John (Gee) Ahern, in his early years, was an active participant in hockey, rugby, and baseball. However, he is best known for the promotion of sport in Nova Scotia.

He was responsible for the Halifax Herald Ten-Mile Marathon, the Halifax Herald Full Marathon, and the Halifax Herald Forty-Five-Mile Bicycle Race. Ahern also established the original Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1958. He collected and donated many of the items that were first on display at the old Industrial Building at the Halifax Forum complex.

An all-around community person, Ahern served as an Alderman and Mayor of the City of Halifax and was a member of the Nova Scotia legislature as well.