Obituary of Robert John Matthews

Robert John Matthews

June 3, 1944 - Feb 26, 2021

It’s with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Bob Matthews on February 26 2021. He leaves to mourn his wife of 54 years Elaine Matthews (White), his sons Rob Matthews (Kay Blair), Tim Matthews (Cathy Neville), his grandchildren: Ricki Lee, Tyler, Danielle and Jacob; sister Linda Sweeney; nieces and nephews:  Steve, Sandra and Rick. As well his brothers and sisters- in-law:  Edie Turner, Leslie White, Mary Lachance, Melinda (George) Hillier, Lennie White and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Madeline Matthews, mother and father- in -law Alexander and Philomena White, Infant brothers Pat and Herbert Matthews, grandson Philip Matthews, brothers and  sisters- in-law: Kevin White (Winnie), Herman White, Leroy White (Greta), Cecelia Mendenhall, Alma Watts, Barbara Young (Johnny), Marina White (Alphonsus), Carol White and Judy White.

Robert, known as “Bob” to his friends and family was born and raised in Corner Brook. Bob met his wife Elaine while he was boarding at her parent’s house in Stephenville while he was working on the US base. They married Sept 17, 1966 and moved back to Corner Brook to start their family. Bob was always busy; he was an upholsterer all his life and worked along side his Dad from the time he finished school and continued to do smaller jobs in his “shop” until recent months. In his younger days, Bob loved to go camping, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed watching senior hockey “Royals “and was known to hop a train to see games in central or drive through a snowstorm to Stephenville. If he couldn’t make it to the games you could find Bob listening to the game on the radio or watching his Leafs play on tv. Bob was a very social person and he could make anybody laugh. He will be remembered by all of his family and friends who he has made smile over the years. He enjoyed his game of darts or crib, and would never miss his weekly card game with good friends Robert and Ellen Meaney.  Bob spent some of his best years living in Massey Drive with Elaine, he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and Town Council. He would always have a story about his time volunteering and was always sharing his favourite memories. A member of the Royal Canadian Legion for the past many years, Bob enjoyed his daily visits to the legion. Some of his fondest memories included helping with the cooking for many of their events and participating in the Remembrance Day parade.  Bob also enjoyed making a big pot of homemade soup for anyone who was unwell or had lost a loved one. In later years Bob could be found having his morning coffee with the boys at A&W before going to LTC to visit with his wife Elaine.Special thanks to Dr Bob O’Driscoll and TLC homecare workers Trina, Sherry, Krista and Erika for their care and company for Dad in the last year.

Visitation will be held Wednesday December 15, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Fillatre’s Funeral Home 218 Curling Street, VaxPass, Identification and mask required. Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Thursday, December 16^th, 2021 at 10:30 am with Father Jim Robertson officiating, mask with sign in upon entry required, to a maximum of 100. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated https://alzheimer.ca/en

“We’ll always remember

that special smile,

that caring heart,

that warm embrace,

you always gave us.

You being there

for Mom and us,

no matter what.

We’ll always remember

you Dad because

there’ll never be another one

to replace you in our hearts,

and the love we will always

have for you”