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Howard Mathieson

Image by Nick Andréka

JOHN HOWARD MATHIESON

December 25, 1944 – May 23, 2024

Howard Mathieson, born in Winnipeg at St. Boniface Hospital on December 25, 1944, to parents Jack and Marie (Dangerfield) Mathieson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 23, 2024.


Howard grew up in St. Vital, graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate. He earned a BA from United College (University of Winnipeg) and a BEd from the University of Manitoba. On May 25, 1968, he married Elaine Galton, and they started their family in Winnipeg’s west end with their son John, born in 1969, and daughter Angela in 1972.


Howard dedicated over 30 years to teaching human geography, history, and economics at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, retiring in 2000. He established and coached the Collegiate’s basketball program for many years and was an early adopter of computer technology, having purchased a Tandy in the early eighties. He was one of the first to have internet in the home albeit with painstakingly slow dial-up service.


In addition to his teaching career, Howard coached community club soccer and junior high school basketball. Howard and Elaine were dedicated sports fans and parents, never missing Angie’s or John’s games. They continued that tradition with their grandkids Kaiya and Tyler. 


In 1972, Howard and his father-in-law built a one-room cottage on his in-laws’ lot at Sherwood Lake. This cottage expanded over the years into a cherished family retreat, enjoyed for many years to come. Howie always said he was he was the richest man in the world, with the sparkles on Sherwood Lake his diamonds. 


He was passionately involved in progressive politics and was a committed social democrat, holding membership in the NDP for over 50 years. In his younger years, Howard volunteered at various levels for the provincial and federal parties during numerous elections. He loved a good discussion about politics.


After retirement, Howard and Elaine traveled extensively to destinations including Northern Ireland, France, Holland, Austria, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, the UK, and the US. They enjoyed many years as snowbirds in Mesa, AZ, until just this past year.


Howard developed a profound interest in genealogy, particularly geogenealogy, which combines genealogy, history, geography, and surname studies. He became an accomplished scholar in one-name studies and surname mapping and analysis. His research, cited in numerous publications, led to presentations in Canada, the UK, and the US. Howard designed several websites detailing his projects and took great pleasure in helping others discover their ancestral origins.


In his later years, Howard's creative side blossomed as he took up painting in various mediums, focusing on landscapes. He also enjoyed the craft of wood carving. Always eager to embrace new technology, Howard was looking forward to purchasing a new iPad to further his interest in digital painting. His interest is horticulture kept him busy with new ideas for his rock gardens at the lake. Howard's creativity and passion for these hobbies brought joy to his life and those around him.


Howard faced and prevailed over two life-threatening health challenges in the past with optimism and never a complaint. However, the treatments that extended his life ultimately caused irreversible damage to his heart and lungs. After nearly three weeks on life support at Grace Hospital ICU, he bravely accepted that his condition was worsening. The entire family, including his grandchildren, were able to be with him and speak with him for several hours until the end. The family wishes to thank the staff at Grace Hospital ICU for their outstanding care and compassion.


Howard’s boundless curiosity for the world and profound love of life touched everyone he met. His deep affection for his family and friends was evident in every moment he shared with them. He is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by his devoted wife Elaine; his son John (Junko); his daughter Angela (Leita Kalinowsky); grandpup Shadow; and his cherished grandchildren, Kaiya and Tyler Mathieson. Howard's legacy and kindness will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.


In 2007, Howard was made a Fellow of the University of Winnipeg, and an entrance scholarship was established in his name. If friends desire, a donation to this scholarship can be made through the University of Winnipeg Foundation by clicking here, or by calling 204-988-7509.


Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are welcome to share stories and memories at an informal remembrance gathering at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Rae & Jerry’s Restaurant, located at 1405 Portage Ave.  


Howard’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to hon-our his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Catherine Gallagher

September 26, 2024 at 12:58 AM

I am very sorry and sad to hear about Howard's death, I met him twice when he came to our West Valley Genealogical Society in Youngtown, Arizona over the past few years - talking up Canada research and Ireland/Scotland research. He was an excellent speaker and a generous man. Sending sympathy to his wife and family. Let's hope he is in Heaven talking with his many ancestors!

Diana Flodin Rogers

July 18, 2024 at 1:02 AM

I was deeply saddened to learn of Howard's passing and send my condolences to his family. I'll remember him as a kind man, generous with his time and certainly his expertise in genealogy research. We shared the Dangerfield surname (his mother, my grandmother).

I'll miss his Facebook posts.....

