Obituary for George Arthur McMahon
It is with great sorrow and heartache that we announce the passing of George Arthur McMahon Sr., 87, on January 13, 2021. Loving and devoted husband of Dorothy Awad McMahon, adored by his 11 children, Deborah (Mark Hipkins), Daniel (Laurie), George Jr. (Stephanie), Chris (Kim), Nancy, Ian (Karen), Stephen (Deb), Thomas (Diana) Joseph (Rina), Mary (Jamie Shaw), and Douglas (Tim). Deeply loved by stepdaughters Gina (Sean Dickson) and Elena (Michael Bourque). He will be sorely missed by his 29 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way) and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Loved, admired and respected by his brother-in-law Dennis Durocher (Judy), and sisters-in-law Catherine Curl and Betty Durocher (Frank); brothers-in-law Richard Awad (Mary), Thomas Awad (Carol), Roger Awad (Mary Helen), Bruce Awad (Valerie), and sisters-in-law Patricia Awad, Carol Theriault, Margaret Fisher (Roland) and Norma Iannicello (Dan). Numerous nieces and nephews in the McMahon, McKeown, Durocher and Awad families are also deeply mourning the untimely death of their beloved uncle, along with many cousins who loved him dearly.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 39 years, Elaine Durocher (1995), his parents Thomas and Mary Margaret (Drudy), his sister Catherine McKeown (Bernard), his brothers Thomas McMahon (Elizabeth Brulét), and Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph McMahon (Jean Pender), sister-in-law Barbara Baynton and brothers-in-law Frank Durocher, Leonard Durocher (Layle), Gary Awad and Emile Theriault; mothers and fathers-in-law Eleanor Durocher and Syl Majchrczak and Evelyn and Emerald Awad.
George graduated from Assumption College with an Hon. B.A. (History) in 1956, earning the Gold Medal in History. He was the recipient of the Samuel MacLaughlin Fellowship and went on to Queen’s University to earn his Master of Arts in 1959. He began his career in education as a high school teacher, first at Assumption High School and then at the High School of Commerce. In 1963, the same year the University of Windsor became a public university, George was recruited by Father Ruth, CSB to join the Faculty of Arts and Science as an assistant professor in the Department of History and as assistant to the Dean of Arts and Science. No one knew what a powerful force and influence he would become over the next 30+ years. During his professional career, George served in a number of official and unofficial capacities at UWindsor. In 1967, he was appointed the University’s first Dean of Students where he helped guide both the university and its students through tough and turbulent times. As Dean, George became a mentor to a host of students who kept in touch with him for many years after their graduation, some even to this day. He held that position for 13 years until his appointment as Assistant Vice President Student Services, during which time he chaired nine Senate Committees and was responsible for overseeing the offices of Student Awards, Student Affairs, Residence Services, Physical Plant, Health Services to name a few. George felt great compassion for students attending the University on a part-time basis and established the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS). His work in the area of student services was indeed extensive and Canada wide. He was the founding president of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.
During his long affiliation with Assumption University George was greatly influenced by the Basilian priests who were his teachers when he attended Assumption College, and embraced the School’s motto, Bonitatem et disciplinam et scientiam doce me. TEACH ME GOODNESS, DISCIPLINE, AND KNOWLEDGE. During his tenure at UWindsor, George continued his collaboration with Assumption University and the Basilian Priests he so admired and respected. He was the recipient of various Assumption University awards and honors including the Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel Award, the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal and in 2007 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Laws Honoris Causa at Assumption University’s Convocation ceremony.
When appointed Assistant Vice President Alumni Affairs in 1985 George committed himself to reinvigorating the Office of Alumni Affairs and the UWindsor Alumni Association. He dove into his new job with the same energy, enthusiasm and dedication that were the hallmarks of his approach to life. He initiated many programs and services for UWindsor alumni worldwide such as developing Alumni Chapters across the globe, introducing Alumni Affinity programs, such as MasterCard, Home and Auto Insurance, Diploma Framing, re-shaping and re-naming the Alumni Newsletter, “By George,” hosting Alumni events and reunions. Because of his love of Lancer sports, his first priority was to establish the UWindsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame to recognize and honor outstanding Lancer athletes. In 1986 he formed a non-voting executive committee to oversee the development of the criteria and categories for the Hall along with the formation of a 60-member nomination and selection committee. Five inductees were honored in the 1986 inaugural year and to date 137 outstanding individuals in the athlete and administrator/builder/coach categories have been inducted into the Hall. George was inducted in 2003 as founder of the Hall. Another significant accomplishment was the creation of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching in 1987 in which 64 professors have so far received the award. His efforts sparked renewed interest in the University by alumni and friends living at home and abroad. He was very proud of the fact that the Annual Giving Program reached the $1 million dollar mark under his leadership as AVP Alumni Affairs. It was during these years as head of Alumni operations that George reconnected with alumni who were students during the years when he was Dean, in addition to the many students he taught at the University and at Assumption and Commerce high schools. He was both humbled and proud to know that he was loved by so many.
