. Uncle Art, Aunt Dorothy, Brian, John and Marybeth. Will always remember John's sense of humor and the"puns". The memory of him still puts a smile on my face. We love you dear cousin

Saralinda Hurley-Larson

September 30, 2014

Knew John at Seattle U. We both sang for Mr. Kelly. John was one of the sweetest guys with an incredible voice. It was a honor being his friend. Jane and the girls are in our prayers.

September 30, 2014

John was a rich man in his love of life! His breadth of knowledge and understanding of the human condition will always inspire us. His wife, Jane, and, daughters Molly and Shannon are a testament to a great person.

S. Nancy Anderson

Marguerite Hwang

September 30, 2014

Praying for comfort and peace for John's loved ones. He was a wonderful and kind soul. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Dave Bedwell

September 30, 2014

From all of John's extended Norton Lilly/COSCO business family here in Vancouver,BC., we are truly saddened to hear of the loss of our good friend John. John was a terrific person with a passion to support his northern neighbors. He will be missed immensely. Our sincere condolences go out to the family.

September 30, 2014

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Dear McMahon Family,

My heart is deeply sadden to learn of John's passing. He was my manager at COSCO in the early 1990's and I have such fond memories of him. He was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. He truly was an inspiration to all who knew him. I am thankful for the time I had with him. May God's love and comfort surround you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Samantha Robinson King

Bryan Kern

September 30, 2014

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. John was a great boss and human being. I always enjoyed his passion for films and our discussions about them. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

Niki Blanchard

September 30, 2014

Dear, Jane, Molly, Shannon,
Holding you tight in our heart's.
Clyde, Niki and Mike

Weslynn

September 30, 2014

This is a huge loss for his family,many many friends of John's. My heart aches for Jane, Molly and Shannon. I love all of you and may you find peace at this difficult time.

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