Douglas R. Matheson

DOUGLAS R. MATHESON May 6, 1921-June 15, 2009 Douglas Matheson was not a tall man, but he was larger than life. He was adventurous, opinionated, patriotic, intelligent, courageous, irreverent and funny. He was passionate about the things he believed in and the people he loved. To the end he lived life with laughter, enthusiasm, joy and a wonderful sense of humor. He was adored by his loving wife of nearly 59 years, his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and a large extended family, as well as the many, many friends whose lives he touched. Edmonton, Alberta and Canada have lost a man who was one of a kind. He died the way pilots would like to go: soaring through a sunny Alberta sky, joyously doing what he loved to do. His timing was out just a little bit; he always said that when his time came he hoped it would be after cherry season was over. Doug was born and raised in Edmonton, and except for his absence during World War II, spent his life in this city. His wartime experiences included a career in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Spitfire pilot with 411 Squadron. He flew out of various stations in England, and took part in the Dieppe raid. His career came to a sudden halt on December 1, 1943, when he was shot down over northern France. He parachuted to safety and was protected by a wonderful French family. He worked with the French underground until he was arrested in April 1944. After interrogation by the Gestapo he was sent to Stalagluft III. While on a forced march near the end of the war he was shot, and spent time in a German hospital. He was liberated by the British army. After the war and a period of convalescence, Doug attended the University of Alberta, and graduated in Law in the legendary Class of '51, a class dominated by WW II veterans. After his articles at Duncan Johnson law firm and his admission to the bar in 1952, Douglas took over the south side practice of Judge Athelstan Bisset. Ten years later Doug and his brother Bob Matheson joined their law firms to form Matheson and Company. Doug was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1970. He was a partner in the Matheson firm until his appointment to the Court of Queen's Bench in 1985. He served the court with distinction until his mandatory retirement eleven years later at age 75. Too full of pep and ginger to retire, he became a member of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Chambers, and of the Canada Pension Appeals Board. He continued with the CPAB until his death. Doug was devoted to the city of his birth, "the best place on earth," he always said. He did volunteer service for many city organizations. In particular he was founding chairman of Meadowcroft Seniors' Residence, serving as a director for nearly 40 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Reynolds Alberta Museum, and was a director of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, the Edmonton Flying Club, the Churchill Society and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown PEI. Education was always important to Douglas. He was a director of St. Mary's Salesian Boys' School, and founding chairman of the financial advisory committee of St. John's School of Alberta, and was on the school's Board of Governors for many years. He served the Boy Scouts of Canada in several capacities: as a Cub Leader at his church, and as Director of Camping, Edmonton Region. He was involved in the establishment of the Ernest Poole and Skeleton Lake Camps. In an informal but committed way, he would give history lectures. World War II, Canada's history, and the history of the North were his specialties, although he was widely read and educated in other aspects of history, and would give a lecture at the drop of a hat. He was a mentor and friend to many young people over the years. Doug's interests were deep and wide-ranging. In Edmonton after the war he was a member of RCAF 418 City of Edmonton Squadron. Many years later (1984) he was appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the squadron, and remained so until it disbanded in 1994. A voracious reader, he soaked up books like a sponge, especially history, politics and biography, and was a stimulating and provocative conversationalist. He was a regular guest speaker at schools, Remembrance Day services, mess dinners, service clubs and historical societies, usually speaking on aspects of World War II, a subject on which he was remarkably knowledgeable. He had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him, and loved to explore it. He particularly enjoyed his travels with friends in the Arctic, both winter and summer, where he combined his loves for flying and friendship and history. He devoted himself to his daily fitness regime with enthusiasm (an example to all his children and grandchildren!) and was known in the neighborhood as a cyclist or hockey player depending on season. As a youth he was a well-known distance swimmer, and many years later, at age 84, won a swimming medal at the World Masters Games. Winter always brought the opportunity for skiing (both kinds) and daily skating. He conned his children into participating joyfully in endless projects at his Cooking Lake "island fortress." He planted hundreds of trees. Above all else, his family was the centre of his life. Douglas died in a plane crash June 15, 2009. He will be sadly missed by Peg, his loving wife; his five adoring children, Barbara, Jane, Doug Jr. (Kathy), Don (Maya) and Nancy (Bob); his brother Bob Matheson, sister-in-law Margaret Matheson and brother-in-law Bob McLaughlin; his nine grandchildren - Sarah, Andrea, Lisa, Jane, Matthew, Emily, David, Geordie and Anna; his great-granddaughter Isabel; his nieces and nephews and large extended family; and of course his many cherished friends, young and young in heart. He was predeceased by his sister Janet McLaughlin, brother Donald Matheson, brother-in-law Robert Johnson and son-in-law Roger Renaud. A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 - 123 Street. Memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to the Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, PO Box 6360, Wetaskiwin AB, T9A-2G1, the Salvation Army, 9618-101A Avenue, Edmonton AB, T5H-0C7, or Meadowcroft Seniors' Residence, 11445-135 Street, Edmonton AB, T5M 3M6. Reception to follow at the Royal Glenora Club, 11160 River Valley Road. He has slipped the surly bonds of earth... Put out his hand and touched the face of God.