Obituaries

John Matthews

27/04/1961 - 19/01/2020

Obituary For John Matthews

April 27, 1961 – January 19, 2020

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” -Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings

Our precious John or known to those who loved him as “Uncle John”, passed away peacefully in Grande Prairie, Alberta on January 19, 2020 at the age of 58 years.

John graduated from the University of Alberta in July 1987 with a Bachelor’s of Secondary Education. With this education he became a teacher at the Grande Prairie Composite High School where he had attended as a student earlier in life.

He was a total gamer, an avid reader, a movie and music lover as well. He enjoyed the Star Wars movies and The Lord of the Rings series of books as well as the movie versions. John was a proud nerd and would teach family and his friends to be proud nerds as well. After all, the world is run by them!

John had a huge personality and was an amazing family member, his huge heart showed through in his thoughtful displays of generosity towards his family and friends. With his loving nature, he would think about the finest of details and incorporate them in any way possible to make something even more special.

John will be deeply missed and be carried forever in the hearts of his family and all who loved him.

“Many places I have been, many sorrows I have seen. But I don’t regret, nor will I forget all who took the road with me.” -The Last Goodbye by Billy Boyd (The Hobbit)

On Saturday February 22, 2020 at 10:00am, Wonderland Toy and Hobby (10032 100 Avenue in Grande Prairie, AB) will host the 1st Uncle John Championship. A Magic the Gathering sealed tournament to raise money for charities to create barrier free community activities. The cost to participate in the tournament is $40 and all the profits will go to the GP Accessibility Advisory Committee. Anyone is welcome, it will be a great opportunity to learn a new game and to get to know the community Uncle John loved so much.

Memorial donations in John’s memory may also be made payable to the Grande Prairie Accessibility Advisory Committee care of Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Avenue Grande Prairie, Alberta T8W 0C7

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com

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Condolences

02/26/2020

Lorna Penson-Picken

Kelly and Jamie, I just read this, my heart, love and prayers are with you!! If there is anything I can do for you please ask. My number is 780 567 2814, cell 780 933 0123. Lorna Penson
02/26/2020

Jordan Dennis

To John's Family, I was deeply saddened when I read about the loss of John. I am living in Victoria, B.C. now, but John was one of the people I missed most about Grande Prairie, and I followed his life on Facebook in the years since we parted ways. John taught me how to be kind to people, at a time when it felt like everyone was against me. His good nature certainly lives on in how I lead my life now. Please accept my deepest, deepest condolences. Jordan Dennis
02/26/2020

Laurie and Harvey Wardill

Kelly our Thoughts and prayers with you and the family at this difficult time. John was quite the character.
02/26/2020

Suzanne Baile

I first met John when we performed in The Hobbit together. He had a great singing voice. We then worked together in Theatrix, children's theatre. We were a travelling troupe in Northern Alberta schools. 10 of us travelled in a gutted van with props,costumes, equipment and our luggage. We slept on the floor of gymnasium or classrooms. We all had a great time together. John loved Mars bars and when his back was turned one day at work, I hid his Mars bar. He quickly figured out who was the culprit. It was years later when our paths would cross once again. I bring my Therapy Dog to the Care Centre and who do we find there but John. Every week I would bring him a bite sized mini Mars bar. I would say: "what have I got in my pocketses"? John would say: a Mars bar and I would give it to him. He was a gem and we will miss him.