Jon Mahar

Some people make a lasting impression as they travel through our lives. Anyone who has ever met Jon will no doubt fondly remember him, most likely with a smile or an outright chuckle. Never one to hold back when an honest answer was needed, or when an opportunity to “go for it” presented itself, Jon’s philosophy of “better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” made his life and everyone’s around him more interesting.

Jon was born in Newmarket, Ontario to Alma Thibault and Lloyd Mahar moving to Nova Scotia at age 4 to grow up with family, most notably Aunt Cerita and Uncle Bean. After leaving a lasting impression at Barton Consolidated and Digby Regional High Schools - attested to by his daughter Courtney who found teachers remembered him 30 years later, Jon worked in the fishing industry, made a ton of friends and livened up innumerous parties. It was at this time that he met and fell in love with Tanya Halliday who later became his wife of 20 years. Looking west for more adventures, he drove logging trucks up and down mountain roads in BC until he figured he had that one tamed and then jumped into the oil business. He and Tanya moved to Medicine Hat where Courtney came along to brighten everyone’s life. In his usual style it wasn’t long before Jon was helping his supervisors see that he was not only up to the job but could get it done on time and that his way was usually the better way. Many in the Alberta oil patch and in various locations around the world such as Australia and the Middle East got to know and enjoy working with him. As he worked his way up through the system, he made sure that the people working with him knew that if they did their job he had their back. He was greatly respected by the people he worked with and the companies he worked for.

The family moved back home in 2001, with Dawson arriving in 2002. Their children were the two proudest accomplishments in his life. While the travel back and forth was never easy, Jon made sure he was home with his family as often as possible. He enjoyed good times camping at Keji and Fox Mountain, entertaining without trying, always ready to cook a feast for his family and friends and first up to get breakfast ready for the crowd.

Once the oil business slowed down, Jon grabbed the opportunity to move home full time and started his own trucking business, Mahar Trucking, working closely with cousin and co-conspirator Justin Thibault.

Unfortunately, things don’t always work out as planned and Jon has had to move on to the next adventure ahead of schedule. While the ones waiting there are likely excited to be reunited with Jon, he leaves behind his wife, Tanya; children, Courtney and Dawson and his mother, Alma Thibault (Rick & Nick Foote), to relive the memories, miss his unique sense of humour, his booming laugh, his larger than life presence and his truly caring, loving attitude. Waiting for Jon on the other side are his dad, Lloyd Mahar, his great-uncle, Eugene “Uncle Bean” and great-aunt, Cerita Dugas, his grandfather, Gardie Thibault and cousin, Eber Balser.

As per Jon’s wishes, there will be no service but public visitation from 2-4 on February 11th, at Jayne’s Funeral Home in Digby. A sendoff celebration with family and friends will be planned for a later date. If you wish, please donate in Jon’s memory to Digby General Hospital, Palliative Care or any of the Digby County Fire Departments.

"He started out as a friend and quickly became my big brother and best friend. Built as tough and determined as they come. He was a warrior and put 100% into everything he was part of."

"l salute you Jon Mahar for all the advice you offered a greenhorn"

"He taught me a lot. He always made me laugh and kept things interesting"

"He was always able to get you to laugh, called things straight up so you always knew where he stood and would and could tackle anything"

"Jon will never be forgotten and the world won't be the same without him. He has touched a lot of lives. I know I owe him a lot for the life I have now."

"He is a man that no one would forget. lt's very easy to pull a memory of Jon out from the back of your mind. He was top notch."

"He was a true master at running any piece of equipment that he was asked to operate and he did this with ease. Thanks for coaching me up Mr. Mahar you will be truly missed."

"Your dad was one of a kind with a heart of gold!"

"l was proud to call him a friend. Your Dad was a great guy!”

"He was always easy to be around and had a way about him that made everyone want to be his friend. He touched a lot of people in his time and has left his mark on many who will never forget his infectious personality, charm and quick witted sense of humor."

"BlG JON was a GREAT, GREAT MAN!”

“Jon trusted me and had faith in me, giving me the opportunity to succeed in life.”

“There will sure be a big hole in our lives. We will always remember your smile.”