Mr. Ian George Stewart Matthew

Passed away peacefully, at his residence at Riverbend Place, Cambridge, Ian George Stewart Matthew, predeceased by his beloved wife, Sheila, loving father of Judith (Bob) Hamilton, Lindsay (Bill) Hunter, and predeceased by his youngest daughter, Fiona (Denis) Groulx, grandfather of Christina Faulds, David Hamilton, and Ian Hamilton, Matthew Hunter, Rachel Hunter and Luke Hunter, Chris Groulx and Jake Groulx, and delighted great-grandfather of nine lively great grandchildren (so far..)

Ian was born in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, England, to George and Christina Matthew, younger brother to Sheila Matthew. Ian greatly enjoyed celebrating his Scottish heritage, holidaying in Edinburgh and Largo, Fife with his family and friends. As a family the Matthews enjoyed travelling, golf and tennis. Ian was in the Air Force Reserves in his final years of high school, and joined up in September, 1939, as soon as war was declared. He progressed steadily through the ranks, ending up as a Squadron Leader and Wing Commander, flying Spitfires across the Channel and over occupied France. His courage and leadership were rewarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross, presented by Elizabeth, the Crown Princess, at Buckingham Palace. He entered the family business, Cunningham’s Tailoring, in Derby after the war, but soon accepted new challenges with Carborundum Inc. in Manchester. Ian and his beloved wife, Sheila(Dowling) of Burton-on-Trent, and their three daughters Judith, Lindsay and Fiona soon looked for new adventures and challenges in Canada. Ian joined Canada Sand Papers in Plattsville and made many new friends. Family holidays were spent at Sauble Beach with the Langfords, travelling in the USA and enjoying several trips back to England to visit family and friends.

Ian loved to play golf and enjoyed many days of summer sport at the Galt Golf and Country Club, getting a hole in one, as well as entering many competitions. He was a faithful member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Preston, teaching Sunday School and becoming an Elder of the Church. He was also a long time member of the Rotary Club, and he and Sheila welcomed a number of Rotary Exchange Students to their house. Ian greatly enjoyed his career at Canada Sand Papers, moving from Quality Control to Sales Manager, Plant Manager, and General Manager and CEO.

Ian and Sheila always enjoyed travelling ,and went on a number of cruises with friends as well as exploring the world, ending up in Japan and Australia. Their condo at Destin, Fla was always open to friends and family. In their retirement, Ian and Sheila also bought a beautiful condo at Black Forest Condominiums and enjoyed the social life and the many friends that they met there. After Sheila’s death in 2008 Ian moved into Riverbend Place where he enjoyed the care and companionship of the wonderful staff and made new friends and companions for his final years. He died peacefully on Oct. 23rd , leaving his large family and many friends to mourn his passing. Rest in peace, Ian, best of husbands, fathers and friends.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in Ian's memory to Cambridge Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family.