The family of George Richard Matthews are heartbroken to announce his passing which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sunday May 12, 2019. Born in Saint John on July 8, 1944, he was the only son of the late Charles and Muriel (Day) Matthews As child, George and his sister Carol and cousins Jimmy and Sally enjoyed a great childhood, running through the woods exploring every inch of Mispec and Red Head, and they loved building forts and camps and spending the day on the beach at Granny Matthews’. Even as an adult, outdoors was where Georgie was his happiest self.
George worked for NB Tel as an Engineer for many years and later doing labour since desk work wasn’t for George. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his early 30’s and made the best of every day since. He was highly intelligent and loved to socialize. A crafted carpenter he had such an incredible mind he could look at a tree and while most of us would see a tree, George could see a table, a clock or some other amazing creation. George had a great love and passion for the outdoors enjoying many years of fishing, hunting and beach combing. In the later years George would visit his old stomping ground visit with Dorothy and lunch with Tara. He would make his way to the Foodland and visit friends along the way. George was known by many for cruising around the streets of Quispam – rain, snow or shine, there was no stopping him. He loved visiting his people, and sometimes he would just find a random driveway where the sun was shining and the wind was blowing just right, and he would recline his chair and soak all the beauty of nature in. He loved those days.
Kingsway Care Center and the community are going to miss George, he was well known to travel the roads in his electric wheelchair and to meet and make many friends on his way. Those who knew and love George, will miss him forever. He is survived by his daughters Tara Maber of Quispamsis, special granddaughter Jocelyn Matthews of Hampton, who was much like his daughter; precious great-granddaughters Ellie and Emma; daughters Debbie Stackhouse of Nanaimo, BC and Jane Hengst (Mark) of Pointe La Nim, NB; loving grandchildren Colin, Christina, Sarah, Matthew and Emma; sisters Carol Bennett (Dave) of Saint John, Linda Friars (Dave) of Nanaimo, BC, Susan Thomas (Basil) of Mispec, NB and Patti Matthews of Red Head, NB ; several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; best friends Armond LeBlanc and Roy Gilmore; long time caregiver Joan Janes and Pat and Bev Pleadwell and many nurses, caregivers and friends from Kingsway Care Centre. Along with his parents, George was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Anne (Campbell) Matthews and his daughter Krista Dawn Matthews.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road. (646-2424) By George’s request there will be no visitation or service. Interment to take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of George’s can be made to the KV Old Boys, 32 Wedgewood Drive, Rothesay, NB E2E 3P7. To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com
If you asked anyone who knew George to describe him, they would tell you he was a fighter. That he was strong. That he was determined… He battled MS for nearly 40 years, and he never let it keep him down… he fought a courageous battle every single day. He was truly an inspiration to so many. As George would say when leaving his friends and family “Carry on Chief … Bye for now”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George Richard Matthews July 8 1944 May 12 2019 (age 74)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick