Obituary of Hugh James Matters

Hugh James Matters "Jim" 1936 - 2018 It is with great sadness that the family of Hugh Matters announces his passing on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Jim was born on March 3, 1936 in Westmoreland, PEI, one of 6 children. He had 2 sisters and 3 brothers; Sr. Rita, Mary, Clarence, Walter and Joe. Jim started his working career teaching in a one room school and very quickly decided to join the armed forces. Jim served in the Air Force for 37 years before retiring to Cranbrook, BC in 1990. After his retirement, Jim spent 4 years mentoring cadets in Penhold, AB. Jim started his career in the forces in Comox, BC, before being transferred to Claresholm, AB. While in Claresholm, Jim met the love of his life Lois McKay. They married shortly after and were transferred to Grostenquin, France a year later. While stationed in Grostenquin, Jim and Lois were blessed with their two oldest boys, Bill and Bob. They were then transferred to Sardinia, Italy where their son Barry was born. In transit to their next base in Greenwood, NS, they made a stop in Cranbrook where they had their youngest son, Bernie. After serving in Greenwood, they moved to Winnipeg, MB; then to Dartmouth, NS; then Montreal, QC; Cold Lake, AB; back to Winnipeg before finally retiring in Moosejaw, SK as the Chief Warrant Officer. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Lois in 2013, and his son Bill in 2011. He was also predeceased by his parents Anaus and Florence; brothers Clarence and Walter; and sister Mary. Jim is survived by sons Bob (Lyne), Barry (Andrea) and Bernie (Cheryl), daughter-in-law Tracy Matters, grandchildren Chantal Hegge (Chad), Megan Matters (Carl), Cassandra Matters (Bryce), Alicia McConachie (Brent), Caitlin MacDonald (Ross), Brayden Phillips, Clint and Natalie Morin, Michaela Matters, Jamie Matters, Madison and Isabelle, Dan, Jo and McKay Matters; great-grandchildren Riley Potts, Isabel, Emma and Ava Hegge, Kinslee and Johnny MacDonald and Leyton McConachie. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jim will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, mostly fishing and camping. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop, cooking breakfast and working on his family tree. Jim was also an avid crib player, never letting anyone get the best of him. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 11:00 am at Christ the Servant Roman Catholic Church in Cranbrook on 14th Avenue. Following the service, Jim will be interred at Westlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. A reception will follow at Christ the Servant Church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make donations to: Covenant House Vancouver, 575 Drake Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4K8 or the Canadian Cancer Society, #202, 105 - 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L9. A special thanks to the staff at the Green Home; nurses on the 2nd and 3rd floors at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook; and Dr. Dugay. The family would also like to send a special thank you to neighbours Mike and Donna Stanko for their dedication to helping Jim. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com