Born in Montreal 99 years after his Mathewson ancestors arrived from County Tyrone, Ireland, he graduated from McGill University in engineering, served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy, and then built his career as a Superintendent of Plant Operations for the Toronto School Board. He also built a cottage addition himself, completed another university degree in his forties, was an expert skeet shooter, and built and flew his own ultra-light airplane.
He was predeceased by his second wife Karen Hanna, his first wife Barbara Janet, and fiancée Virginia Louise. He will be deeply missed by his children Karen (Paul), Erik, Heidi (Robert), Ian, Laura (Vito), and Alan; his grandchildren Graeme (Gloria), Leonard (Emily), Geoffrey (Rachel), Rebekah, Elisa, Elena, and Taylor; and his great-grandchildren Eylin and Graydon.
He led by example, showing that greatness may be achieved by a life of generosity, empathy, and good humour. May his memory be a blessing.
A service to commemorate Sam’s life will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, April 22 at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, just south of Steeles Avenue in Toronto (416- 223-6050). The service will also be live-streamed.
If you wish, donations may be made to Save the Children, the Daily Bread Food Bank, or St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, in lieu of flowers.
