Matthew OBERHOFER

OBERHOFER, Matthew
February 23, 1932 - December 11, 2014
Matthew Ulysses Oberhofer was born February 23, 1932 at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, Alberta to Matthew and Helen Oberhofer who had recently emigrated from Switzerland. Matt grew up on a farm near Keoma attending school at Bryn Mawr School and in Kathryn. He attended St. Anthony's College in Edmonton graduating in 1950. He attended the University of British Columbia graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Chemistry in 1956. On August 23, 1954 he married Florence Jean Tuff of Lethbridge, his university sweetheart. The couple moved to Kingston, Ontario where Matt was a commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Vimy Barracks. In 1960 Matt continued his education at the newly formed University of Calgary receiving a Bachelor of Education in 1962. He was employed by the Calgary Board of Education from 1962 until 1989 serving as a teacher, vice- and assistant-principal and principal at Stanley Jones, Vincent Massey, Simon Fraser, David Thompson and King George schools. In 1967-68 he set up a teachers' training college on the Caribbean island of Dominica on behalf of the Government of Canada. Matt was an active community volunteer and believed that with hard work anything was possible. In the 70's and 80's he served on the Alberta Teachers' Association Calgary Local as Treasurer, the Caribbean-Canadian Club as Treasurer, Stampede Board in various roles, Bearspaw Gas Co-op as Treasurer, Bearspaw Fair Board, Bearspaw Water Co-op, official agent for Fred Kidd, MLA, and as school trustee for Rockyview School District. He was a life member of the Bearspaw Lion's Club and was instrumental in starting the successful Bearspaw Farmer's Market. From the Lion's International Foundation he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for humanitarian services. During his retirement, he and Florence spent their time in Christina Lake, BC where together they built a summer cottage as well as wonderful memories with their friends, family and especially grandchildren. A special memory is when Matt and Florence hosted their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004 with friends and family from all over congregating to celebrate. Matt is survived by his wife of 60 years, Florence, his four children, Joseph (Jessie), David (Colleen), Mary Jane (Carlos) and Elizabeth (Terry) and 12 grandchildren: Robert, Andrew, Claire, Norah, Ivy Jane, Meryl, Charles (Jessica), Matthew, Luke, Peter, Elizabeth and Beth. In the end, MS robbed Matt of the simple pleasures of life; in his memory, eat a sandwich, drink some milk and hug your loved ones. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive) on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Marino Infante, Presider. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Matthew's family through www.evanjstrong.com. Donations in his memory can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Family & Friends Drive (250 Dundas Street West , 5th floor, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5; Telephone: 1-800-361-2985, web: http://mssociety.ca/en/give/family&friends.htm). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES (403) 265-1199.