Obituary of Daniel George Mahoney

MAHONEY: Dan Mahoney passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 86 years. Daniel (George) Mahoney was born October 24, 1933 in Brandon, MB to George and Helen Mahoney (Michalko); Dan was the eldest son. George and Helen would soon welcome Dan's youngest brother Jack to complete their young family. The family enjoyed the great outdoors with many adventures that included nature, hiking, wildlife, trails, gardening, sports and so much more. Following public education at Central School, Fleming School, Earl Oxford School, then Brandon Collegiate Institute, Dan worked at Manitoba Hydro for a few years. Soon an opportunity arose for a position at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo with the Department of National Defence (DND). In the meantime, Dan met his love and forever partner in marriage Darlene (Murray) in 1956. They married one year later in September of 1957. They would go on to celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage in 2017 until his dear Darlene passed away at the age of 80 in January of 2018. After the 1957 marriage, Dan and Darlene purchased one of the first family homes in a new development called Green Acres where they would reside and happily raise their 2 children, David and Diane. With Dan working at CFB Shilo as a Civil Servant for the Department of National Defense, he quickly rose in the ranks to become Systems Control Officer at CFB Base Supply where he would spend his entire career. He was highly respected for his exemplary public service over the years and enjoyed a distinguished, fulfilling career. Being an avid golfer, Dan was humbled and surprised when the #5 golf hole at the Shilo Golf & Country Club was named in his honour upon his retirement. A large sign was installed with the name 'Mahoney's Meadow'. Dan was always passionate about Brandon and Manitoba history. He was a great conversationalist, whether it be world issues, life in general or just sitting with him having a relaxed chat. He was a true historian, naturalist and horticulturist. He was a man with an ongoing thirst for knowledge and a true Renaissance man. He had a love for music, gardening and guitar picking. Dan was a dedicated family man whose family, home and community were most important. A true gentleman with a lifelong, endearing sense of humour and quick wit up until his passing, he had a gift for connecting with people in a casual and respectful manner. The home and gardens that he and Darlene built and nurtured together over the years were indeed a wonderful testament of a good family life. He will be fondly missed and remembered by longtime neighbours, family and friends. Dan is survived by his loving family; children David (Jan) and Diane (Peter), brother Jack (Rose), grandchildren; Erin (Steve), Kayla, Kerri (Ben) and Krystin (Nick). Great grandchildren; Jadyn, Ethan, Hudson, Ella, Charlie (Charlotte), Sean and Scott. He'll also be deeply missed by cousins, nieces and nephews that had valued relationships with Dan and remember him as a kind, funny and loving gentleman. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Helen Mahoney and his beloved wife, Darlene. "We've said our last goodbyes. May he rest in peace after a fulfilling, good life. He was our life teacher and our best friend. Though he may be gone, memories carry on. He taught us well. We will never forget him." Rest in Peace, Danny boy. A private family service was held July 29th, 2020 and a garden life celebration followed with Kim Lewarne as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan's memory to a charity of choice.