Robert MATHESON

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MATHESON: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert David John “Bob” Matheson. After a long and valiant battle with cancer Bob passed away in the early hours of September 20th, 2014 at the Assiniboine Centre at the age of 60. Bob was born July 3, 1954 in Russell, MB to Everett James Matheson and Ilene Eleanor Robinson. Bob was the youngest of three boys and was raised in Binscarth, MB. His brothers Grant (nine years older) and Glenn (seven years older) put him up to a lot of mischief. Bob’s mother remarried on April 19, 1969 to widower Garnett Orville Scarrow who brought into the family unit four children of his own: Brian, Wayne, Kim and Ross. The blended family moved to a farm not far out of Rivers, MB. Bob got to know and befriend a lot of people throughout his high school years at Rivers Collegiate Institute. On July 15, 1972 Bob and Shirley Aloma Wedgewood started dating officially. On July 16, 1977 they were married in Rivers United Church. One of Bob’s greatest joys was the birth of his children and grandchildren. Bob worked at several different jobs in his youth starting with the Rivers Seed Plant. He then worked at Sekine Canada Ltd., Edson Manufacturing, and Sekine Canada Ltd. once again. In 1979, the oil rig bug got under his skin so Bob and Shirley went west and he worked on a number of oil rigs. His favorite job was that of motorman, spinning chain. In July of 1981 Bob and Shirley returned to Brandon and Bob began his 23 year career at Inventronics Ltd. (IVT) rising from Stock Room to Upper Management. He also enjoyed a couple of trips to Minneapolis and Texas through his work. Unfortunately, medical issues for Bob began to arise in January 1998. By January 2003 he underwent radical surgery disabling him from returning to work. In May of 2011 the cancer had returned, causing Bob to endure many more medical complications and obstacles in the years leading up to his passing. Through it all, Bob remained optimistic and kept his sense of humour and wit until the very end. When Bob’s health permitted he took a very active role in the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, Unit 10. He was a 27 year Member and over time was elected to the Unit Executive and held a number of positions. He was always there to lend a hand with computer problems in the office or anywhere in the Club for that matter. Bob put together many newsletters and designed the ANAVETS Web Site. He served as Unit Sports Officer & Snooker Stat Keeper, Unit 1st Vice and Unit President for 3 years. He was also a 34 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Rivers. Through his association and active role in the A.N.A.F. Club Bob was awarded for several achievements: Unit Appreciation Medal, Unit President’s Medal, American Legion Friendship Medal, Years of Service pins, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and finally in September 2013 being awarded with a Life Membership Medal in the Association of A.N.A.F. Veterans in Canada in consideration of Outstanding Service since June 1988. Bob enjoyed a diverse number of things. He had a real joy for blasting music be it opera, bluegrass or rock n’ roll. He had great fun with small woodworking projects. He really enjoyed playing snooker, fishing, NFL Football (San Diego Chargers) and had a great interest in astronomy, history and current affairs. He was also a computer guru. Bob is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Kate Matheson and grandchildren Quinn and Everett Matheson, son Kelly Matheson, daughter Danielle Beaudry, brothers Grant (Evelyn) and Glenn Matheson, step brothers Brian, Wayne (Barb), Ross (Michelle) Scarrow, and step sister Kim (Wally) Gero, mother-in-law Margaret Wedgewood, brothers-in-law Doug (Cynthia), Jim (Michelle), Steven, Roger (Fiona), Frank (Tammy) Wedgewood, sisters-in-law Betty (Romaine), Margaret (Al) Wedgewood, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his father Everett at the tender age of eleven, his mother Ilene, step-father Garnett, father- in-law Frank Wedgewood, sisters-in-law Helen Wedgewood, Bonnie Greenough, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, September 26, 2014 with Pastor Warren Smallwood officiating. Urn Bearers were Lorne Aube and Lloyd Shurvell. A wonderful luncheon provided by volunteer club members and family was served at the A.N.A.F. Unit 10 Club Room following the ceremony. The Matheson family cannot thank you enough. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to BRHC Foundation, Cancer Services, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.“FAC ET SPERA”(Do and Hope)

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 18, 2014