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ROBERT WILLIAM MATHIESON
Born: May 26, 1945
Date of Passing: Mar 29, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT WILLIAM MATHIESON
Sadly, Robert Mathieson passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at St. Boniface Hospital.
Rob was born in Ballarat, Australia on May 26, 1945. Rob was only a few months old when his mother, Vivian, decided to leave Australia with Rob and return to her hometown of Winnipeg. Vivian remarried and seven years later Rob had a younger brother, Alan Keen.The boys grew up in Charleswood and enjoyed family weekends and holidays at their cabin at Pelican Pouch, Ontario.
Rob was athletic, artistic, musical and had an adventurous spirit. He studied architecture at U of M for two years but decided that wasn’t the right career, so he chose a different path. Motivated by his passion for photography, he obtained a degree in photography from Ryerson University. He continued his studies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. With his photography education complete, his career began at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. He worked as a medical photographer until his retirement. Rob was quiet, objective and meticulous - qualities that made him successful in anything he pursued.
Rob had a variety of interests and hobbies. Some were surprising, considering his reserved manner. He enjoyed travelling and went to various Club Med locations in the 1980s, with his friend and roommate, Duane Cheskey. He decided to try skydiving and his first experience jumping from a plane was also his first time flying. He made ten more jumps, and also learned to scuba dive during his trips to Cozumel, Martinique and Marrakech.
Rob’s zest for life and learning were limitless. He played banjo and guitar in a band called “Relative Filth” at the Regina Folk Festival, he was a member of a Swedish folk dance group, performing at Folklorama. He was a calligrapher, loved movies, sitcoms and stand up comedy. Rob had a dry wit and would sometimes surprise those around him with his own style of humour.
He enjoyed driving and had a variety of vehicles including a motorcycle and an amphibious car, which he used in the Assiniboine River. Guided by continued interest in photography and architecture Rob drove his purple Duster on long road trips. His destinations often included visiting famous Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.
Rob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He didn’t let the disease slow him down and continued to challenge himself with new activities. He added dancing, boxing, tap dancing and working out at Rady Centre gym to his list of pursuits. He had a charming effect on everyone he met. He was kind and considerate, and never complained about his health.
The family would like to thank Holy Family Home for their compassionate care.
Rob is sadly missed by his brother Alan Keen of Winnipeg. Rob was a wonderful brother and mentor. A few years ago Rob discovered he had a half sister, Elana, of Byron Bay, Australia. He will be greatly missed by his dear friends, Duane and Georgia. They have special memories of Sunday evening dinners with Rob. He will also be missed by his friend Sally, and numerous acquaintances and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rob can be made to Parkinson’s Canada.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2023
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I should have given my birth name...before marriage.. I was Margaret Zimmerman. I married Peter Mills in 1968. - Posted by: Margaret Mills (school friend) on: Jul 03, 2023
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Dear Allan. I was so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I never knew him well at school since he was a year younger, but certainly remembered him. What I instantly recall when I hear his name however, is that in the late 1980's and early 90's I spent some time volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Guide leader here in my home in Headingley. The Guiding association was asked to contribute to a health fundraiser, which consisted of decorating a Xmas tree for display and auction in the conservatory of the Assiniboine Park. Since I was a leader, I did a design based on camping...small birchbark tents...cinnamon stick campfires...white stars etc. etc. One of the requirements was that the "Designers" had to go over to the Health Sciences to be photographed by Rob! He and I both recognized each other...had a lovely visit....AND I still have that photo today...perhaps one of the nicest ever taken of me! You never know just how you will impact another's life do you? It was a moment I won't forget.... - Posted by: Margaret Mills (friend from school..one grade older) on: Jul 03, 2023
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Dear Allan, With my true sympathy to you in the memory of your brother. May your memories bring you a smile to your heart. In friendship always. Shirley Thomas - Posted by: Shirley Thomas (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2023
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Dear Allan, With my true sympathy to you in the memory of your brother. May your memories bring you a smile to your heart. In friendship always. Shirley Thomas - Posted by: Shirley Thomas (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2023
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Dear Allan, With my true sympathy to you in the memory of your brother. May your memories bring you a smile to your heart. In friendship always. Shirley Thomas - Posted by: Shirley Thomas (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2023
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A life well-lived. Rob could always be relied upon to get the shot during my years with the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. My sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Gerri Thorsteinson (Colleague) on: May 13, 2023
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We were greatly saddened to read of Rob’s passing. Richard first met Rob when he and Rob attended U of M Architecture. Later, they were reacquainted when both worked at Health Sciences Centre (HSC). Karen also met Rob when she started working at HSC, and she and Richard experienced his excellent photography skills. In fact, Rob kindly agreed to our request to be our wedding photographer. Such a gentle, funny, thoughtful man with a great smile. Our sincere condolences to Rob’s family and close friends. He will be missed. - Posted by: Richard & Karen Howell (Former HSC colleagues) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Rob dated my sister Elaine for several years and I got to spend a lot of time with him. He showed me how to play folk music on the guitar and encouraged me to learn about photography, and the developing and printing of black and white film. We all did some camping together as well. I especially remember going to Hecla Island campground on the small ferry boat that was in use at the time. I remember his aqua car and the experience of driving it into the river. The water came with 12 inches of the gunnels! I also remember him taking parachute lessons, and him folding and packing his parachute in my parent's back yard in Charleswood. I last saw him in 2005 at the memorial service for my sister at Charleswood United Church and we had a chat about the guitar piece I had played at it. Rob was a true gentleman...kind, quiet but determined in everything he did. Photography was his passion, and I'm sure he has left a legacy of work in his pictures. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Ken Kowalsky (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2023