During McMahon's tenure with the Virginia tourism office, Virginia moved into the top 10 states from a ranking of 15th in the nation for travelers' expenditures. In October 1997 McMahon was inducted into the Travel Industry Association of America's Hall of Leaders, an honor reserved for those who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the U.S. travel industry, to the image of the United States as an outstanding travel destination and to the task of communicating the economic importance of tourism.

William S. Norman, TIA President and CEO, expressed the loss on the national scene with these words: "A very great sorrow has fallen upon the entire United States travel and tourism industry with the unfortunate death of our dear friend and colleague, Patrick A. McMahon. 

Pat was known and respected by every major figure in our industry, and he was a leader possessed of uncommon skills and professionalism. His many honors attest to his distinguished position in our industry. The superlatives that one could use to describe the qualities of character of Pat McMahon are endless, but if there is one word that could sum up this magnificent man, it is dedication. I don't believe I would incur the wrath of any of my colleagues in the travel and tourism industry by saying that, without condition or qualification, no one was more dedicated to the celebration and promotion of the travel experience in the United States and, more specifically, in Virginia, than Pat McMahon. 

Even when his health began to decline, he was always a selfless worker and volunteer on behalf of our industry. His presence and outstanding contributions greatly enriched our industry. His untimely death greatly diminishes it." 

Until his death, McMahon held positions of prestige in the travel industry, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee of the United States National Tourism Organization, on the board of the Executive Committee of TIA and as vice chairman of the TIA Government Affairs Advisory Council. In addition, he was a member of the U.S. Marketing Council of TIA and served on the board of Travel South USA, the Capital Region USA, the Southeast Tourism Society, Virginia Civil War Trails Corporation, and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.

The honors McMahon received throughout his career reflect his broad vision. The recipient of numerous state, national and international awards -- including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Environmental Protection, he was also named State Travel Director of the Year in 1986 by TIA. An accredited member of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents and a Certified Travel Counselor, Mr. McMahon was a native of Wichita, Kansas. A Lieutenant Colonel, USAR (Ret.), he was the recipient of a Purple Heart and special commendations for service in Vietnam. Services for Mr. McMahon will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 18, at Bliley Funeral Homes' Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Road in Richmond. Friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Dec. 16 and 17, 5 to 7 p.m., at Chippenham Chapel. Contributions to the American Cancer Society and the Boy Scouts of America are requested in lieu of flowers.