As many of his co-workers and friends began to take retirement, George became the preferred Master of Ceremonies at their retirement celebrations. His speeches, which contained a mixture of sketchy notes, ad-lib commentary and personal anecdotes about the honoree, often brought the audience to tears and laughter. Upon his own retirement in 1996, President Ron Ianni invited him to write the histories of Assumption College, Assumption University of Windsor and the University of Windsor. The President offered him the use of Dr. Leddy’s office on the 3rd floor of Leddy Library, and for the next 19 years, George embraced this next chapter in his life with “pure zeal” and enthusiastically began his research. He subsequently authored four books relating to the history of the institutions we now know as the University of Windsor. His fifth book would outline Dr. J.F. Leddy’s tenure as President of the University of Windsor from 1963-1984. Regretfully in 2015, due to health reasons, he was unable to finish the book about the man he revered and who was his mentor for over 20 years.
Throughout his professional career, George also volunteered his time to a variety of charities and organizations like the Canadian Air Cadet League of Canada. He joined Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) #310 Squadron in 1947 as a young cadet eventually serving as commanding officer, obtaining the rank of Squadron Leader. He went on to serve as Regional Director of the Air Cadet League’s Ontario Provincial Committee, moving on to Area Vice Chair (Western Ontario) and finally as a member of the National Board of Governors of the Air Cadet League of Canada. George was a founding member of Wing #412 of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association in Windsor and served in all executive positions in the Wing, including terms as its President. He was elected to the positions of National Director, National Vice-President and President of the RCAFA. In recognition of his outstanding work with Air Cadets, George was awarded the 1967 Centennial Medal, the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Canadian government, the Ontario Award for Volunteerism, and the Distinguished Service Medal Award from the Air Cadet League of Canada. He very much enjoyed his long association with the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada as well as the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 594. He was a dedicated supporter of the Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign, standing outside for hours every year with a poppy box in hand. He loved the opportunity to meet people who stopped by to make a donation. In recognition of his military achievements, in 2002 he was invested into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Knights Templar).
George also served the Windsor community at large. He served as board member and Chair of the Diocesan Roman Catholic High School Board for Metropolitan Windsor at F.J. Brennan High School, was a member of the Windsor Media Council and was Co-Chair of the Windsor Chapter of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. His involvement as founding president of Autism Services Incorporated resulted in a substantial donation from the Toldo Foundation, and his service to United Way included chairing the personal gifts division. In addition to his volunteer services to these and other charities and organizations, George also served his Church in many ways too numerous to mention. A proud and devout Catholic, George relied on his faith in God to see him through difficult times. We have no doubt that by now the words, “Well done good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23) would have welcomed him into his Heavenly home.
One of the proudest moments in George’s life occurred when he was nominated to be a Torchbearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Torch Relay, carrying the Olympic Flame in Windsor on December 23, 2009. He was thrilled to accept the honor and recounted how he felt like a “rock star” as he arrived at the foot of Ouellette and Riverside Dr. to a roaring crowd of fans.
Although George was involved in all of these activities, he made sure there was time for family. He was present for almost all of the sporting events of his children and grandchildren and never missed a baptism, confirmation, school graduation, dance/music recital, birthday, or any occasion that was special to his grandchildren. He was our Pops and we will miss his overwhelming presence whenever we gather together as a family. He was proud, he was loved, and he was heaven blessed!
On behalf of the entire family, I wish to extend sincere gratitude to the Alzheimer’s Society for their amazing support and assistance in teaching us how to be with George during the early days of his diagnosis and throughout his dementia journey, and to his physician Dr. Sharon Doyle for her excellent care for so many years. We also express our thanks to the staff at Seasons Oak Park LaSalle and to the Villages at St. Clair, particularly Dr. Chan, Nurse Practitioner Shawna and the nurses and PSWs who loved and took good care of George over the past five years.
