Robert Wayne Matheson, more commonly referred to as Bob, Papa Bear, Grandpa Bob. It is with gratitude and grief that the family announces that this incredible spiritual warrior passed away at home on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. with his family as his palliative care support team present.
He was a “Professional” communicator as Bob used to joke, he joined External Affairs in 1967 after a career with the RCAF, the diagnosis of prostate cancer that came one year after his early retirement from External Affairs in 1996 made his health and passion for family and sports his fulltime projects. Camping with the family, golfing or curling with his friends inspired the family to invent lawn chair volleyball at Matheson’s Mecca in Kingston where his son and grandchildren lived. He was a member of First United Church and Carleton Heights Curling Club.
Bob’s life changed when he met Judy playing badminton in 1961 and from the start their passion for sports led to off and on dating and deep friendship, that after their marriage in 1966 was the foundation to bless this foreign service couple to live in many cultures, especially Gatineau, Quebec, the heart of Algonquin territory since 1986.
Bob leaves behind to celebrate his life, his wife of 55 years Judith/Judy, son Rob (Sandy) of Kingston, daughter Chalanne of Gatineau, granddaughter Shoshana (Kevin) of Ottawa, grandson Ryker of Kingston, extended family across Canada, his curling and golfing buddies, and friends near and far.
The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Tran (acupuncturist), oncologists Dr. Malone at the Ottawa General Hospital and Dr. Brisson at the Gatineau Hospital for their care, and all the nurses at the CLSC Aylmer that looked after Bob for so many years.
Deep gratitude to Bob’s palliative care team Dr. Tommy Law and Priscillia Baudoin for all their support in Bob’s last months, without which our family could not have been equipped to be at his bedside in his final week of life as his palliative care team, with the assistance of the nurses and doctor, so that he could pass in complete peace and harmony with his experience with family present to this sacred moment for us all.
In lieu of flowers, donations to either Big Brother, Big Sisters Outaouais, World Vision Canada, Indspire, SPCA Outaouais, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation (for a new molecular lab for individualized cancer research) or planting a tree in your area would be appreciated.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, Ontario. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited. If you would like to attend in person, please register at office@firstunitedchurchottawa.org, for those who would like to attend via Zoom, please send a request to the same email address to receive the link.
A longer version of Bob’s life follows below.
As in both gratitude and grief the family thanks all those who have touched their lives!
Bob’s journey began on March 6th, 1942, in Saskatoon, born to Bob and Ruby, he was an only child, which he repeatedly stated “he had absolutely no regrets about!” and was the eldest of a whole pack of cousins who now live across Canada. The three Matheson’s moved to Vancouver, and while his Father was serving in the Infantry in World War II, Bob had five very important women to dote on him, Mom Ruby, Aunt Gay/Ruth, Aunt Pat, Grandma Revitt and Irma. When little Bobby wasn’t feeling good, he would say “Bar Bobby” and thus received a lot of love. After high school, Bob decided to move to Australia to get work, but literally missed the last boat. So, he instead joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Ottawa, where he met the King twins, Judy and him, Mom Ruby, Aunt Gay/Ruth, Aunt Pat, Grandma Revitt and Irma. When little Bobby wasn’t feeling good, he would say “Bar Bobby” and thus received a lot of love. After high school, Bob decided to move to Australia to get work, but literally missed the last boat. So, he instead joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Ottawa, where he met the King twins, Judy and her twin Janet. Life would never be the same!
Bob and Judy dated on and off for several years, but it wasn’t until Judy’s boyfriend at the time wasn’t available for a wedding that she thought to call Bob to see if he was free…and he was! So, they double dated with her parents, Dawson and Audrey, and had so much fun that they started dating again, and eventually married on April 2, 1966. Just after their engagement, Bob was posted to Alert, Nunavut, which would have separated them six months of the year. The couple both loved to travel and so Bob left the RCAF and joined the Department of Transportation for a year, with the plan to eventually be hired by External Affairs. The dream was achieved in 1967.
The couple enjoyed their first posting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 1967-1969, where they became first-time parents to Robert Dawson Matheson. Their second posting was Ankara, Turkey from 1970-1971, where they were blessed with their second child, Chalanne Kimberly Matheson. Having conceived the million-dollar family, they decided to show them the world. Their third posting was Paris, France, 1973-1976, their fourth was Brussels, Belgium from 1978-1982, and their final posting was Athens, Greece from 1982-1986. The Matheson’s returned to their home base Aylmer, QC Canada in 1986. Bob retired from Foreign Affairs at the age of 54 in 1996. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after and he used to joke that prostate cancer was his retirement project. It turned out to be a 25-year project!
Once back in the Great White North, Bob and Judy quickly got involved in curling. One of his proudest accomplishments was making it to the senior provincials six times with his teams. As much as Bob enjoyed life on the ice, he loved being out in nature and on the golf course during the summer. He golfed all his life and in fact was so good that had considered going professional as a young man. At a tournament in Tanzania, he made the news, when he got an Eagle the wrong way, as one picked up his ball from the fairway only to drop it in a bunker!
In 1998, Bob became a grandfather to Shoshana Mai Matheson and again in 2001 to Ryker Robert Marshall Matheson. Bob and Judy quickly realized grandkids are much easier and fun to help raise (it takes a village!). One of Bob’s favourite memories was a road trip he went on with Rob, Shoshana, Ryker and Hobbit a young pup from Kingston to Saskatoon to visit Great Great Grandma Matheson who had recently turned 100.
