LESLIE CECIL MATCHETT -

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LESLIE CECIL MATCHETT 1913 - 1999 Peacefully at home on October 14, 1999. Les will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Jean of 58 years; sonKen (Susanne) of Winnipeg and daughter Linda (Bob) McMillan of Brandon, Manitoba; brothers, Albert (Jessie) of Treherne, Manitoba, George of Rathwell, Manitoba; sister-in-law Leona Matchett and many nieces and nephews. His memory will also be cherished by his five granddaughters, Lori (Dennis) Sierhuis of Winnipeg, Kathy (Matt) Johnson of Dryden, Ontario, Kimberley Matchett of Winnipeg, Karen McMillan of Winnipeg, Kathy McMillan and great-grandson Evan of Brandon, Manitoba. Les was predeceased by his parents, Wilbur and Ethel; sisters, Elsie Hooper, Ruby Deshayes and brothers, Clifford and Jim. Les was born and raised in Treherne, Manitoba. He came to Winnipeg in 1937 and was employed by the Hudson Bay Co. as a barber. In 1940 he was employed by Swifts where he stayed for 38 years until his retirement in 1978. He was also employed by Winnipeg Enterprises for many years beginning in 1953 where he enjoyed meeting people and taking in various sporting events, including Winnipeg Blue Bomber football games. Les volunteered at Orioles Community Centre for over 30 years and was well known by the regulars at the bingos. He nurtured his roses on Sherburn Street and was proud of the many ribbons received at the Red River Exhibition. After retirement, he joined the Thistle Seniors Group and enjoyed curling and golf. Soon after arriving in Winnipeg in 1937, he met the love of his life Jean and they were married in 1941. Together, they loved to travel and enjoyed many family car trips and time spent at Grand Beach. Les and Jean enjoyed 23 years of winter holidays in Hawaii and more recently, bus excursions to Minhoman with their friends from the Courts of St. James. He also enjoyed going to the races at the Assiniboine Downs, working on a good puzzle and needlework. Les loved being with his family. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his granddaughters grow up. He was so very proud of them all and very interested in all of their activities. His new pride and joy Evan entertained him to his delight. Grandpa had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He truly enjoyed life and everyone always enjoyed being around him. Indeed, Grandpa will be dearly missed, but he leaves all of us with so many happy memories that they will live on forever. The family would like to thank Dr. Van Horne for his many years of care to Les. Also a special thank you to the paramedics and staff of the Grace Hospital Emergency and the Salvation Army for their care and support during this time. Neil Bardal is in care of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive on Tuesday, October 19 at 1:30 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so choose, donations in Les memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or charity of their choice. Do not stand by my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the autumn rain. When you awake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds circling in flight I am the stars by my grave that shine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry, I am not there...I did not die. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 1999