MATTHEW MATTHES

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MATTHEW MATTHES It is with such sadness that I say goodbye to my first best friend, my father, who passed away Saturday, March 15, 2008. Born January 8, 1935, Matt grew up on a farm in Charleswood. He married his sweetheart Shirley Kerr in 1953, and their two children, Christine and Gordon, shared Matt and Shirl's love of learning and the outdoors. They moved to the farm in Oakbank and later to East Selkirk. Matt drove truck many years and his tales of events on the road were sources of entertainment on many occasions. Dad loved old engines and model railroading. He rarely met an engine he couldn't troubleshoot and loved finding old engines and tractors in need of restoration. The boy in him thrilled at the trains, though. The history of steam trains to the latest development of modern locomotives was Dad's element. For anyone with an interest he would set up the model trains, pointing out details and comparing them to real life counterparts. Such was his knowledge that while visiting the train museum of Heritage Park in Calgary he described to staff the purpose and function of some equipment on a museum piece which perplexed them. Matt is survived by his daughter Christine Matthes and husband Darryl Minsky, son Gordon Matthes, brother-in-law Rudy Bucholz, nieces, nephews, extended family and so many good friends. A memorial funeral will be held on Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk with Pastor Stan Richards officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Auf wiedersehen, mein freund. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2008