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Obituary for John “Graham” Mann
John “Graham” Mann
June 13, 1936 – August 19, 2019
Graham was born in Vancouver, B.C. during its Golden Jubilee year to Ray & Dorothy Mann (McCowan) and passed away in Kimberley, B.C., 12 months to the day following a heart attack while travelling in Kalispell, MT.
Graham spent 36 years of his life in the airline business, allowing him the opportunity to travel to every province and territory in Canada, 27 U.S. states (including an 8-year stint living and working in New York City), plus countries in Europe, Asia and South America. If asked about his airline career, he used to say “I did everything except fix, fly or finance the planes.”
In August of 1994 Graham and Gerda retired to Kimberley and became part of this remarkable community, church and Rotary. In the ensuing 25 years they never questioned their choice of retirement location. The following April they welcomed Gerda’s mom, Alice, into their home where she and Graham developed a close, loving relationship.
Graham’s hobbies included golfing and curling, which he sorely missed in the last few years. He was an avid reader and travelled extensively with his wife Gerda and mother-in-law Alice.
Graham lived with enthusiasm, welcoming each new experience and adventure. He was an intelligent, curious man who absorbed information and was quick to offer comments on a wealth of topics. Graham embraced life, family and friends, and freely shared his talents, time and expertise. He truly lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
Graham was a dedicated Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellow and a Paul Harris Benefactor. He was a passionate ShelterBox Ambassador and in 2016 received an “All Star” award for his exceptional fund-raising.
Graham was predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard (Dick) Mann, his nephew Ian Mann, and his son Steven Mann. He is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Gerda, mother-in-law Alice Geisser, grandchildren Kenny Mann (Laura & daughter Madilyn), Jordan Coulter (Chelsie & daughter Violet), Alyssa Hewko (Aaron & daughter Eleanor), Nick Mann, nephew David Mann (Wendy & children Kyrie, Christopher & Peter), niece Jennifer Mann, Ian’s children Tyler and Lisa Mann, sister-in-law Bev Mann, along with numerous family and friends.
A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at the Kimberley United Church at 3 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, Graham would be delighted by any donation in his memory made to ShelterBox Canada (at www.shelterboxcanada.org or through our local Credit Union), Kimberley United Church or a charity of your choice.