Donations in memory of George may be made to: the Alzheimer Society of Windsor Essex County, 364 Lancaster RCACS (Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron), the Poppy Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 594, or Autism Services Incorporated—the Bruce Awad Summer Program.
Rest in peace, George. You were my best friend and mentor in life, and in death you will forever remain in my heart. Thanks for the memories and for being my loving and supportive husband for 20 years, come September.
Due to Covid19 restrictions, a memorial Mass and service will be planned at an appropriate time when it is safe for family and friends to gather openly to celebrate George’s life.
Arrangements entrusted to Families First, 3260 Dougall, South Windsor, 519-969-5841. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
Predeceased by his loving wife of 39 years, Elaine Durocher (1995), his parents Thomas and Mary Margaret (Drudy), his sister Catherine McKeown (Bernard), his brothers Thomas McMahon (Elizabeth Brulét), and Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph McMahon (Jean Pender), sister-in-law Barbara Baynton and brothers-in-law Frank Durocher, Leonard Durocher (Layle), Gary Awad and Emile Theriault; mothers and fathers-in-law Eleanor Durocher and Syl Majchrczak and Evelyn and Emerald Awad.
George graduated from Assumption College with an Hon. B.A. (History) in 1956, earning the Gold Medal in History. He was the recipient of the Samuel MacLaughlin Fellowship and went on to Queen’s University to earn his Master of Arts in 1959. He began his career in education as a high school teacher, first at Assumption High School and then at the High School of Commerce. In 1963, the same year the University of Windsor became a public university, George was recruited by Father Ruth, CSB to join the Faculty of Arts and Science as an assistant professor in the Department of History and as assistant to the Dean of Arts and Science. No one knew what a powerful force and influence he would become over the next 30+ years. During his professional career, George served in a number of official and unofficial capacities at UWindsor. In 1967, he was appointed the University’s first Dean of Students where he helped guide both the university and its students through tough and turbulent times. As Dean, George became a mentor to a host of students who kept in touch with him for many years after their graduation, some even to this day. He held that position for 13 years until his appointment as Assistant Vice President Student Services, during which time he chaired nine Senate Committees and was responsible for overseeing the offices of Student Awards, Student Affairs, Residence Services, Physical Plant, Health Services to name a few. George felt great compassion for students attending the University on a part-time basis and established the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS). His work in the area of student services was indeed extensive and Canada wide. He was the founding president of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.
During his long affiliation with Assumption University George was greatly influenced by the Basilian priests who were his teachers when he attended Assumption College, and embraced the School’s motto, Bonitatem et disciplinam et scientiam doce me. TEACH ME GOODNESS, DISCIPLINE, AND KNOWLEDGE. During his tenure at UWindsor, George continued his collaboration with Assumption University and the Basilian Priests he so admired and respected. He was the recipient of various Assumption University awards and honors including the Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel Award, the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal and in 2007 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Laws Honoris Causa at Assumption University’s Convocation ceremony.
When appointed Assistant Vice President Alumni Affairs in 1985 George committed himself to reinvigorating the Office of Alumni Affairs and the UWindsor Alumni Association. He dove into his new job with the same energy, enthusiasm and dedication that were the hallmarks of his approach to life. He initiated many programs and services for UWindsor alumni worldwide such as developing Alumni Chapters across the globe, introducing Alumni Affinity programs, such as MasterCard, Home and Auto Insurance, Diploma Framing, re-shaping and re-naming the Alumni Newsletter, “By George,” hosting Alumni events and reunions. Because of his love of Lancer sports, his first priority was to establish the UWindsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame to recognize and honor outstanding Lancer athletes. In 1986 he formed a non-voting executive committee to oversee the development of the criteria and categories for the Hall along with the formation of a 60-member nomination and selection committee. Five inductees were honored in the 1986 inaugural year and to date 137 outstanding individuals in the athlete and administrator/builder/coach categories have been inducted into the Hall. George was inducted in 2003 as founder of the Hall. Another significant accomplishment was the creation of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching in 1987 in which 64 professors have so far received the award. His efforts sparked renewed interest in the University by alumni and friends living at home and abroad. He was very proud of the fact that the Annual Giving Program reached the $1 million dollar mark under his leadership as AVP Alumni Affairs. It was during these years as head of Alumni operations that George reconnected with alumni who were students during the years when he was Dean, in addition to the many students he taught at the University and at Assumption and Commerce high schools. He was both humbled and proud to know that he was loved by so many.
