Jack’s family sadly announces his passing. He is greatly missed by his children, Lynne-Mari and Brian, his sister Jean, grandchildren Rae and Ben and many dear nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his wife Joan in 2019.
Jack was born and raised on a farm in Togo Saskatchewan. He was one of 5 children born to Tena Lubidoff and Carl Matvenko. He is predeceased by his sister Nina and brothers Nick and Charlie.
Jack was a proud graduate of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Class of 1952. A move to Toronto to intern would bring him to meet a young nurse and his future wife for the next 64 years, Joan. After marrying 1955, they moved to Vancouver B.C., where Jack took additional medical training.
In 1956, the family moved to Burns Lake B.C., where Jack opened a General Medical Practice.
Jack loved the community of Burns Lake, joining the Kinsmen and making lifelong friends. He embraced the outdoor life of Northern B.C. hunting, fishing, curling, and flying his Super Cub.
In 1965, Jack moved the family to Saskatoon returning to University to specialize in Ophthalmology. Moving to Maine, USA, where Jack returned to school to get his American degree. Then moving his family to Victoria B.C. in 1969 where Jack settle into his Ophthalmology practice. He enjoyed his work and continued his Practice well into his 80’s.
Jack was a proud Rotarian and served as President in 1987. His many hobbies continued to be hunting, fishing, skiing, mountaineering, ham radio and spending time at Honeymoon Bay on Lake Cowichan. He enjoyed travelling to Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii. Golfing at the Victoria Golf Club was a special part of his life. He had great times playing in tournaments, attending Men’s night and anytime he had a win. Jack had a full and active life into his 90’s with many stories to tell.
The family would like to thank Doctors’ John Antonsen, Jay Aikens, Jeff McCracken for their care of Dad.
Jack’s friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC on Thursday, September 29th, 2022 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Colin Nelson
-
Ted Matthews Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Jack, just heard. I think he is a second cousin of mine. I am the son of Bill Matthews (Wasyl Matvenko) he was the son of Kathleen & Steve Matvenko. I met the family-famous Jack only once at the 2005 100the family reunion near Kamsak, Saskatchewan.
My dad, Bill, is the one who fought in Spain. I am working with cousin Roslyn on a comprehensive family history.
Our family’s condolences.
-
Ruth Holinski Dear Lynne-Mari and Brian
I am greatly saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. Both your parents were kind, loving, and beautiful
souls.I will forever cherish times I spent with them and never forget them. Rest in peace Jack- reunited with Joan.
-
Chris Toye So sorry to hear about the death of Jack. I was away in the UK when I heard the news and could not get back in time to go to Oak Bay Golf Course for the celebration of his life. My husband Ian and I would like to send condolences to the family. Jack & Joan ( J & J ) are together again resting in pure happiness & peace. With good memories of the two of them. Ian & Chris Toye
-
Jan Klinka, Ph.D. I was deeply saddened by Dr Matvenko passing. Since he had become my eye doctor, I knew I am in excellent hands.
He was always professional and caring – to be with him I felt as much of a client as a friend. Men like him I will keep in my heart for ever.
My sincere sympathy to family.
-
Heather McCormick Wagner I offer my condolences to the family of Dr Jack Matvenko and Joan. He was an incredible Dr who took care of so many of us in the Lakes District. Over the years as my family and friend friends received his gentle complete medical attention. I developed my dream of becoming a Dr too. I did go to medical school in Vancouver and interned in Toronto. I went on to practice family medicine then obstetrics and gynecology. I apologize that I never thanked him for all he was to to me.
-
Linda Whincup & Family We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Matvenko’s passing. He was our Opthalmologist for decades until he retired. He was such a kind and compassionate man always very concerned about his patients and their welfare. The world has truly lost a special man and he will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to all his family.
-
Patricia Erhardt My condolences to all of Jack`s family. We in Togo always enjoyed visiting with Jack when he came to town . He will be greatly missed by all.
-
Jean curry Lynne Mari and Brian with a heavy heart I am so sad to loose my brother your dad I will miss him forever. He loved people and saw the positive side in everyone.I grew with him and have many happy memories to cherish
-
Trevor Williams I was deeply affected reading this obituary. He was my ophthalmologist from about 1978 to about 5 years ago, and I saw him once a year during those years. I always wanted to get to know him better, because he was the kindest and most interesting person I have ever met in the medical field.
