It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of LeRoy Kenneth Mathews, 69, on Dec. 18, 2016 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
He left peacefully and quietly with loved ones by his side.
Dad graduated from Falls High School in 1965. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.
Dad was employed at a variety of places before he began work at Rainycrest Home for the Aged in Fort Frances, Ont. He worked there for many years before moving to Minneapolis, Mn. in 1989.
While there, Dad worked for Mark Seven, which recently changed names to Break Three.
To know Dad was to know a man who had a heart of gold; kind, caring, guiding, and loving. Dad was an all-around “good guy,” and he had the greatest sense of humour you’d ever find.
To all who knew him, this was one of his greatest qualities. If Dad was with you, there was bound to be a joke told and laughing all around.
Dad is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra Mathews; daughters, Tanya Yatchuk (Todd) and Shannon Strachan (Milt); and grandchildren, Danielle Strachan, Ryne Strachan, Courtney Yatchuk, Curran Strachan, Carver Yatchuk, and Bricyn Yatchuk.
Also surviving are his mother, Angeline Mathews/Podgorski; sisters, Melody Bolin (Keith) and Cheryl Bishop (Swede); brothers, Leonard Clark (Connie), Neil Clark (Kathy), and Tim Mathews (Colleen); and brother-in-law, Richard Bruyere.
He also is survived by two of his special sisters-in-law who were there with him as he left our world, Lynn Dawn Bruyere (Mary Waghorn, whom he adored dearly as well) and Gloria Bruyere.
Dad also is survived by his lifelong friend and high school buddy, Terry Randolph; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers.
Another lifelong friend Dad leaves behind is Kathy Nordstrand. If ever two were “cut from the same cloth,” it was definitely these two. They would joke from the minute they wer in the same room together, but they also had a great love and respect for each other.
Dad was predeceased by his father, Robert Mathews and his stepmother, Mary (Toots) Mathews, and stepfather, Joe Podgorski; brothers, Steve Mathews and Terry Clark; brother-in-law, Keith Bolin; and mother- and father-in-law, Annie Marie Bruyere and Edwin Bruyere.
As per Dad’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal ceremony.
Dad’s wish was to have family and friends gather at a later date, which still is to be determined.
In Dad’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
LeROY KENNETH MATHEWS
