Joel Raymond Matheson

June 25, 1936 - September 16, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joel Raymond Matheson, loving husband and father. Joel was predeceased by his parents David and Minnie Matheson (nee Foster); his brothers David, Archie, and Donald Matheson; sister in law Betty Matheson; and brother in law, Harry Lawson. Joel is survived by his wife Laura Matheson (nee McBride) of 57 years and children Gary (Vanessa), Colin, Perry (Loretta) and Gail (Stan); grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, Laine, Paige, Kate, Jenna; and great-granddaughter Taylor; as well as brothers Dan (Shirley) Matheson, Terry (Veronica) Matheson; and sisters, Marion Lawson and Ruth (Norman) Glass.  Joel was born on a farm near Sedalia, AB. He attended school and eventually moved into Consort AB. He worked for the Alberta Power Company building power lines, and then for the PFRA surveying and building dams along the Qu’Appelle Valley. He met his wife Laura while helping to build a dam near Wolseley, SK. The two moved to Saskatoon and he started a 27 year long career with the Hudson’s Bay Company.  Dad volunteered in the community looking after a local outdoor skating rink and coaching hockey and lacrosse. He affected and inspired countless young athletes in his years coaching. His children benefited from many backyard rinks including the Olympic sized one that stretched across our yard and the Hucul’s yard next door.  Dad was a walking encyclopedia of jokes and funny anecdotes, many of which we can’t repeat in decent society. Chances are if you were with him, you were smiling.  Thank you to all the people who helped and supported him as he dealt with diabetes. The St Paul’s and Community Renal Centres, Dr. Viden, Dr Enweani and their staff, Dr. Stuglin, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Meiers and the staff at the Palliative Care Unit in St Paul’s Hospital - you are angels. A special thank you to Dr Ulmer whose excellent care and good humour nurtured Dad to the end. He considered you a good friend.  At Dad‘s request, there will be no funeral, but for those of you who knew him, there will be a Come and Go Wake celebrating his life on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at 1518 Forest Drive. Many of you can expect to stay later as Dad has instructed us to buy a bottle and put in on a tree stump in the back yard and have a drink in his honour. Cremation arrangements in care of John Schachtel – Mourning Glory Funeral Services 306-978-5200