JOHN STUART (JACK)

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JOHN STUART (JACK) McMAHON July 2, 1904 - November 12, 2000 At Grace Hospital, Jack died peacefully with his grandson and daughter at his side during his final brief illness. Born in Winnipeg, he was educated at Ashbury College School, Ottawa and Royal Military College, Kingston (1925). In 1925 he was on the first Winnipeg team to play in the Grey Cup. He was employed briefly in the Winnipeg Grain Exchange, and then joined his fathers wholesale hardware agency. On his fathers death in 1932, he incorporated W.G. McMahon Ltd., and built the business into a successful wholesale distributor, first of binder twine and later floor covering throughout Western Canada. From 1925 he served as an officer in the Fort Garry Horse reserve militia regiment. He volunteered for active service in the Second World War and served in several staff positions before assuming command of the Manitoba Dragoons (18th Armoured Car Regiment) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and taking them overseas. After the war he returned to his business and the farm at Headingley which he had started in the 30s. He was an honorary life member of the Canadian Aberdeen Angus (cattle) Association, and for many years raised Southdown sheep. Jack was active in the business community: a member of the Winnipeg Rotary Club and of the Manitoba Club from 1933 until his death, President of the Rotary Club in 1956, President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 1959, Chairman of Facilities for the Pan-Am Games 1965-67, and Rotary District Governor 1973. In 1960 he sold W.G. McMahon Ltd. A founder of Fidelity Trust, he was Chairman of the Board 1965-1978. He held a seat on the Winnipeg Grain Exchange from 1977 to 1983. On the family property at Headingley, he designed and built Breezy Bend Golf Course, which opened in 1960. After that he designed three other golf courses: Bel Acres, Winnipeg Canoe Club (modifications) and Spy Hill, Sask. In 1969, Jack built the Tuxedo Inn and operated it briefly before retiring to his beloved garden on Grenfell Blvd., where tour buses to Assiniboine Park noted the full size teepee in the back yard he set up for his grandchildren. In 1974 he built a 21 foot sailboat "the Irish Rover" from a kit, and then enjoyed sailing her at Minaki and on Lake Winnipeg. He wrote and self-published "Professional Soldier" in 1985, a memoir of his long-time friend General Guy Simonds. In 1999 he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Royal Military College. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Nell; his daughter Pat McMahon and husband John Lancaster of Sidney, B.C.; grandchildren, Rob Urquhart of Winnipeg, Darren Urquhart, Gail Davids (nee McMahon) and husband John Davids of Vancouver; great-grandchild Breanna McMahon and her mother Lynne McMahon of Vancouver; and niece Nora Versteeg and husband Eric Versteeg of Toronto. Predeceased by his son Alan and grandson Kelly McMahon. The family thanks the staff of Grace Hospital for care during his final illness, in particular Dwayne and nurse Cora. No flowers please. Donations may be made to the Winnipeg Foundation. Following his wishes he has been cremated. There will be a private family interment in St. Johns Cathedral Cemetery. The memorial service will be delayed to allow family members to attend. It will be held Saturday, January 6, 2001, at 1:30 p.m. at Breezy Bend Country Club.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2000