Martha Bowes

July 1, 2024 at 4:33 PM

Howard leaves a long trail of admiring followers at the Facebook groups he founded for 'Surname Distribution Mapping' and 'Ulster Scots Scots Irish Genealogy'. These groups combined drew nearly 20,000 members. Many participants there have acknowledged and remarked with sadness about the news of Howard's passing. His co-admins humbly plan to carry these groups into the future. Howard was also remembered in the latest Journal of One-Name Studies.

 

I'm personally grateful for all he did for my surname study as well as having had the chance to see him several times, once with Elaine, during winter travels down south. My sincerest sympathies go to Howard's family and friends,

Todd Scott

June 17, 2024 at 11:58 PM

I am at a loss of words and at the same time my mind is flooded with stories followed up with the echos of one of his hallmark laughs.

you will be missed Sir.

Esther McKenty

June 12, 2024 at 9:27 PM

Clare and I are saddenned to hear of Howard's passing. We extend our sincere condolences.

It was a pleasure to work with you, Elaine, and with Howard , in Friendship Force of Manitoba.

Geri Breddam-Taylor

June 7, 2024 at 9:43 AM

I am so sorry to hear of Howie's passing. He was my wonderful colleague at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. As a new staff member Howie's help and guidance to me was invaluable. It was a joy woking with him. I cannot watch a basketball game without many fond memorie surfacing of us and basketball season at the Collegiate. He truly cared for all our students and his legacy as a basketball coach will always be part of the Collegiate. My prayers and condolences go out to the family..

Barbara and Albert Mickey

June 6, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We will miss Howard, his wit and great conversation. We loved his humor and he was a lovely man. We have lots of great memories and he will be missed.

Steve Tesdahl

June 6, 2024 at 11:11 AM

Howard helped me on a Miller surname genealogy mapping project in Ulster plantation last year. Super helpful guy to work with.

Leona Mayer

June 5, 2024 at 12:16 AM

I am sorry to learn of Howard's passing. My deepest sympathies to you, Elaine and your family. I noticed that Howard was born five days before Bob both at St. Boniface hospital. Their mothers may have passed in the corridors. Connections. Take care.

 

 

Glen Bergeron

June 4, 2024 at 6:49 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I knew Howard as an athletic therapist at the Unniversity of Winnipeg and treated many collegiat athletes. I always cherished my time with him and appreciated his concern for his athletes. He truly was a pioneer in the development of the Collegiate athletic program. He has left a lasting legacy that the family should be very proud. I noted that he is wearing the same Bomber sweatshirt that I have. I will wear mine with a new source of remembrance and pride.

My prayers and condolences go out to the family.

Vince and Sandie Bueti

June 2, 2024 at 10:30 PM

Dear Elaine and family,

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Howie. We have many fond memories of living in the West End and getting to know your family and other fine folks who got involved in the politics of the day. It was always a pleasure getting together with you and Howie at your home for meetings and enjoyable conversation.

 

Howie will always be remembered by us as a loveable guy with many fine features , in particular , fairness and intellect with a touch of mischievousness.

 

Sincere condolences.

 

 

Bryan and Arlene Keller and family.

June 1, 2024 at 3:28 PM

Sherwood Lake will not be the same for us without Howard next door. He was a good neighbour and great friend for over 40 years.He will be missed by the kellers. Rest in peace old friend.

Bryan and Arlene

Russ Muth

June 1, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Although we drifted apart after our teens and early 20's I have many fond memories of Howie and all our groups frequent "meetings" at Greg McBeans residence. Friends Rick, Eddy, Jim, Greg had many encounters but we all moved on. Howie was always the leader when it came to education and schol persuits.

he will be fondly remembered. Condolences to extended family.

Gladys bellamy

June 1, 2024 at 2:24 AM

How lucky was I to meet Howard and Elaine in Mesa several years ago. I treasure the fun we all had every time we got together, the great political debates, the good food, the games, and above all, the laughter. I'm so thankful to have had you as my friend, Howie, and love that you called me "Gag." I hope that they have CNN in heaven!

love Gladys

 

Pierre and Pat Chevrier

June 1, 2024 at 1:09 AM

Oh Howard, Pierre and I are going to miss you so very much. Loved getting together for cocktail hours and dinner and discussing/ solving the problems of the world.. Loved getting a rise out of you by mentioning "you know who" and loved playing polish poker for money!. So glad you and Pierre met in that hot tub in Carriage Manor! And so glad we found out thst you lived only five doors away from us on Thorncliff Bay.. Rest in peace our dear friend.

 

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