Tribute

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Schomberg (Sham) Mahon III on September 30^th, 2022, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C., Canada.  Predeceased by his father, Schomberg II, mother, Muriel Joy, sister Francis and brother Gerald.

Beloved husband, father and Papa, is survived by his wife, Patricia (nee Liggett), children Schomberg (Victoria), Tara (Ogle), and Kelly (Danny), brothers David (Heather) and Casey (Kerri), 7 grandchildren, Keiran, Jennifer, Liam, Shammie, Maeve, Naomi, Aidan and his chosen daughter Terri (Brian).

Born in Bracebridge, Ont., Sham was the fourth of five children.  After enough cold winters and bug filled summers, he and his family moved to Sannich, B.C, where they lived briefly before finally settling down to set up roots in the Cowichan Valley in 1965.

Sham met his wife of 52 years, Pat in 1968, were married in 1970 and briefly lived in Duncan where they were blessed with their son.  Three years later, came the arrival of their first daughter. Then, he moved his family to Mill Bay. This is where Sham began his passion for his chosen career as a respected and admired Millwright at Bamberton Cement Plant.  During this time, he met many of his life long and trusted friends, beginning with Ed Nelson and Al Murray.  While living in Mill Bay, Sham joined the Mill Bay Fire Department as a Volunteer Firefighter.  It was here were he met his dearest and beloved friend, David Trodd and his wife Ann.

Duty-bound, his career compelled him and his family to move to Port Hardy for work at Island Copper Mine in 1980.  This is where their family unit was completed with the addition of their second daughter. Sham joined the Port Hardy Fire Department as a Volunteer Firefighter and became fast friends with Bill Scott. Sham was instrumental in forming intradepartmental competitions and camaraderie between the fire departments.  Port Hardy also brought Jan and Bill Borgen into his circle of friends.

In 1987, the family moved back to Duncan and Sham set off to work at the Crofton Pulp and Paper Mill.  Here, his claim to fame was working the pump house on Cowichan River. During his years at the mill, Sham built a strong bond with Kenny Blace.  In his retirement, Sham worked for West Coast Prefab as a contractor.

Sham was a man of various hobbies and interests.  These included vintage cars (especially his ’56 Ford Victoria), geocaching, hunting and fishing.  It is in the latter two that he has instilled this love in his children and grandchildren.  His most favourite pastime was Friday Night Cards which now has two seats empty.

To complete Sham’s close circle of friends and fellow hunting partners, we must include Brian Dodds.

Sham, the ever-stubborn Irishman, touched many who knew him.  Friends, workmates, random friends of his children all knew his easy smile and lack of judgement.  Even in passing, Sham’s legacy and selflessness lives on through his organ donation and passing of his specialized tools to a worthy apprentice.  He will be missed by too many to mention.  We love you Papa, happy hunting….

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.