As many of his co-workers and friends began to take retirement, George became the preferred Master of Ceremonies at their retirement celebrations. His speeches, which contained a mixture of sketchy notes, ad-lib commentary and personal anecdotes about the honoree, often brought the audience to tears and laughter. Upon his own retirement in 1996, President Ron Ianni invited him to write the histories of Assumption College, Assumption University of Windsor and the University of Windsor. The President offered him the use of Dr. Leddy’s office on the 3rd floor of Leddy Library, and for the next 19 years, George embraced this next chapter in his life with “pure zeal” and enthusiastically began his research. He subsequently authored four books relating to the history of the institutions we now know as the University of Windsor. His fifth book would outline Dr. J.F. Leddy’s tenure as President of the University of Windsor from 1963-1984. Regretfully in 2015, due to health reasons, he was unable to finish the book about the man he revered and who was his mentor for over 20 years.
Throughout his professional career, George also volunteered his time to a variety of charities and organizations like the Canadian Air Cadet League of Canada. He joined Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) #310 Squadron in 1947 as a young cadet eventually serving as commanding officer, obtaining the rank of Squadron Leader. He went on to serve as Regional Director of the Air Cadet League’s Ontario Provincial Committee, moving on to Area Vice Chair (Western Ontario) and finally as a member of the National Board of Governors of the Air Cadet League of Canada. George was a founding member of Wing #412 of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association in Windsor and served in all executive positions in the Wing, including terms as its President. He was elected to the positions of National Director, National Vice-President and President of the RCAFA. In recognition of his outstanding work with Air Cadets, George was awarded the 1967 Centennial Medal, the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Canadian government, the Ontario Award for Volunteerism, and the Distinguished Service Medal Award from the Air Cadet League of Canada. He very much enjoyed his long association with the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada as well as the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 594. He was a dedicated supporter of the Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign, standing outside for hours every year with a poppy box in hand. He loved the opportunity to meet people who stopped by to make a donation. In recognition of his military achievements, in 2002 he was invested into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Knights Templar).
George also served the Windsor community at large. He served as board member and Chair of the Diocesan Roman Catholic High School Board for Metropolitan Windsor at F.J. Brennan High School, was a member of the Windsor Media Council and was Co-Chair of the Windsor Chapter of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. His involvement as founding president of Autism Services Incorporated resulted in a substantial donation from the Toldo Foundation, and his service to United Way included chairing the personal gifts division. In addition to his volunteer services to these and other charities and organizations, George also served his Church in many ways too numerous to mention. A proud and devout Catholic, George relied on his faith in God to see him through difficult times. We have no doubt that by now the words, “Well done good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23) would have welcomed him into his Heavenly home.
One of the proudest moments in George’s life occurred when he was nominated to be a Torchbearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Torch Relay, carrying the Olympic Flame in Windsor on December 23, 2009. He was thrilled to accept the honor and recounted how he felt like a “rock star” as he arrived at the foot of Ouellette and Riverside Dr. to a roaring crowd of fans.
Although George was involved in all of these activities, he made sure there was time for family. He was present for almost all of the sporting events of his children and grandchildren and never missed a baptism, confirmation, school graduation, dance/music recital, birthday, or any occasion that was special to his grandchildren. He was our Pops and we will miss his overwhelming presence whenever we gather together as a family. He was proud, he was loved, and he was heaven blessed!
On behalf of the entire family, I wish to extend sincere gratitude to the Alzheimer’s Society for their amazing support and assistance in teaching us how to be with George during the early days of his diagnosis and throughout his dementia journey, and to his physician Dr. Sharon Doyle for her excellent care for so many years. We also express our thanks to the staff at Seasons Oak Park LaSalle and to the Villages at St. Clair, particularly Dr. Chan, Nurse Practitioner Shawna and the nurses and PSWs who loved and took good care of George over the past five years.
Donations in memory of George may be made to: the Alzheimer Society of Windsor Essex County, 364 Lancaster RCACS (Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron), the Poppy Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 594, or Autism Services Incorporated—the Bruce Awad Summer Program.
Rest in peace, George. You were my best friend and mentor in life, and in death you will forever remain in my heart. Thanks for the memories and for being my loving and supportive husband for 20 years, come September.
Due to Covid19 restrictions, a memorial Mass and service will be planned at an appropriate time when it is safe for family and friends to gather openly to celebrate George’s life.
Arrangements entrusted to Families First, 3260 Dougall, South Windsor, 519-969-5841. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca