Obituary of Mah Ming

John Monchan Mah passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2008 in the loving arms of his family at the age of 71 years. He was the first grandson of James Mah Poy (Maverick immigrant profiled at the Glenbow Museum), and the eldest son of Jack and Song Mah Ming. He was born in 1936 in Edmonton, Alberta. John spent his younger years in Ponoka and Red Deer and eventually settled in Calgary. He received his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. John lived an enriched life which included teaching high school in Camrose, AB, serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, working for his family’s clothing business in Red Deer, working as a residential realtor and as a Commissionaire in Calgary. However, John’s true calling in life was that of a non traditional father. He was a modern man whose main occupation was being our full-time dad and granddad to our children. His commitment to family can be best described as “on-call and on-deman”, for he participated/volunteered in nearly every sporting, academic, and artistic event in our lives. He supported various community projects including the “Adopt a park” program. He helped maintain the neighbourhood park for over 25 years. He was a swim meet Official for Swimming Canada for many years, and most recently, President of the Riverfront Condominiums. John had a unique array of interests that made his life so full. He loved learning about the latest in high tech electronics; he was always the first to know about community events such as Stampede breakfasts! He was a wealth of knowledge when it came to buying. John knew his prices! And, he knew good value when he saw it. He enjoyed good food, and was a passionate Calgary Flames fan. John became an active member of the Cardiology Living Well program at the Crowfoot YMCA following his quadruple coronary by-pass surgery in 1999. Unfortunately his health declined with advanced bladder cancer that eventually metastasized to his bones. John will always be remembered for his bright smile, engaging personality, positive attitude, and unconditional generosity to all those who met him. He is survived by his loving wife, Oi Wah Mah Ming, and his children Jinell Mah Ming (James Hildebrandt), Joylin Nodwell (Keith Nodwell), and Jason Mah Ming; his grandchildren Lachlan Shum, Geneva Nodwell, Dawson Nodwell, Vienna Nodwell, Kaiden Hildebrandt, and Brendon Hildebrandt; his siblings James Mah Ming (Dr. Shirley Hovan), Dora Daniel (Patrick Daniel), and Barry Mah Ming. A Celebration of John’s life will take place on Saturday, May 24 at the McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Reception at the Golden Inn Restaurant 107A – 2 Avenue SE to follow. There will also be an open casket viewing at the Chapel of the Bells on Friday, May 23 from 6:30-8:30pm. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Flowers are welcome, or please send a donation to the Calgary Health Trust in support of Palliative homecare and Hospice care; or on-line at www.community.calgaryhealthtrust.ca (John’s profile is under the name Jinell Mah Ming). Our family would like to thank Dr. CW Hyndman, Dr. Richard Barr, Rockyview Hospital Unit 71 Urology staff and Unit 73 Internal Medicine staff, the staff at Palliative homecare, and the staff at the Chinook Hospice. In living memory of John Mah Ming, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296