With a newfound lease on life, thanks to retirement and to be closer to family in Kingston, in 1998, Bob, Judy and Chalanne purchased a trailer at Cranberry Park (now Summerland Rideau). The Matheson’s began gathering the family almost every single weekend during summers. Bob enjoyed campfires with friends and family, fishing from the land (that happens when you don’t have a boat), going for walks around the campsite (sometimes chasing Teddy), reading, BBQing, being in nature, and of course, the Annual Cranberry Park Golf Tournament that he and Chalanne created and ran for many years. The many circles and conversations with family and friends, with much fun and laughter that Bob loved, this was Bob’s happy place, in nature, where the art of laughter from them all was the greatest medicine. Bob’s last trip to the trailer was the weekend of August 21, 2021.
During the winters, Bob and Judy would take a break from curling and use their time share and go down to Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, Hilton Head, South Carolina, Flagstaff, Arizona, Mont-Ste-Anne, Quebec, to name a few. They also took many a road trip to visit family and friends across Canada.
An avid athlete and sports enthusiast all his life, he and Judy also played Bridge on their postings as a way to meet people and welcome new families to postings. It’s great when you have the husbands playing against the wives…then it’s lots of fun and creates happy memories. He cheered on Team Canada, the Vancouver Canucks, the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Raptors, and whatever Canadian teams were involved; with good humour, and incredible knowledge and insight, no matter the game of life.
Bob’s ability to live through prostate cancer for 25 years is a legacy to everyone of how we can all live with hope, love, courage, grace, dignity, and humour. A spiritual warrior in life and in death, to new life and spirit, Bob leaves in all of us the hope for a better world by the lives he impacted both animal, human and his love of life, the earth, and the environment. As his spirit lives on and soars so does it in us all.
“Live long and prosper”, were Papa Bear’s favourite words.
You accomplished that and more Bob Matheson.
While you may be gone physically, you will always be with us in spirit you “Jedi Knight.”
Be you Star Wars or Star Trek fans, or not,
Till we meet again.
Love you forever, love you for always,
as long as we’re living, you will reside within us all.
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Apìch kichi sàgìhigon, mashkawazìwin ki mìnigo, megwàdj sàgìhiwen ki mìnigo sòngideyewin. |
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. |
Être aimé profondément vous donne de la force, aimer profondément vous donne du courage.
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Bob was one the nicest people I ever met in External. I first crossed paths with him when I did my first TD to Brussels in 1982 and he was literally heading out the door on his cross-posting to Greece. Later I worked with him many times in HQ, and he always was cheerful and unflappable. We have lost a very good friend, and my deepest condolences to you and your family.
I was so sad to hear of Bob’s passing, but not surprised how he handled the prostrate cancer for 25 years. I will always remember Bob running around that soccer field in Paris, when we played the Athenian staff. He ran his butt off that day. That’s just the way Bob was, he took life head on, and never looked back.
My sincere condolences to you Judy and your family.
Over the years (I was with DFAIT 37 years) our paths crossed may times. We were both fortunate, amongst several others) to be selected for COSICS training and eventually both ended up on the same shift. A funny story: On the way to work I was so engrossed in the book I was reading that I missed my stop. I wrote a note reminding myself to pick up bus tickets on the way home. Bob left a not on my bag "Don't forget to get off the bus!" I will always remember Bob for inviting me to join the Manderley on the Green golfing curling/golfing group. He was the ultimate team player. May he rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family from my family.
You will be missed by all who knew you, Rest in peace my friend, "Till we meet Again" .
Bev Burrows and family.
It was a pleasure to make friends with Bob and Judy when I lived in Athens and we all attended St Andrews church. Finally met up in Canada in 1998 when Brian and I were travelling …what a great time we had together and they were so hospitable in showing us where they lived. This included a visit to RCMP HQ…a life long wish of Brian’s. Their energy and zest for life was amazing despite the health issues Bob had. My condolences to you and but we know that as Christians we are secure of eternal life. Love you all.
Pippa xx
Words can not express how sorry I am to hear of your loss. I know he was loved very much! He had a great sense of humor and loved his family. He will be missed but you have great memories! Hold them tight!
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Bob. His contagious laugh and forever smile left an big imprint at the Embassy in Athens. I am sure he is now organizing golf or some sport along with other dearly departed friends. May he rest in peace.
Ron Flanagan
Thank you for sharing that beautiful and personal tribute to Bob - which also presented a great overview of work, travels and family life. It is great how, despite the challenges of the retirement years, the gift of humour appears to have lightened life for all. It is also noted and appreciated that Judith continued to work on all her social justice projects and passions while balancing Bob's and the family's needs.
My condolences to all, including also son Bob, a Facebook friend; and best wishes for the healing journey. Circle of All Nations friends will also be wishing to send their sympathies and respect.
My sympathies for Robert.
I will plant a tree for him at the farm . Leti. Take good care
Dear cousins: I don’t have to tell you how much you have all meant to me. We have the stories! Bob was so special to me in so many ways. My time in Athens, on tour - with Tasha, who loved Bob as much as I did. I always felt part of the family and that is the greatest gift anyone can give. Thank you Bob. Thanks fam. My heart is with you all, torn between heaviness and light. My words are failing me. Much love to you all. xo
A beautiful tribute to Cousin Bob. Warm memories will warm our hearts for a lifetime. Our deep condolences. Love and hugs from your cousins in Pitt Meadows.
Judy and family
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Bob will be very much missed at the curling club and at the Manderley Seniors Golf league. I will miss the banter and the joking around. When his name comes up I will always smile because of all the great laughs he brought us.
I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing, and have such fond memories of him, and you all.
I hope your memories of your many years together bring you comfort and hope. You are in our prayers. With love, Christine Gross & Whit Strong
My deepest sympathies to all of you on your loss of Bob. I remember his and Judy's friendly smiles and advice when I joined the Treasury Curling Club. May all your fond memories help you through this difficult time.
In the memory of Bob Matheson who was a great example of pure love