We shared some memories of going to Cuba when it was less than fashionable and I was always fascinated to hear of his beginnings in medicine and his long career.
May Jack (for so I called him) rest in peace, as I am sure he will.
-
Valerie Anderson So sorry for your loss. My grandmother thought your Dad was a saint (or maybe even God) according to her without him I would likely not be here today. After hearing the tale, I remember being so excited to meet him when I was in my 20s when he came back for a community reunion. After my grandmother’s stories about him, I expected him to be eight feet tall, I was rather surprised to be able to look him in the eye! 🙂
-
Ian Buckingham My condolences on Jack’s passing. He was a good friend, a colleague & was my Opthalmologist. Jack told me he was the first referral from a GP when he came to Victoria in 1968! Later we served together in the Rotary Club. Jack had a wonderful bedside manner. He listened to his patients & treated us warmly.
I shall miss him! However, it was privilege to have known him!
Dr. Ian Buckingham
-
Nina Blandford I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Jack’s passing. We lived many miles apart but I always enjoyed a visit with he and Auntie Joan. When he attended university in Saskatoon, I well remember babysitting Brian and Lynn-Mari. May he Rest In Peace with Auntie Joan. I won’t be able to attend the service but my thoughts will be with you all. Take care and hold on to all the good memories ❤️ Nina
-
Sharon Sandercott Armistead Dear Lynne-Mari and Brian,
I remember your mom and dad and both of you very well as we lived on the corner of 8th Ave. And 9th Ave and and Dr. Dr. Jack was our Doctor. Excellent care always and he looked after our pet dog Skippy as well. I remember taking Skipper over to your home and your mom Joan helped Jack to cut off a piece of his long ratty tail. Used the chopping block of wood outside. Great job as he had a cute stubby tail with curls as he was a cocker and springer spaniel mixture so curly hair. I also remember when he was in Saskatoon and treated my mom’s aunt for glaucoma and then called mom to let her know so we could all be checked.
So very sorry and may the memories in your heart bring healing and peace.
-
Carla Schritt Carlson Dear Lynn Marie and Brian U have so many fond memories ❤ of you both and your beautiful parents My mom was very sick with breast cancer Your dad made countless visits to our home treating my dear mother with such kindness and respect She died in 1967 I will be forever grateful to your dad for his compassion and kindness ❤
-
Liz Richardson (Robinson) Dr. Jack was our family doctor with Dr. Trevor Thompson in Burns Lake. He was so wonderful and a great friend of my parents as well. What a wonderful man.
-
Rachel Minger Dr. Matvenko was our family doctor for many years in Burns Lake. One always knew they were in good hands when Jack treated you. He was one of the finest and this community was very lucky to have him and his family as part of it.
-
Edna fisher Sorry Jack was my Dr in burns lake He was a great Dr Plus a good friend
-
Christine Hale As a young girl living in Burns Lake, I fondly remember Dr. Matvenko. He and my father (James Wood)the were in the Kinsmen Club together. Rest in peace
-
Chris Grey So sorry to hear of Dr. Matvenko’s passing. He was my Moms eye Dr up until not that many years ago, when he had his office on Chatterton way. She always looked forward to the eye appointments when they would always reminisce about the old Burns Lake times. My sincere sympathy to Lynne and Brian and family.
Chris Grey
-
Dina Belusic To the family of Dr. Matvenko and Joan – I am so sorry for your loss. I truly pray that Jack and Joan are happily watching over you all. I worked for Jack back in 1992 at the Yates Street office as an MOA for a couple of years. We would sometimes eat deliciously made moose meet pastries that Joan had made from Jack’s hunting expeditions. He was extremely kind and courteous and a true gentleman. I was so very sorry to hear about Joan’s passing in 2019 when I last bumped into Jack at Royal Jubilee where I work as a nurse – I know that he absolutely adored her. I pray that you all are healthy and may you all have peace, love and good memories in your heart. It’s never easy to lose a loved one at any age.
So sorry about Jacks passing
He was a great example of life long learning and dedication to medicine and best care for those fortunate enough to be his patients
I will always remember Jack