LEONARD ARTHUR MATTHEW

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LEONARD ARTHUR MATTHEW It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Len Matthew, peacefully on November 14, 2008 at the age of 83. He was born September 10, 1925 in the front bedroom of his parent's home on Victor Street in Winnipeg. Len attended school at Wellington, General Wolfe and Daniel McIntyre. He left DMCI at the age of 17 when he volunteered for service in the Canadian Navy in 1942. He saw active service doing convoy duty in the North Atlantic. Upon discharge he returned to Winnipeg where he worked for the CPR for the next 43 years, retiring as a Special Equipment Supervisor. During this time he married Barbara McDill with whom he had three children. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #1, the Thistle Seniors Club and the Setter Seniors at Victoria Arms. Len enjoyed many sports and outdoor activities such as golf, curling, soccer, bowling, pool and hunting. In 1953, after having built nothing before in his life, he constructed the family cabin at Brereton Lake where he and his family enjoyed many happy years of fun and activity. Len was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, daughter Shawn Marie, brother Jack, brother-in-law John Francis McDill and sister-in-law Donna McDill. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Barbara (McDill), son Gregory (Karen) and granddaughter Midori, son Christopher (Darla Robinson), sister-in-law Ruth Matthew, brother-in-law Don McDill (Helen Alm) and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family would like to thank Dr. David Breckman and his assistant Nicole, as well as the entire staff at Deer Lodge Special Care Unit T3 West. Also a thank you to his home care providers Jéan and Elaine. Prayers will be held Monday, November 17 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., at 7:00 p.m. Monsignor Maurice Comeault, PH will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Assiniboia Christian Centre, Blessed John XXIII Parish, 3390 Portage Ave. A private interment will take place at a later date. Pallbearers will be Rob McDill, Wayne Church, Evert Matthew, Greg Parkin, Jeff Reid and Brett Smith. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Len's memory to the Special Care Unit T3 West at Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0L3. Chapel Lawn 885 - 9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2008