Bev C. Mahon
March 27, 2009
Bev C. ("Mr. Varsity") Mahon, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2009.
He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on Oct. 21, 1922 to Elton C. and Georgia G. (Hillard) Mahon. He grew up in Monroe, Iowa and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.
He attended Stanford University and served as a cryptographer with a B-29 outfit on Tinian Island in World War II. On May 13, 1950 he married the love of his life, Zora Fini.
His interest in movies as a youngster led to a life-long passion in the motion picture business for 78 years. He had worked for National Screen, Paramount Pictures and owned and operated theatres in Pella; Omaha, Neb.; Sioux City and Des Moines.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Zora; daughters, Denise (Robert Newton) and Michele Mahon; sons Mike and Greg; and favorite grandchild, Celeste, who all reside in West Des Moines.
Bev was a hard-working person who will be most remembered for his wit and kindness. He had a wealth of faith expressed not so much by words but by actions. A warm host, he will be missed, but not forgotten, by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a vigil on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Sacred Heart Church, 1627 Grand Ave in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the Mahon family at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.
Darlene Clark
04/04/2009
My husband, Harold Butz, and I extend our condolences to the wonderful family of Bev C. Mahon. Bev and his family are an Iowa Treasure and we are all so fortunate that the sharing of the Treasure continues with the Varsity. The Varsity is a continuing celebration of the life of Bev C. Mahon.
Sincerely Darlene Clark
Marty Wetherill
04/04/2009
Denise,
I wanted to add my condolances to the many I know you and your family are receiving for your wonderful dad. You all are doing a wonderful job adding a sweet and interesting dimension to DSM and people's lives.
Thanks and hope to see you now and then!
Love,
Marty
Pat Buchanan
04/03/2009
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Blessings on the Mahon family and thank you very, very much for the gift of the Varsity.
Gerald and Elaine Van Dyck
04/02/2009
The Varsity is about the only theater thae we go to. He will be greatly missed!
We will continue to support the Varsity.
Mario Gazali
04/02/2009
I own Gazali's restaurant next to the Varsity and have had the pleasure of getting to know Bev over the years. On occasion, Bev would stop by for a cup of coffee and we would chat. I always got a kick out of his sense of humor--he was one of a kind!
Bev was always warm and friendly--he will be missed dearly.
I was unable to attend the services but please know, Denise, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mario
Vivian (De Heus) Glendening
04/02/2009
Bev hired two young high school students (Jerry Stump and Vivian De Heus, we were class mates) to work at the Pella Theater. It was our first job, about 56 years ago. I just talked with Jerry and we reminisced. We had good memories and some good laughs of working for Bev. We send you our deepest sympathy. We pray that God's Peace and Comfort be with you and your family.
Vivian Glendening and Jerry Stump
Jerry & Cindy Mathiasen
04/02/2009
Dear Mrs. Mahon, Greg, and the entire Mahon family, we want you to know that we are thinking of you and that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I get the Des Moines newspaper a day late over here in Council Bluffs so just learned today of Bev's passing and wanted to get a message to you as soon as possible. Mr. Varsity meant so much to so many people, we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
A Scotsman & Friend,
Jerry & Cindy Mathiasen
Mike Scholer
04/01/2009
To the Mahon family and to Mike in particular,
Just wanted to express my sympathy to you on the loss of your father Bev. I didn't know him personally but like so many in Des Moines and the Drake neighborhood felt like he was a great guy who raised our standards and really improved our community through his life's work. Will be thinking of you and holding you in prayer this week.
P.S. One favorite memory I will always retain is going to the Varsity with some Dowling H.S. classmates to see "The Graduate", and the lasting impression that film and the venue made on us all. Along with that '69 Bulldog basketball team .... Those were the days!
Srs. Cathy and JoAnne Talarico, CHM
04/01/2009
Dear zora and family:
We want you to know that you are all remembered in our prayers. We both have had great interactions with Mr. Varsity. I have wonderful memories of the Mahon's at Sacred Heart.
You are indeed a wonderful family who has lost a great husband and father. We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Love and prayers,
Sister Cathy and Sister JoAnne Talarico, CHM
Nashi Khalastchi
04/01/2009
Bev will surely be missed. I enjoyed seeing his smiling face as we went to the movies at the Varsity. It will not be the same.. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Fr. Al Sherbo
04/01/2009
I hope to be at the funeral on Thursday if all works out. Always enjoyed visiting with Bev about the old times in WDM, and admired his courage in bringing controversial and off-beat films to Des Moines. Have always appreciated your kindnesses to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers. See you at the movies ....
God bless,
FR. Al
Leo Oxberger
04/01/2009
Des Moines was a better place because Bev was here.
Jeanie Murphy
04/01/2009
Denise and family
I am so very deeply sorry to hear about your father's death. I hope to make it to visitation or funeral, but not sure that I will be able to. I have been thinking about you since I heard the news and I'll be praying for you and your family as I know what profound sadness the loss of a loved one brings to the family. You're in my thoughts and prayer.. Jeanie
Marty Gross
03/31/2009
It was with sadness that I heard of Bev's passing. He was a sweet, warm
person whom we always looked forward to seeing. He contributed a lot to the
Drake neighborhood and to Des Moines culture. [My sister lives in Houston and
wants to know why I get to see the best, most interesting movies...that she
can't find in Houston. It's because of The Varsity.]
He will be missed and remembered most fondly. My sympathies to you.
Marty
Gayle Krejci
03/30/2009
Denise,and family
Sorry to read of the death of your father and loved one.
With heartfilled Sympathy.
Gayle Krejci