CLARENCE VERNON (GUG) MATHESON

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CLARENCE VERNON (GUG) MATHESON Peacefully, after a brief stay in hospital, Vern quietly slipped away from this world. He was 85 years old. He leaves behind to cherish his memory stepsons Meron (Rosemary), Gerald (Lynne) and Anthony (Pat), stepdaughter Doris (Darin), six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law Alice Matheson, nieces Patsy (Bob) Welsh and Thelma (Stan) Kensick, nephews Lionel (Yvette) Matheson, all of Winnipeg, and Leroy (Peggy) Matheson of Edmonton and their families. He Also leaves behind cousins Mona Smyth of Oakbank and Neil Edie of Dugald, MB. Vern was predeceased by his parents James and Alice Ann Matheson, wife Vivienne, brothers Neil Francis and Cecil Garfield. Vern was born on April 7, 1920 in Oakbank and spent his boyhood years attending schools in Cooks Creek and Oakbank. After his schooling was done he farmed the land he grew up on until he joined the 17th Winnipeg Field Battery stationed in Portage la Prairie, at the end of October, 1941. Vern's Battalion joined with others to form the 15th Canadian Field Regiment and was stationed in England until the invasion of Normandy. Vern served in the army until just before Christmas in 1945 when he was sent back to Winnipeg and received his discharge papers. He then returned home to continue his love of farming. He farmed until the age of 66 years. On November 17, 1984 Vern married Vivienne Chabluk and upon his retirement they sold the farm and bought a house in Oakbank. Vern and Viv loved to travel and for the next 10 years they toured and cruised many parts of the world. Then Vivienne became ill for a few months and on January 8, 1995 she passed away. Vern loved sports and was a walking encyclopedia when it came to baseball and hockey. He was also an avid curler and had won many trophies curling with Dick Sellen in Bonspiels across the province. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #146 and never missed an opportunity to attend any special functions that were held. He particularly looked forward to riding in the jeep with his buddies and fellow comrades in the parade during Oakbank Days. He also never missed the November 11th commemorative services to pay tribute to all his fallen comrades. Vern spent the last six and half years of his life living in the Kin Place Independent Seniors Complex in Oakbank. Here he made many new friends and was always willing, over a cup of coffee to swap stories of incidents that took place during the war or in the farming years gone by. He looked forward to the bus trips and tours that were periodically set up for the seniors and they travelled to many small towns and museums in the province. Vern made many friends in Kin Place, but there were some who were special to him. Jake who lived in the suite across the hallway never failed to come down for coffee in the common room and exchange stories with Vern. Phyllis and her helpers who prepared and served the delicious meals during the weekdays. Diane, the seniors co-ordinator who always made sure that there was some activity in the works and that Vern's Life Line was working okay. And then there's Anna, Vern's neighbour and special friend who was always there for him when he needed some cheering up or just assistance, day or night, you could always depend on Anna. A special thank you to Debbie, Sandy, Donna and all the other home care workers who looked after Vern every morning and evening from getting him breakfast to preparing him for bed at night. We his extended family will miss our coffee breaks with Vern. We'll miss our weekend and Thursday night suppers and excursions for those occasional special lunches. We Love you Gug. Rest in Peace. A big thank you to Dr. Kowaluk, nurses and staff on 3N at Concordia Hospital for your compassionate and tender care bestowed upon Vern. A memorial service will be held at Oakbank United Church on Wednesday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. Service will be conducted by Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson. Honorary Pallbearers: Ray Zerbin, Dick Sellen, Lionel Matheson, Neil Edie, Bob Welsh, Scott Chabluk, Matthew Chabluk and David Chabluk. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kin Place Elderly Persons Housing, 103-689 Main St., Oakbank, MB, R0E 1J1 or to Manitoba Heart Stroke Foundation 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2006