Obituary
It is with saddened hearts the family of William Victor Mathewson Sr announces the unexpected passing to the arms of the good Lord. He passed in Calgary with family at his side November 18th 2022.
William married young in Ontario and fathered 7 children. He came west in the 90s and found the love of his life Becki (nee Toman) and her son. Bill believed in family and children. Together they continued making their family bigger by having 2 more children and then foster twins as well.
Bill believed that blood did not make a family, love did and continued to meet and greet everyone he met with open arms and love. Many friends children would come and go to spend time with Bill and Becki so the “Papa Smurf” tradition began. Being short and jolly with a white beard the name stuck
Bill was the first born in Paris Ontario, in 1949 to Victor and Marie (nee Rickert) Mathewson. Later the family welcomed his sister Francis.
Bill worked in various professions over the years but his love of driving in the later years would be his passion. He loved meeting new people and seeing places while on the road
Bill , Becki and family lived in Granum for many years. The family was active in many events to benefit the community. Bill and Becki would help on many committees like Granum Recreation, Granum Minor Ball, Millennium Committee, Heritage Committee, Christmas Lights and Decorating and also drove school bus for the Granum School events.
In 2007 Bills job would take the family to Kindersley Saskatchewan. At that time they bought a farm and his favorite pass time was to cut the grass. With teens at home it became the gathering place for dirt biking, bbqs, meeting great people and just having fun.
In 2013, a fire would take their home and farm to the ground. Leaving everyone safe but to start from scratch. Through love and hard work together they would find another home and keep moving forward. In 2016 Bill was in a horrible semi accident which would unfortunately due to physical pain require him to retire. He then decided to sell items of carpentry which he had always loved as a pasttime.
In 2019, teens driving by their home would throw a Roman Candle firecracker which engulfed their home once again. This fire would take half their possessions and at that point they decided to return to Granum in 2019 to be where they were the happiest. Being retired it gave them time to enjoy their family and grandchildren. The community and friends opened their arms and the joy from years gone by had never left.
Having endured two heart attacks over the years and a battle with diabetes his health was failing. Having a health scare in 2020 where he was told he had weeks to live, his strength and belief in the Creator would allow him to stay with us until now.
Bill is predeaced by his parents Victor and Marie (nee Rickert) Mathewson and his son Gabriel.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 30 years Becki, his sister Francis (Paul) Wicklum,
his 12 children -Christine (David), Bill Jr. (Melissa), Corry-Ann, Michelle (Jeremy), Leanne (Jay), Daniel (Lisa), Kaleb, Mackenzie (Kat), Mickeala (Daniel), Jennifer, Jason.
He leaves 16 Grandchildren – Alexis, Alexandra, Joshua, Samantha, Serena-Ashley, Madyson, William- David, Ashtin, Evangeline, Victor, Kira, Gavin, Owen, Dexter, Bridget, Kyra-Lynn. He also leave 3 great-grandchildren, Faith, Evanna-Lynn and Adryan.
Bills fun loving demeanor touched everyone he met. High jinxs, teasing and over the top humor made him the wonderful man he was. His Christian beliefs gave him resolve to have no fear to meet God and enjoy the next step in life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 28th , 2022 at Zentner Funeral Homes – 4079 1st Street W – Claresholm, AB. viewing will be From 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. Service at 1:00P.M. A Graveside Service will be held at Granum Cemetery for those that would like to attend. Refreshments will follow back at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Kidney or Diabetis foundations to better research can be done for these horrendous illnesses. All cards can be left at the funeral home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Victor Mathewson September 1 1949 November 18 2022 (age 73)..
Death notice for the town of: Claresholm, Province: Alberta