Albert George Alfred Mahon died peacefully in Toronto at the age of 98 (in his 99th year, as he liked to say) with his family by his side.

Loving husband to Anne for over 65 years (1927- 2015) and beloved father to Peter (Katharine), Monica (Larry), Catherine (Robert), Barbara (John), Elizabeth (Lawrence); proud Grandpa to 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; cherished uncle and dear friend, Albert will be dearly missed.

Born and raised in London, England, the 7th of 9 children, Albert helped his family by delivering newspapers as a boy. One of the stories he loved to tell was about delivering the newspaper to St. James’s Palace to the Duke and Duchess of York, who were soon to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the “Queen Mother.”

Albert joined the Territorial Army in April of 1939 and was called to active service when war was declared. He saw action in North Africa and Italy where he was finally discharged in 1946. Albert married his beloved Anne in July of 1948 and a few short months later relocated to Toronto where they settled and raised their five children. His work through the years included The Hospital for Sick Children, and as a financial advisor for Mutual Life Insurance.

Of prime importance to Albert and Anne in those early years in Toronto, was finding the right Church to call home. Their search led them to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene which met their desire to worship God in the richness of the Anglican tradition. An additional blessing, and something that would impact Albert’s entire life, was the glorious music at SMM, led by renowned composer and organist Dr. Healey Willan. In Albert’s own words, the fact that Dr. Willan was the Director of Music at St. Mary’s was “a bonus beyond anything we could have imagined. The contribution that he made to the quality of life for myself and indeed for my whole family, is beyond measure – its effect will never diminish.”

At the invitation of Willan, Albert joined the “Ritual Choir’ in January 1949 where he eventually became cantor and over the years became recognized as one of the foremost authorities on plainsong music.

Albert’s powerful voice was described as “rich and lusty” and for many at SMM, signaled the start of the mass on most Sundays. In the words of one of his dear friends,
“When people think of SMM, they think of the Doc. I and many others, think of Albert Mahon. His powerful voice, to me, always led the mass. I always waited, for instance, on a feast day when he was heard to begin a procession with the sung words “Hail thee festival day!” He was almost like a pop star. (We) would stand side by side in the gallery (choir) waiting for him to sing those words with his strong voice and look at each other smiling broadly. Albert was a giant in church music and we have lost a national treasure.”

After the death of Healey Willan, Albert continued a legacy started by The Doc by reactivating The Gregorian Association of Canada, an organization dedicated to the preservation of plainsong in the church. Like-minded musicians gathered around to promote this unique form of music and even recorded an album.

In the 1980s Albert became involved in the “Charismatic Movement” that was sweeping through the Anglican church and he took up a role in The Bishop’s Renewal Committee, developing through the experience a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus, and understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit. He also expanded his musical repertoire to include new contemporary worship music.

Albert loved the contemporary expression of worship almost as much as the traditional hymns and plainsong he grew up with. In his latter years, he would delight in throwing open his door and sharing with the staff at Kensington Gardens with a mix of fine organ music, rousing choral pieces and modern worship songs. According to the staff, they enjoyed what Albert shared; not just his music, but his faith. He was willing to share the good news and to pray for anyone at any time.

Albert was a life-long Arsenal fan and he delighted in recent years in watching televised games, dressed in team colours, along with family members who shared his passion.

Albert was wise, opinionated, outspoken, and a wonderful story-teller. He would regale a gathering without too much urging, and if you’d heard his story before, you’d enjoy it again. Thankfully, some of Albert’s stories have been written down, so generations to come can enjoy the legacy Albert has left.

In his last decade or so, remembrances of wartime became more and more important to Albert. Each November 11th he would proudly don his campaign medals and pin on his poppy then attend, along with as many family members who could come, a commemoration of the armistice. While a resident at Kensington Gardens he would usually be asked to read the poem, “In Flanders Field,” which he would do with passion.

Albert’s entire family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kensington Gardens for your wonderful care of both of our parents, and especially of our father over the last 6 years. We bless you for your dedication to the care and nurture of the residents, as well as your attentiveness to the questions and concerns of their families.

A sung Requiem Mass was held on Saturday October 2, 2021 in Toronto.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100)