John Mackie Bragg

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John Mackie Bragg (97). Mr. Bragg was born in Winninpeg, Manitoba, Canada to Jessie Heughan Bragg and George Wilfred Bragg on July 10, 1921. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 19 where he used celestial navigation methods to plot bombing runs during World War II. He earned a Bachelors of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba where he intended to pursue an advanced degree in Physics until a chance encounter with a math professor changed the trajectory of his life when it was suggested that he should follow a course in Actuarial Science. He never had a dull day since. He started his career with The Great-West Life Assurance Company until he was recruited for the position of establishing an actuarial department with the Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He arose through the ranks at LOG from Chief Actuary to President, CEO and Chairman by 1977 when he decided to start his own consulting company, Bragg Associates Inc., in 1978 til present. He held various professional designations such as President of the Society of Actuaries and President of the American Council on Life Insurance as well as membership in the American Casualty Actuarial Society and the International Consulting Actuaries Society. Mr. Bragg received many publishing achievements including a highly acclaimed paper on life insurance rates and socio-economic status as well as his most recent paper on Human Health Based on the theory of Quantum Mechanics. One of Mr. Bragg's greatest achievements was the abolishment of racial pricing at the LOG which triggered the abolishment of the practice industry wide in the early to mid sixties. Upon arrival in Atlanta, He was completely astonished to discover that pricing was being handled in this way simply based on the color of ones skin. Mr. Bragg was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder for three terms. He was also a member of the choir. Mr. Bragg had various recreational interests including, Symphony, Opera, Football, and Baseball. In fact he was the Braves #1 fan. He is survived by his Children Ian Mackie Bragg, Nancy Bragg Koppes and Linda Bragg Cuthbertson as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Joan Ellen Griffin and his eldest son David George Wilfred Bragg.