March 30, 1927 – October 26, 2008
Keith Matthews, beloved husband for 56 years of Marianne Matthews of Victoria, B.C., passed away suddenly on October 26, 2008 at the age of 81 years. Keith is also survived by his devoted daughter Corinne, son-in-law David Linder, and grandson Matthew. He was predeceased by his son H. Scott Matthews in 1993. In addition, he’s survived by his granddaughter Elissa, daughter-in-law Barbara, and other family members, including Kyle, Pierce, Garet, Bodil, Garry and other distant relatives.
Keith was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta as an only child of Harry and Fiona Matthews. He attended the University of Manitoba and obtained a BSc in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he moved to Calgary, Alberta where he began an exciting and fulfilling career in heavy construction, which required extensive foreign travel around the globe. From 1950-1979, Keith held upper level management positions with the following companies: Standard Gravel and Surfacing, Standard General Construction, B.A.C.M., Mannix Co. Ltd., Loram, and the Alberta Government. During these years, he also served terms as President of the following Associations: Canadian Technical Asphalt, Prairie Roadbuilders, and Alberta Roadbuilders.
Keith was a man of integrity, wisdom, and had a philanthropic nature. He had a bright mind, and was an interesting conversationalist who shared his vivid adventures with us over storytelling get-togethers. He also possessed a soft and sentimental heart and wasn’t afraid to openly shed a few tears at times.
Keith was a loving and respectful husband, a dedicated and helpful father , and a proud grandfather.
Keith was involved socially in various Masonic organizations including: Shriner’s, Jester’s, DeMolay, and Job’s Daughters. He loved spending time working daily at his home-computer, and his past hobbies included: home construction projects, reading, cooking, gourmet dishes, photography, gardening, listening to music, flying remote-controlled airplanes, and fishing and boating.
At age 55, Keith and Marianne retired to Victoria, B.C. in 1982, and together they were world-wide travellers and enjoyed many overseas trips. When Marianne suffered a severe stroke in 2004, Keith devoted all his energy and resources into caring for Marianne at home, despite his declining health. They employed a wonderful live-in-care giver – Edilyn (Batin) Villarin who has become a dear , beloved member of our family. Heartfelt thanks Edilyn for your continual devotion to our family. You’re an angel.
Very special and loving thanks to Lori Pollock (who has been like a second daughter for the past 26 years in Victoria), Pat and Muriel Smith, Amy Bonzon and family, Del Frances, Joan Corbett, Garry and Darlene McCue, Robyn Quaintance, and other kind friends and dedicated caregivers. God Bless each one of you.
Memorial services will be held at McCall Bros. Chapel, Johnson at Vancouver streets, Victoria, B.C., on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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