William Rodney “Joe” Mather, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend passed away in the presence of his loved ones on Monday, July 29th, 2019.
Born to Mary and John Mather in Golden B.C. on December 6th, 1946, Joe grew up in the Golden area along side his four siblings doing chores on the family homestead while completing his education. Before he was old enough to drive, while working as a Bull cook at the Donald sawmill, Joe purchased his first vehicle and maintained a passion for automobiles throughout his life. From various positions at the sawmill, to driving logging trucks and selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door-to-door during breakup, Joe did what was necessary to earn a living. He eventually found himself in Revelstoke B.C. where he began to haul fuel for CP Transport Bulk Systems. There he stayed until 1975 when he transferred to Castlegar B.C. It was then that Joe met the love of his life, Marie. Together they settled in to raising their daughters Lisa and Laurie. In 1983 the family moved to Cloverdale, B.C.
Joe was a natural in the business world. A knack for numbers and abundance of good ol’ common sense lead him into management for nearly 40 years. He spent the last 18 years of his career working for Arrow Transportation in Kamloops B.C. and retired as General Manager of the Mining Division.
Joe was also of service to the community; having volunteered with the BC Summer Game, Victims Services, a short stint as the director with the United Way in Kamloops, and the annual kidney walk fundraiser in Trail B.C.
Joe was first and foremost a man dedicated to his family and friends. He was the definition of stalwart: loyal, reliable, and hardworking. Joe had an eye for seeing the potential in people. He was a mentor to young and old alike, encouraging them to follow his example: set high expectations, work hard and take pride in doing an exemplary job. Joe was, simply put, the real deal. He was an invaluable sounding board, a voice of reason, the “go-to-guy” for how to fix anything (and he had a tool for that too!) Because Joe genuinely cared about people, he had a way of making you feel special, valued and supported. He took pride and care in and with his relationships, always taking the time to call, listen, and offer advice. He was quick-witted, sharp as a tack and so very wise. Above of all, he had the best belly laugh, a kind voice, and an infectious grin. And nothing got him smiling more than time on the water with family and friends, cruising in his boat, water skiing, fishing, or pulling the air tube (promising the rider, “I will NOT dump you!”) A love of travel found Joe and Marie always on the go and most importantly, always together. In their home, the door was always open and coffee was always on. A guaranteed greeting upon Joe opening the door was “come on in and join the party!”
In 2011 Joe and Marie followed their hearts home to Castlegar in anticipation of their retirement. It was later that year that Joe was fortunate to become an organ transplant recipient, receiving a new kidney after being diagnosed with kidney disease a few years earlier. Joe forever appreciated his donor, treasuring and carefully guarding his new organ.
In the last year of Joe’s life, he could be found either sitting on his back deck watching the Columbia River go by or sitting on a lawn chair in his garage keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. Until his last days, Joe remained dedicated to his lifework of loving, supporting, valuing and cherishing his wife, family, and friends.
Cancer robbed Joe of his body. Cancer never had a fighting chance against his determination, positive outlook, gratitude for a life well-lived, whit, or the mischievous twinkle in his eye. While it is unfathomable that he will not be here, that we will not be able to so easily turn to him for support or call just to share a laugh, we know that his past influence and guidance was so great that he will continue to steer us going forward.
Joe leaves behind:
Wife Marie of 42 years, daughters Lisa Mather of Port Coquitlam, and Laurie (Clint) Smith of Abbotsford. Treasured grandchildren Holly (Mitchell) Delgado, Amanda Terhune, Brad Smith, and Jake Smith. Siblings Barb Dianocky, Sharon (Jim) Kontos, and Gord (Bev) Mather. Brother-in-law Jim (Marnita) Postnikoff and Glen Furey, and sister-in-law Carroll Postnikoff and the numerous “favourite” nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by his parents, sister Rhonda Furey, his in-laws Mary and Sam Postnikoff and brother-in-law Sam Postnikoff.
Special thanks to Joe’s general practitioner Dr. A. Jenkins for her many years of unwavering support, to the nursing staff at KBRH for their excellent care in Joe’s final days, and to Dr. C. Zhang and Teresa from the renal unit for their exceptional care through Joe’s transplant journey. As well, many thanks to all of the family, friends, and neighbours for their condolences, food, flowers, and kind words.
In keeping with Joe’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William ‘Joe’ Rodney Mather July 29th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique