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LIONEL (AL) MATHESON
Born: Jun 17, 1935
Date of Passing: Dec 19, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLIONEL (AL) MATHESON
Dad was born at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB to Alice and Frank Matheson, the third of four children. Dad lived on Assiniboine Avenue in St. James but his happiest hours were spent on his Grandparents' farm, playing with his siblings and helping with daily chores. In later years, he spoke frequently of those happy days on the farm and of his Grandmother (Gona).
As a teenager, Dad attended St. James Collegiate. Around that time he met our Mom (Yvette) and from that first day, they were inseparable. Dad and Mom began their married life in Toronto and then when their first child Michele came along, they moved back to Winnipeg. After three more children in a very quick span of time (Dean, Sher, Loree), Dad and Mom's family was complete. We lived in Fort Garry.
For a time, Dad became very involved in coaching us kids in baseball, soccer, and ringette. He and Mom were quite athletic and loved to play Blooper Ball (a form of baseball). They also enjoyed the sport of curling where so many discussions around the dinner table revolved around the moves and the strategy. But, his real passion was running which he took up in his early 40s and was quite talented at. Dad ran full marathons and then switched over to half-marathons when the years crept up. His best full Manitoba marathon time was just over three hours and he was so very proud of that.
Dad worked at a few different jobs over the years but then realized that he wanted to help people, which was in his nature. He became an educational assistant at St. Amant Centre and it gave him true joy to be able to assist and support the children that attended there.
Dad and Mom were married for 57 years until our Mom's passing in 2013. They did everything together, and he mentioned many times how she was his rock, his anchor. Dad's wife, children, and eight grandchildren meant everything to him. Our Dad was an honorable person – a person who followed the rules and lived his life with integrity. Dad – we love you and we will miss you. You did a very good job and you can rest now. xo
A private service will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined but a donation to your favorite pet rescue in Dad's name would be welcomed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2023, Dec 30, 2023
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Grampa was so involved in my childhood and I am forever grateful. He helped me realize my love for running at a young age. I have so many fond memories such as his talking car, his laugh, and scavenger hunts at Christmas...among many others! Thank you for being such a big part of my life. Love and miss you, Grampa. ❤️ - Posted by: Angie Yablonski (Granddaughter ) on: Jan 14, 2024
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Mr. Matheson sure was a family man. He was always involved in his children's activities and their lives. I grew up and still live in Fort Garry. I can remember seeing him running around the General Byng school yard. I bumped into him a few years ago and was so glad to see him again and his great big smile and laughter. My condolences to all of you. Marion Linnemann (Hasey) neighbor. - Posted by: Marion Linnemann (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2024
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Rest in Peace uncle Lionel. You were a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. - Posted by: John Kensick (Nephew ) on: Jan 02, 2024
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Grampa was the best grandfather a person could hope for. He was so funny, kind, generous, and caring. Some of my favourite memories are of spending time with Gramma and Grampa at their house in Winnipeg. I always felt so safe and warm with them. Grampa, you will forever be loved and missed. - Posted by: Samantha Therrien (Granddaughter ) on: Jan 01, 2024
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My heartfelt condolences go out to all who suffered the loss of my Uncle Lionel. Lionel was a very warm-hearted individual who kept a positive, chin-up and persevering attitude to life, you will be missed by all who knew and loved you. - Posted by: Rob Kensick (nephew) on: Jan 01, 2024
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Grampa (Al) will be greatly missed. I have fond memories as a child of him taking us sledding in the winter, swimming at an outdoor pool in the summer, and jogging on weekends. I'll never forget how quickly he could go from being quiet and serious to roaring with laughter. RIP Grampa ❤️ - Posted by: Cara (Granddaughter ) on: Dec 31, 2023
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Al wasn’t just my father-in-law. He was my close friend, a mentor, and even my teammate in softball. We had so many great times together, enjoying so many laughs. Some of my favourite memories of Al were the red-in-the-face laughing fits we’d have while watching Mr. Bean episodes together. Al was a man of great integrity, and someone we all could model ourselves after in that regard. So much so, that his mother-in-law once told me “You will never find a better man than Al Matheson”. Quite the compliment, given the source. Al, you are and will be missed by all that had the great pleasure of knowing you. ❤️ - Posted by: Randy Yablonski (Son-in-Law) on: Dec 31, 2023
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I'm sending my heartfelt condolences to all who is suffering and is feeling the loss of my Uncle Lionel, he was a man who was positive, kept his chin up and persevered. I do believe he is in a much wonderful place with Yvette now. - Posted by: Rob Kensick (nephew) on: Dec 30, 2023
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My condolences to Al's children and to his siblings. I met Al a year after his wife's passing. He was very sad knowing that his dear daughter Michele was also going to succumb to cancer. I helped him deal with his losses. We enjoyed traveling, joined a senior's club where we played floor shuffleboard, sang in a choir and did yoga. We also shared a passion for walking and for music. I remember fondly the gatherings with his sisters, Thelma and Pat, and the occasional visits from his brother Leroy from Alberta. All this came to an end four years later when Al started suffering from dementia. The sad decision was taken for him to move to Ottawa to be near his daughters, I very much appreciated Sher's dedication to the care of her father for the last six years. Al was a gentle, loving person. May he rest in peace as he so well deserves. - Posted by: Eveline LeGal (friend) on: Dec 30, 2023
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I will miss your smile. All was a true gentleman with the lady's sitting with him.He would always pull out the chair for them and help them sit to the table. He would give me a little pat on the back every time he walked in the room. We will miss him. I am sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Marilyn Dion (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2023
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We miss both Al and Yvette terribly. They were our best friends back in the days of being sociable, creative, spontaneous, and athletic. They stood up for us at our wedding. Our golden years were not spent together as miles and age took its toll on meeting up for dinners out and in home gatherings. Sending our love to your family from ours. B & B - Posted by: Betty Jackson and Bruce Smith. (Friends) on: Dec 30, 2023
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Uncle Lionel was such a kind man. He was so interesting to sit and talk with. I have so many memories of younger years when our families spent time together!! I am so sorry for your loss Dean, Sher and Loree. Sending love, your cuz Judy❤️ - Posted by: Judy Kensick (Niece ) on: Dec 30, 2023