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JOHN MURRAY WILLIAM MATHESON
Born: Dec 13, 1978
Date of Passing: Dec 04, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
JOHN MURRAY WILLIAM MATHESON
December 13, 1978 - December 4, 2019
John leaves to mourn his beloved "Angel" Melanie Gourdes and their two loved dogs, Duke and Baron of Banff, Alberta, his loving parents, Jack and Del of Winnipeg. John is also survived by his uncles, George (Norma) and Allan (Valerie) Matheson and their families, Del's sister-in-law Carol Patterson, nieces, nephews and special family, Lily and Naomi, Melanie's mother Claire (father Gaetan deceased), sister Genevieve (Steve) and their families in Quebec.
He also leaves behind an overwhelming extended family of friends from Vancouver, Golden, Banff, Canmore, Brandon, Clear Lake and Winnipeg.
As a child and young man, John was "the apple of our eyes". He attended Dieppe Elementary School, French Immersion, and Charleswood Junior High before graduating from Shaftesbury High School and Winnipeg South Technical Centre.
Growing up, his summers were spent at the beloved Matheson Family Cottage in Clear Lake where John loved to golf, fish, wakeboard, skateboard and play tennis.
John was diagnosed with bipolar depression. He and we tried valiantly to grapple with his depressive states. He wanted to pursue his passion for the mountains and snowboarding, so at 19 years of age, he left home for the Rocky Mountains eventually settling in Golden, BC, where he met "his Angel and love of his life", Melanie. They lived in Golden for the next 10 years.
John and Mel moved to Banff about six years ago, where John continued following his amazing love for Art, Snowboarding and work in retail.
Unfortunately, the last few months became more difficult for John due to his illness. His latest depression hit long and hard, and although he fought with tremendous courage and strength, the pain was just too much for John to bear.
His creativity, gratefulness, his kind soul, and love of his family, will be forever remembered.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of John's life will be planned for next summer at Clear Lake.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Mood Disorders of Manitoba, 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4 or a charity of their choice.
Special thank you to everyone for all their kind words of support and condolences.
We have lost our son and soul's companion
A life linked with our own
And day by day, we miss him more
As we walk through life without him
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2019
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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First of all, I tried writing and writing, over and over again, a memoir for John! I kept getting caught up in all the good memories and experiences that John and I shared. All I can say is that my heart and thoughts are with Jack and Del during these difficult times! They are such loving and supportive parents and caring souls 💜 Every time I see a rainbow and butterfly, I’ll always think of John's good nature, large heart and compassion for life towards his friends and family. He’s one of the kindest souls I have ever met! May he rest now and hope his friends and family from Clear Lake, Winnipeg, and Golden have some peaceful memories today, yesterday and tomorrow to share with all. He was one of the gentlest souls around! He will be greatly missed and loved from now and until eternity. Be kind and know that John was deeply loved wherever he was and is, Namaste! 🙏 John, WE LOVE YOU! Prayers and thoughts to you, the love of life you presented, and especially your dedication to art and snowboarding! One of a kind brother! You’ll never be forgotten 🌈 🦋 ⛳️ Rest now, as there’s so much love for you and the memories you shared unconditionally with all! Jason - Posted by: Jason Lehr (Friend ) on: Feb 08, 2020
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I was so sorry and sad to hear about John’s passing. I had known him from his days as a student at Shaftesbury and would see him at Clear Lake in the summer. He was creative, gentle, caring and loved snowboarding and the mountains. To Jack and Del, words are not enough to convey my feelings for the loss of your son John. - Posted by: Doug Tiltman (Former colleague of Jack’s) on: Jan 15, 2020
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To our dear neighbours, Jack and Del...this is a late condolence to you both, since we found out about this sorrowful news only recently. Our hearts are so heavy with sadness for you. My goodness - how tragic this is. Please know we are thinking about you often and sending our heartfelt hugs your way. We love you as our neighbours and the kindness you always show to our daughter. God bless your family during this time of grieving. - Posted by: Sara & Chris Gerullis (Neighbours ) on: Jan 06, 2020
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We never had the chance to meet John but Melanie loved him so dearly. We send our deepest condolences to Melanie and all the family left behind. RIP John - Posted by: sandra margiotta (melanie's cousin ) on: Dec 31, 2019
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I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He left you with fond memories but his departure will leave a void in your hearts. Time spent with John was precious even more so now. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Stay strong together and reflect on the positive impact he had on you and those close to him. John will live on, inside you. His spirit is with you and will help you deal with this tragedy. His pain has stopped but I'm certain his message to you, through the many that reach out to you, will help you deal with your pain. - Posted by: Michael MacKay (Friend of parents) on: Dec 25, 2019
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I grew up with Jack and family at Clear Lake. We met Del at her house. We are sad to hear about your son. - Posted by: John and Sheila Boyd (Rersonal) on: Dec 24, 2019
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John believed in me and I am forever grateful. My life is better having a friend like John. - Posted by: Lance Letain (Friend) on: Dec 24, 2019
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We are so sorry to hear of your loss..our hearts go out to you. - Posted by: Heather and Bob Rogers (Friends) on: Dec 24, 2019
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Please accept my heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Marion Hawley (Friend) on: Dec 23, 2019
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Uncle Jack and Auntie Del: Losing someone is never easy especially at such a young age. I am really sorry for your loss. May all the love that surrounds you give you strength. All our love to you. - Posted by: Bob Patterson (Cousin) on: Dec 23, 2019
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Jack and Del, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of John recently. It's been a long, tough road for you and John over the years. We wish you all the best as you go through this difficult time, especially in this Christmas season. The celebration of John's life next summer sounds like a wonderful event. In the meantime, try to focus on all of the happier times. - Posted by: Dave and Cathy Smith (friends) on: Dec 23, 2019
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I am so sorry to hear of your heartbreak. Our children bring great joy and their loss must be the greatest sorrow. Battles with severe depression are very real and painful for the sufferer, and for those loved ones who struggle to help. My thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Jim Reid (Friend) on: Dec 23, 2019
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Our Sincere Condolences to you, Del and Jack and to all your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Ben Hashimoto family. - Posted by: Chris Hashimoto (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2019
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I’m so sorry for your loss - thinking of you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Sharon Smyth (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2019
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Jack and Del, Allan and Val, George and Norma, I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was such a ray of sunshine. I know he had some difficult times but remember his good spirit and fun times. Thinking of you all, Linda Lidster - Posted by: Linda Lidster (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2019
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Del and Jack we are so very sad to read of the devastating loss of your son John. Our sincere hope that he is at peace now and no longer suffering. Bud and Marguerite. - Posted by: Marguerite and Bud Lindal (Family friend) on: Dec 21, 2019
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My deepest condolences Del and Jack, my heart goes out to you. - Posted by: Bonnie Ross (Friend ) on: Dec 21, 2019
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I never met John or any of his family but walked in his shoes my entire life so I know well his pain and suffering. It was difficult for my family who felt powerless to 'make it all go away' as I assume John's family felt as well. I offer my sincere condolences to Melanie and all of John's family. As the pain subsides, all the memories you hold will uplift and comfort you. - Posted by: Gord Richardson (Fellow sufferer with Bipolar Disorder) on: Dec 21, 2019