Bob Matheson

MATHESON, Robert (Bob) Blakey, 63, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay died at home January 1, 2011 of pancreatic cancer. He was born in Halifax August 28, 1947 to G. Robert Matheson and Ada (Blakey) Matheson. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Debbie (Wilber), daughters Sarah and Ainslie, both of Halifax, brother Bill Matheson of Pugwash and extended family member Shawn Chapman of Halifax. Robert was first and foremost a family man, his priority being to love and provide for his family, a responsibility he held close to his heart and fulfilled so well. He loved spending time at home on Schooner Cove with his family, his Labrador retrievers (he was rarely without a dog at his side) and his gardens. He amassed an expansive collection of Rhododendrons which gave him great joy every spring when they bloomed so profusely. He loved the ocean and spending time on his boat exploring the islands and fishing on St. Margaret’s Bay. He and his family shared so many unique outings with a close circle of family friends. He helped build memories that will last a lifetime especially for the young family members. He cherished his close friendships and he valued the many adventures and relationships they brought to his life. He loved to travel, enjoying fabulous trips with Debbie and his girls. He also traveled extensively with his friends where they bird hunted, fished and golfed all over the world. Robert was an exceedingly generous man. Where he saw a need, he filled it without fanfare, never seeking recognition for his many deeds of kindness. He was also very generous with his time, always willing to give sage advice and guidance. He had a wicked sense of humour and he was renowned for the stories he told, many of which stretched on in a seemingly unending manner! Robert was the founder and President of East Coast Specialty Hardwoods Ltd, his professional pride and great accomplishment. He truly loved his work, the people and old fashioned values the lumber industry provides. Robert embraced his life post diagnosis as he had the extraordinary ability to transcend the physical and emotional suffering and focus on the things that were truly meaningful to him. He felt that he had been given the gift of time and he used it to go on his “Farewell Tour”; it was quite a ride. His mantra became “Do not count the days, rather, make each day count”. This was a very rich time in his life, rich also for his family and friends who experienced it with him. A very special thank you for the compassionate and immediate efforts by Dr. Mark Walsh, Dr. Ian Beauprie and Dr. Alwin Jayakumar. The results of their work provided greater quality of life for Robert and allowed him and his family to experience the true magic of Christmas again. Pancreatic Cancer is often asymptomatic thus difficult to diagnose early and treat successfully. It is through research that early detection and treatment leading to better outcomes will be achieved. With this in mind the family requests donations be made to the Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society. 100% of contributions to this society go directly to Pancreatic Cancer research and awareness. Donations can be made online www.craigscause.ca or by mail to QEII Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, 1276 South Park Street Halifax NS E3H 2Y9. Cremation has taken place, service to be held at Edgewood-Oxford United Church 3055 Connaught Ave Halifax (corner of Connaught and Young) Friday January 7 at 1:30pm, celebration of life to follow service. Private burial will take place at a later date. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.