David Matheson

David Matheson

David Matheson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 25, 2011.
MATHESON, David S., Ph.D., P.Eng 1943 - 2011 David Samuel Matheson of Calgary, Alberta passed away on June 19, 2011 after a brief and sudden illness. Born in Edmonton, Dave was raised in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Grande Prairie. After completing high school Dave attended Royal Roads Military College for his first year of university. He then went on to complete his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. A highly respected geotechnical engineer, Daves career took him to jobs across Canada and all over the world. He worked on a variety of geotechnical engineering assignments in North and South America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia. Dave will be remembered for his keen intellect, unique personality, and dedication to engineering. Throughout his life, he enjoyed outdoor activities especially camping, hunting and fishing. Dave had a love of history and books. He will be forever missed by his children Heather (Thom) of Calgary, Samuel (Agnieszka) of Winnipeg and Elizabeth (Nathan) of Regina; and seven grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Janet (Jim) of Fairbanks, Alaska, brother Bill (Beverley) of Edmonton, sister Jo Anne of Onoway, sister Sue Anne (George) of Snow Lake, Manitoba, and their families. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Mary Matheson of Edmonton. A Memorial Service will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 - 4 Street N.W., (within the valley of Queens Park Cemetery) Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.hffs.com . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the APEGGA Educational Foundation, 1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4A2 Telephone: (780) 421-0557, www.apegga.org/educationfoundation/ . The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff at the Rockyview General Hospital, particularly Unit 94.

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July 30, 2011

Sue Matheson posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2011

Joanne Matheson posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Sue Matheson

July 30, 2011

Dave loved his family and I am sure they have many happy memories. He is greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family today.

July 19, 2011

My older brother David was a kind, caring man who always seemed to have time for his younger often pesty little sisters. Mention anything related to his field of expertise and the "engineer" side of him came out. In the past few years we were able to re-connect and build a bond that wasn't really there earlier due to work, travel and life in general. I am thankful for all he brought to my life, my prayers and thoughts are with Heather, Sam and Liz. He will be missed greatly!
Auntie Jo)

Joanne Matheson

July 19, 2011

My older brother David was a kind, caring man who always seemed to have time for his younger often pesty little sisters. Mention anything related to his field of expertise and the "engineer" side of him came out. In the past few years we were able to re-connect and build a bond that wasn't really there earlier due to work, travel and life in general. I am thankful for all he brought to my life, my prayers and thoughts are with Heather, Sam and Liz. He will be missed greatly!
Auntie Jo)

Wilfred and Lois Klarenbach

July 6, 2011

Our most sincere condolonces are extended to the family members! We have many fond memories of David from Edmonton area. May he rest in peace and may each one of you have happy memories of your Father as you deal with his sudden departure.

Gordon Mcphail

June 30, 2011

Dave was a great person and a great engineer. Was a pleasure to work with. Condolences to the family.

Cathy/Tony Richardson

June 27, 2011

We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

Samuel Matheson

June 27, 2011

I remember my Dad as a man who was knowledgeable, thorough, caring, traditional, and who persevered during difficult times.

He knew many things and answered questions very well. I was always amazed with his ability to quickly drill down and deal with the important elements in a problem from different angles.

My dad was curious and instilled in me the urge to explore and embrace new experiences. We shared many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures when he lived in Manitoba.

My father helped me be successful by taking an interest in my schooling, setting reasonable expectations, and encouraging me to find a suitable profession.

David's greatest gifts to me were his love and the confidence he placed in me.

He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Heather Morley

June 26, 2011

Dad, It's hard to believe that you are gone. You inspired in me a love of history and travel. You taught me to work hard and do what I thought was right. You expected me to make something of my life. Thank you for those gifts. I'll remember your wit, intelligence and confidence and I'll miss you always. Love Heather

Debbie M

June 26, 2011

I am so sorry for you loss, I am a friend of Joanne's she spoke so highly of her brother, he will be sorely missed.

Debbie & Francois Magnin Calahoo AB

Bill Roggensack

June 26, 2011

This morning, I read with sadness and fondness that my graduate school officemate had passed away suddenly. While our paths had not crossed for many years, the role Dave played as mentor and friend in our shared office has remained important to me, even forty years later. I remember him as being bright, inquisitive, enthusiastic, humorous, and above all - dedicated to the mastery of his chosen field of geotechnical engineering. While I could have done without the clouds of pipe smoke that often filled the air, Dave's "presence" and personality made the smoke easy to tolerate, and perhaps even ignore. He loved geology, and tagging along with him on field trips helped me get a quick start on my own learning curve. Dave was a "hard core engineer" with a dedication to thoroughness and excellence that I'm confident made him a role model for many younger colleagues who worked with him.

To Dave's family - you already know he was very proud of each of you. I can remember clearly the birth of one his babies being a moment of great excitement, pride and happiness - and an excuse to splurge on a decent cigar! While Dave will be missed by his family, he leaves some big shoes to fill in the engineering profession. To that end, having the APEGGA Education Foundation as a suggested memorial recipient is entirely fitting. Thank you Dave for being an important and memorable part of my life. Rest in peace old friend.

Barbara and Barry Sheptycki

June 25, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

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July 30, 2011

Sue Matheson posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2011

Joanne Matheson posted to the memorial.