Frederick William Mathewson

MATHEWSON, FREDERICK: July 12, 1942 – March 4, 2017: It is with profound sadness that the family of Fred Mathewson announces his passing, peacefully, on March 4, 2017, at Bluewater Health at the age of 74. Fred is the loving father of Mark (Donna) Mathewson of Oil Springs, and Rick (Jennifer) Mathewson of Fergus, Ont., Proud grandfather of Bret Mathewson (Allison), of London, and Makenna and Hunter Mathewson, of Fergus. Fred will be deeply missed by his brothers John Mathewson and George (Karen) Mathewson, and partner Nella de Bruyne, all of Sarnia, niece France and great-nephew Arri, of Guelph, Ont., and brother-in-law Mike (Marie) Perry, of Sarnia. Lovingly remembered by niece Becky Perry, and nephews Doug and Rick Perry. He was predeceased by wife Corlaine (née Perry) and parents John and Marion Mathewson, of Sarnia. The oldest of three boys, Fred was born in Montreal and moved at the age of 16 to Sarnia, where he attended Central Collegiate. He began his career as a process operator at Dow Chemical, and with drive and determination moved into supervisory positions, attended Pepperdine University in California and became a Human Resources administrator for a number of larger corporations. In 1963, Fred married Corlaine Perry, and together they raised two fine boys of their own. First and foremost, Fred was a loving family man. He lived life to the fullest, had a mischievous sense of humour, enjoyed travel, hockey, and a roast of beef with a good bottle of red. As a chocoholic, he kept a secret stash of Laura Secord frosted mints. Baseball was one of Fred’s great passions. He played as a youth, an adult and on numerous competitive senior teams, often travelling to tournaments all across North America. He relished the camaraderie of sports, and several shelves of his home are filled with team trophies and individual awards. Fred moved back to Lambton County in 1999 and retired shortly thereafter. Always “a man with a plan,” he became an active volunteer, especially with Pathways Health Centre for Children and St. Joseph Hospice. He spent time in a relationship with Nella, travelling near and far, dancing, and going to the theatre. Fred died after a lengthy battle with cancer, one he faced with acceptance and clear-eyed reality. He will be dearly missed. Fred’s family would like to thank his entire palliative team, with special thanks to the remarkable 5th floor nurses. A gathering of family and friends and service will be held at D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 102 Victoria St., Sarnia, on Tuesday, March 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial donations made to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia would be appreciated by the family. Memories and messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca