Roy Matthews

Roy Matthews of Moose Jaw, SK passed away on Monday, December 2nd, 2019 after reaching the age of 98 years.  After a few months of failing health, he peacefully passed away at home.  

Roy was born on September 24th, 1921 in Keystown, SK to Carol and Lily (Dingle) Matthews.  As a boy they moved to Moose Jaw where he played and swam in the valley.  Roy was also affectionately known as Mitch by many of his friends. At 18 he joined the Air Force and proudly served his country overseas.  He returned to civilian life after the war and started working at the CPR and was there until his retirement in 1981.

Roy met the love of his life, Violet Stregger, when they were both working in Assiniboia, SK.  His love of Moose Jaw brought them back where they bought a house on south hill, a stone’s throw from his much loved valley.  Anyone driving by their house on the corner would most likely see him working outside in his beloved yard or tinkering in the garage.  He tended and protected a patch of prairie cactus in their back yard that bloomed every year.

Roy and Vi had 38 wonderful years of retirement.  They both learned to golf when he retired at 60 and spent many summers travelling on golf trips and playing at the Lynbrook.  He loved playing hockey and watching a good hockey game. He coached juvenile hockey in his younger days and was a Warrior season ticket holder since they first opened the franchise.  When he couldn’t make a game he listened to it on his radio at home. Roy loved doing his crossword puzzles and was an avid reader of western novels. He complained how they never made a good western movie anymore.  Roy was a 60 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He lived his life to the fullest and loved to be around laughter, good food, family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; granddaughter, Carrie Martyniuk; as well as sisters and brothers in-law.

Those left to cherish Roy’s memory are his loving wife, Vi; daughters: Judy Matthews, Leah Martyniuk (Bill), and Laurie Matthews; grandchildren: Erin Robinson (Steve), Krista Tatum (Kurtis), Carly Martyniuk, Mitchell Beitel (Andrea), and Carson Beitel; great-grandchildren: Jayden and Rowan Robinson, and Brady and Jake Tatum; brother and sister-in-law, Duke and Jean; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  His only sibling, his loving sister Margaret (Peg), passed away peacefully in Vernon, BC just two days after his passing. Condolences to her sons Brian and Daniel and their family.

Special thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Hugo, the Home Care nurses, RN’s and Palliative Care nurses that treated him with such tenderness and care.

A private family service will be held.  Roy’s wishes were to be cremated and for his family to celebrate.  “I had a great life!” and as his favourite singer sang “For the Good Times!”

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Surtees, Funeral Director 306-693-4550