(MURRAY) ALLAN MATHISON

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MATHISON, Allan (1942-2021). It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of (Murray) Allan Mathison who died peacefully at home with family by his side on December 8, 2021. He grew up in a loving family on the farm with his parents Clark and Norah and his four older brothers., Jim, Ken, Buck (Lawrence) and Baldy (Gerald). His childhood was a fun time of work, and sports and spending time with nearby cousins. He often reminisced about playing ball in Davenport, Iowa as a teen. Here he had his first attempt at waterskiing on the Mississippi River! He played in two bands, first the Red Peppers and then The Marksmen as saxophone player and lead singer. This led to singing at a few weddings, funerals and entertaining with the Senior Orchestra on occasion in later years. Music was always a part of his life and many evenings ended with a singsong around the piano. In 1968, he married Linda Mundell and they raised three daughters Alana, Charla, and Nancy. He farmed for 55 years, first with his Dad and brothers and later nephews. Allan worked hard and played hard. He excelled in the shop, was mechanically inclined and able to manage most farm repairs. In 1995, he and Linda continued farming on their own until their retirement in 2014. They then rented the land to their family Duane and Alana and this gave Allan a chance to remain a part of the life he loved. He often said he was put out to pasture but the gate was left open. Throughout his battle with cancer, that caused a rare Paraneo-plastic Syndrome, he remained strong, considerate of others and maintaining his sense of humour. He often said he hoped to die with his boots on. When he received his diagnosis his daughter was heard to say "Dad is the one person in the whole world who always has our back!" He had a magnetic personality and was able to relate to the very young and to the very old. With a generous heart he always put others first and never refused anyone in need. He loved his family, the farm, his workshop, and his friends. Allan was an avid curler and throughout the years was able to represent his zone six times at the Provincial level. He coached his girls in Ringette, Hockey, and Fastball and taught them the farm basics like how to change a tire, drive a combine, swath, and haul grain, and every motor needs spark, air and gas. He was tremendously proud of his eight grandchildren and enjoyed nothing more than watching them in their activities and being with them. Two favourite holidays were spent with his older four grandkids in San Francisco the youngest, four, in Disney World. Allan and Linda had a good life together and in retirement enjoyed golfing, camping, curling, travelling and many adventures together. They visited over 30 countries, making friends on many trips and often keeping in touch with them. Allan is survived by his loving wife and best friend Linda, of over 53 years, daughter Alana (Duane) Kent and their family Kara and Rylan; Daughter Charla (Duncan) Murray and their family, Sydney and Cale; Nancy (Trevor) Toews and their family Aiden, Ryder, Theron, and Truett; sisters-in-law Norah Mathison, Marjorie Mathison, Bonnie (Don) Coombs and numerous nephews and nieces. Allan was predeceased by his parents Clark and Norah Mathison, his brothers Jim, Ken and wife Doris, Lawrence (Buck), Gerald (Baldy) and wife Gladys, and his in-laws Charlie and Eva Mundell. If friends so desire donations may be made in Allan's memory to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 2323 Yonge St Suite 800, Toronto, ON, M4P 2C9 (www.cystic fibrosis.ca) or a local charity of your choice. A graveside service will be held at the Hamiota Cemetery, Hamiota, MB on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The service will also be live streamed and can be accessed on Allan's Tribute page at www.campbell funeralhome.ca. As well you may leave words of cond-olence or that you watched the live stream. A recording of the service will remain on the tribute page following the service.

Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota are in care of the arrangements.
(866) 620-2744

Goodbye my family, my life is past
I loved you all to the very last
Weep not for me, but courage take
Love each other, for my sake
For those you love don't go away
They walk beside you everyday

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 11, 2021