It was with much sadness and heavy hearts that we said our farewells to Ron/Dad/Papa. He left this world on his own terms surrounded by his family. Ron was born in Victoria to Martha (Green) and Alfred Matthews. He attended Tolmie School and Mt. View High where he met Marilyn (Reid). They married in 1956 and enjoyed 67 great years of married life. After being honourably discharged from the navy, Ron went on to drive cab for BlueBird Taxi, and then to drive bus for Vancouver Island Coach Lines (VICL) which became Pacific Stage Lines (PSL) which became Pacific Coach Lines, retiring after more than 40 years of driving bus. Ron was proud to be a member of the Canadian Brotherhood of Railway and Transportation Workers and General Workers (CBRT & GW), and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), having served as Shop Steward and Union President. Ron also owned a delivery company called Sea Breeze Express. Predeceased by his mother, father and step-father (Harold Crowe), brothers Fred and John, and sister Joy Overbeck. Ron leaves behind his wife, Marilyn, daughters Deborah (Mark) and Denise (Neil), and sons Vincent (Pam) and Craig (Bonita), 8 grand-children (Britt, Matt, Jesse, Baylie, Brianne, Justin, Shelby, Stephanie), 4 great-grand-children (Olivia, Aiden, Rowan, Laio), sister Brenda (Ken) Reid, brother Roy (Lynne) Crowe, nieces and nephews and many friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 25,2023 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Community Centre at Summergate Village, off Canora Road, Sidney (near the Victoria Airport). Parking is limited at the venue, so if possible, please park on Canora and make the short walk in. Ron did not want a traditional service – so please wear bright clothing to help honour that wish. A Zoom link to the Celebration can be provided upon request. Please send an RSVP, or any other communication, to the email address matthewsrjm@outlook.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Saanich Peninsula Hospital in Ron’s name.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Chris Hardie (Horne)
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Heather Arnold So sorry to hear of your loss Deb’s, Denise & brothers. Time will heal. My sincere condolences.
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Gwen Olds & Steve Hawkins Our deepest sympathy to the whole Matthews family. Great memories of the Seagull Club, work place (Coach Lines) and his being an amazing gentleman!
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Hasso I am sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. My sincere condolences to Marilyn, Deb , Denise, Vince and Craig and all your families. City of Victoria loses another great one.
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Cal Nicolson Remembering an old friend and colleague. A mentor when it came to standing up for the rights and protection of fellow workers. A smile, a laugh and great memories.
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art farquharson My deepest sympathies to the Matthews family. I remember Ron from my earliest association with the CBRT&GW (1990’s). He was quick with a joke but never hurtful. He was always a gentleman, calm and respectful. But he was made of steel when it came to workers’ rights. His principles never waivered.
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Rick Hamilton Very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss, sending love and sincere sympathy to you Denise and Debbie, and all of your family ❤️