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Don Matthews

Image by Nick Andréka

DONALD ARTHUR MATTHEWS

May 26, 1936 - May 24, 2022

With heavy hearts, we announce that Donald Matthews passed away on May 24, 2022 peacefully at home two days before his 86th birthday.

 

He is survived by his wife Dolores; sons Shawn and Scott; grandchildren Nathan, Nicole, Connor and Kayla; brother Joe (Donna); sister-in-laws Ollie Matthews, Joyce Woods; brother-in-law Laurie Elsom and nieces and nephews.

 

Donald was born in Shanavon, Saskatchewan to Charles and Mable (Ellingson). His parents, along with his brothers Bob, Willie, and Joe, moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After completing his schooling, he began his life long career with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Starting off as fireman’s helper feeding coal in steam locomotives, he worked his way up to being a locomotive engineer. He was the engineer on the last Via passenger train that headed east on the Moose Jaw line. He enjoyed many relaxing years after retiring from C.P.R in 1991.

 

Donald enjoyed curling and golf in his spare time. He was a long time member of the Lynbrook golf course. He played countless rounds with his wife and many of his good friends.

 

In 2002, they made the move to Winnipeg, bringing him closer to his sons and grandchildren. Their home in East Kildonan was the gathering point for special family events and holidays.

 

He had a very witty sense of humour and an easy going nature. You could always expect to hear a good one-liner or a good poke in a conversation or during a family gathering. There was always a lap willing to comfort one of many pets while sitting in his favourite chair.

 

One show that he never got tired of tuning in to over many decades was the Lawrence Welk show. We all got to enjoy this show one last time with him at our Sunday family gathering before his passing. His favourite classic movies were often being enjoyed on the Silver Screen channel. Donald would spend hours tinkering on things in his shed, finding a way to fix things and make them useful again. He had a very creative mind and a knack for knowing how to build or fix things.

 

Donald left an important and lasting mark on the lives of his family and friends. Everyone seems to make the same comments of how kind and special he was and how well he treated everyone around him, and that will be dearly missed.

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Funeral with be held 11:00 a.m. (viewing at 10:30 a.m.) on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at St. Alphonsus Church (315 Monroe Avenue) with an internment to follow at St. Vital Cemetery.

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Donald's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour 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.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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