Freddy worked as an independent Carpenter Contractor. He was also very proud to work for many years as a Mi’kmaw Interpreter for Indigenous People facing the justice system. He lived his life the Lnu way. He loved his Mikmaw language and culture, asserted his sovereignty and stood up for our Lnu Nations when faced with the threat of arrest for hunting moose over 30 years ago at Hunter’s Mountain in the Cape Breton Highlands. He was free spirited, humble, humorous and loved travelling with his many vehicles to visit friends and family. He loved to share his experiences, loved his Boston crew and was a great story teller. It was very common to see him around Powwows and other gatherings in all the districts of Wabanaki.
He was businessman (owner operator of MicMac Tabak) and an avid crafter. He saw the beauty in many things. He displayed his talents throughout the years through his artistic abilities which included making ash flowers, leather products, wooden structures, beaded creations and many more. Most recently, he beaded Eagle feathers, created beaded baskets and personalized beaded lighter cases.
Left to mourn are his son; Eldon Matthews, daughters; Karina Matthews-Denny, Shelly Paul and Malori Paul, brother, Allister “Buster” Matthews and sister, Valerie (Jake Cremo) Matthews, his 12 beautiful grandchildren; Donovon, Randy, Colby, Tyson, Kyra, Anthony, Sage, Pelonik, Allen, Emma, Francisco and one more on the way, godchildren, Edward James Kabatay and Chloe Marshall, former wife Joan (Keith Christmas) Denny, brothers-in-law, Dr. Peter Christmas and Clarence “Bugsy” Jarvis as well as a large number of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Besides his parents, Freddy was pre-deceased by brother Arthur in infancy and sisters, Myrtle Christmas, Marlene Matthews and Margaret Matthews, stepbrother, Wallace Bernard and the mother of his three youngest children, Emma Paul.
Wake and a sacred fire will be at the family home 35 Micmac Cres on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church with Father Bill Burke officiating. Burial at Membertou Memorial Gardens. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
Please, in order to ensure the safety of our community we have made a decision to ask those who have travelled outside of Unamaki (Cape Breton) in the past two weeks to consider sending your condolences by any other means except by in person. Unfortunately, we are still experiencing this pandemic of Covid-19 and entering the “second wave”, which is projected to be stronger than the first outbreak.
The health and safety of our family and friends, we feel, is the outmost importance during these difficult and trying times. The funeral will be live streamed and you may attend virtually by watching the livestream on TW Curry’s facebook page. We are very grateful to share our loved one’s celebration of life with you all in a safe manner.
We thank you for your prayers, patience and understanding.
The family and friends of the late Frederick Matthews.
