LOUIS MATHEZ

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LOUIS MATHEZ Louis Mathez died peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre on February 7, 2010, with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his wife, Marina, in 1994 and sister Lucille Gow in 1993. He is survived by daughter Jill and her partner LeeAnn, son Gary and his wife Colleen and their children, Derek and Abby, his sister Jean Scott, sister-in-law Irene Satterthwaite of Edmonton and numerous relatives and friends. He also leaves behind his partner and companion, Allison Forsyth. Louis Mathez was born in Winnipeg on June 5, 1934 to William and Stella Mathez. He attended St. Paul's High School competing in many sports. He left school to go to work with his grandfather at the St. Charles Golf and Country Club, where he met his future wife, Marina DuGray. They worked together in Winnipeg locations including Brooklands Speedway, and Winnipeg Winter Club until their marriage on October 11, 1958 at Holy Cross Church in St. Boniface. At this time Louis joined his father in running the Wagon Wheel restaurant. Later, Marina became known as the soul' and Louis, the brains'. Louis had been the proud owner of this establishment, enjoying a loyal and dedicated clientele, for 51 years. The Wagon Wheel was also known as Home of the Clubhouse, named by Reader's Digest in 2007 as Best Clubhouse Sandwich in Canada', a reference that Louis was very proud of. Louis was a people person, and no matter how busy the place was, he would always find time to chat. He had the ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. Sports teams from all over Canada would stop in at the Wheel' for a pre-game fuel-up, and people from all walks of life felt welcome and at home there. Louis always said that the Wagon Wheel was where he belonged, and chose not to retire from this hub, feeling a responsibility to his loyal customers until the very end. The last thing Louis found time to do was put two turkeys in the oven before he left the Wheel' for the last time. Louis enjoyed sports all his life. He believed in supporting Winnipeg's local teams. He was a long time season ticket holder for both the Jets and the Bombers and often reminded his family that his childhood home had been located at the spot now occupied by right field at Canwest Park. No matter how busy Louis was at what could sometimes be a 75 hour-a-week job, he always found time to support Gary and Jill's participation in sports, whether that meant driving, getting up in the wee hours or cheering them on at games. Most recently, he took the same great joy in watching Derek and Abby, his grandchildren, play hockey. Louis enjoyed the Arts and quieter pastimes with his companion and partner, Allison, who will miss his easygoing manner. The family enjoyed hearing about their road trips to the States and cycling adventures. There was great relief when they both decided to wear helmets. One of the things Louis said he was most proud of was being a Winnipegger and staying a Winnipegger, with his children attending school here and remaining here with their careers and families. Thank you everyone for your loyalty to the Wagon Wheel, and your love and support to family in recent days. A very special thank-you to long-time employee Fran Gomez, whose unwavering dedication and commitment to our father and the Wagon Wheel helped make it such a special place in this city. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre. In keeping with Louis' wishes, a private family service and cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to do so may donate to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 9Z9 or CancerCare of Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. We will miss you, Dad. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2010