DONALD EARL MATHEWSON

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DONALD EARL MATHEWSON May 12, 1916 - December 26, 2003 On December 26, Dad passed away at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 87. The entire family was fortunate to spend their Christmas with Dad at his bedside. He was predeceased by his grandson Richard in 1995; and his parents Gilbert and Jessie; brothers, David, Bruce, Gilbert; and sisters, Margaret Dean, Jessie McFadden and Edna Roberts. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marcella. He leaves to mourn his son Keith (Arlene) daughters, Donna Cadieux (Raymond) and Barbara Clendenan (Jeffrey) his loving grandchildren, Marc Cadieux (Monica), Andrew Mathewson, Laura and Lindsay Clendenan; great-grandson Luc; and brother Keith (Ada) and sisters, Jean Starbuck (Howard), Betty Blong (Art) and Mary Goode (Reg) many nieces, nephews and a number of very special friends. Dad was born in Thorold, ON, May 12, 1916. In 1935 Dad started to work for the English Electric Company in St. Catharines, ON. With the advent of the Second World War, he joined the R.C.A.F. After serving in the air force, Dad returned to English Electric and was responsible for setting up a new production line of distribution transformers for the anticipated post war demand. He was promoted to supervisor of the power transformer division. In 1946 Dad left English Electric and with two colleagues founded Pioneer Electric Ltd. in Winnipeg to build transformers for the electrification program of the prairies. The company successfully expanded and Dad held the position Vice President of Manufacturing. He also was a member of the board of Directors of FPE-Pioneer Electric until his retirement in June of 1968. During his retirement, he was a board member of the Manitoba Labour Board, Manitoba Utilities Commission and Manitoba Securities Commission. Dad also served as a board member of UMA Engineering Group. Following a short lived retirement, he founded Carte Electric Ltd. in 1973 which built distribution and small power transformers for the utilities market. Dad permanently retired from Carte Electric in 1977 and remained on their board of Directors until 1980. Throughout his life, Dad was an active member of the community, involved in the Winnipeg Kinsmen, K-40s and Fort Garry Rotary Club and served on various boards such as the Victoria General Hospital and the Wildwood Club. With his close friend Rod MacKenzie, Dad was involved in various commercial ventures including the building of the Montcalm Motor Hotel. Dads biggest joy in life was his family and most recently to see his grandchildren grow and mature. A recent highlight was to see the birth of his great-grandson Luc. A special thank you to our family doctor, Dr. F.J. Ross, who was always willing to be there for Dad and Mom. Most sincere thanks to the staff of Grace General Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre especially the nurses and caregivers of Deer Lodge 2 South who became part of our family and always took special care of Dad. Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. John Brebeuf Parish, 1707 John Brebeuf Pl. In lieu of flowers a donation to Deer Lodge Foundation, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3, or the Acheson/Cadieux Memorial Fund, in care of St. Pauls High School, 2200 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P8. We love you and will miss you always The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2004