John Joseph (Jack) Mahon, Jr., 93 years old, died in the early morning hours of 11/8/2020 at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Montana.
Our wonderful dad and husband was born on 11/16/1926 and grew up on a small mountain cattle ranch in Buena Vista, CO, the oldest son to John and Harriet Mahon. He had a brother, Delbert, and a sister, Margie. Young Jackie grew to love the outdoors. He watched the Forest Service Rangers ride their horses by the ranch and dreamed of being one someday. As World War II raged on, before graduating high school, he enlisted in the army in 1944. Not being able to attend graduation, the High School draped a US Flag over his chair. Jack served in Germany as a Military Police Officer and was honorably discharged in October 1946.
Jack came home from the army longing to ranch with his father, but his father was getting out of the cattle business and so encouraged Jack to get an education and a good job. Jack attended Colorado A & M College on the GI Bill and got a BS degree in Range & Forest Management. During summers between college, he got reacquainted with young 17-year-old Patsy McKenna, a local girl whose family was great friends with the Mahon family. She caught his eye at a Grange meeting, and he was determined that she would be his wife someday. They were married on 12/27/1950.
Jack worked for a forest ranger in Buena Vista, establishing boundaries for cattle grazing. Then he worked for the Forest Service, then in Private Forest Industry as a logging superintendent and a mill manager at several logging mills. In his late life, (79 – 85 years) he was a private timber surveyor. Jack would be called a “True Generational Forester” because he cared for the forests and understood how to make the timberlands thrive. He fought hard for the land in the best ways he knew how, including writing many letters to the editor to promote good forest management.
He is survived by his lovely wife: Patricia, their four children: Julie (Steve Martin), Kristy (Rick Chadwick), Michael (LaRona) and Tom, 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, with three more great-grandchildren to be born in 2021.
Condolences can be sent to Pat Mahon, at Touchmark Assisted Living in Helena, Montana. A local Townsend Catholic Church service and a Burial service in Buena Vista, CO are being planned for next year.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Cary Hegreberg says
Jack was such a fine and honest gentleman. He taught me a great deal about forestry, about stewardship and about engaging in the political process to ensure our voices were heard. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Heather Wenzel says
This saddens me deeply, I loved caring for him and his beautiful wife. I missed them when I left. I still do. They both have a very special spot in my heart ❤, like grandparents I never had. My condolences to the family and his beautiful wife Pat…miss you.
Monte & Mary Ellen Schnur says
We enjoyed Jack so much, as a fellow parishioner, and active community member. He and Pat were an inspiration. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the timber industry throughout the west. Loved hearing his stories about his days on the San Juan. Truly a life well lived by a good man. May his soul rest in peace!
Kevin Greenleaf says
Jack was the greatest boss I had in 50 years. Our years in Saratoga, WY. in the 70’s were trying, since the industry was going through more hard times, but Jack always maintained a positive attitude and helped me to learn the right way to be a supervisor. I’m sorry we lost touch in later years but he has a wonderful family and I know he was happy for which I’m grateful. Thanks Pat for calling me.
Bill Watson says
Jack, you were such a bright light in my life. I thank you for always being that person who had such sound advice. I always loved our talks and it has been hard not seeing your smiling face daily. I wish I could have had more time with you but I know you are at peace and with our Lord. I know you will be watching down on everyone and keeping Pat in check. Know we all love and miss you dearly. Until I see you again.
Summer Ruggles says
I will always love you papa Jack you an amazing, strong, and oh so stubborn. I will help keep an eye Momma Pat. I will cherish the moments we got together the laughs we shared. You came into the world like a blizzard and you departed this world in a blizzard. Rest in peace papa Jack love you
Pam McMahon says
My Uncle Jack, just like his father for whom he was named, was a man of great honor, compassion and integrity. For me, his legacy is one of a steadfast love, which permeated our entire family.
Dave Laub says
I was so sad to hear about the passing of uncle Jack. I have so many good memories of visits we had to see Pat Jack and all the cousins. My condolences to aunt Pat and all the cousins and families. Best wishes to you all.