Don Garfield Matheson
After a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, Don Garfield Matheson died peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the age of 80 with his beloved wife, Blondina, by his side.
He was predeceased by his parents Neil Garfield Matheson and Mary Matheson and his brother, Dwight. Left to mourn are his sister, Louise (Doug) Ott, Dwight’s wife, Marilyn, and sister Shelley (Dave) Froehlich. He is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Don was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up in the Grayburn community. He was an avid student throughout his life. In Grade 12 he was the class valedictorian at Caronport High School. During his high school years he spent many hours each day working on his goal of obtaining his ARCT in piano performance and piano teaching. He successfully gained his ARCT. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in History.
In 1969 Don married Blondina Peters. In the early years of his teaching career and his marriage, he was diagnosed with having acute monocytic leukemia. He began treatment and during that time he decided to leave teaching and attend the University of Saskatchewan to earn his Master of Divinity degree.
Don and Blondina moved to Ontario in 1973, where he obtained a Master of Education degree at OISE. He obtained his Specialist in Pastoral Counselling Education (CAPPE) and Advanced Brief Therapy Certificate in 2001. Don was ordained by the United Church of Canada.
Don enjoyed a long and varied career in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, education, and administrative positions with the United Church of Canada in Ontario. His ministry was defined by his creativity, music and his generous spirit of love and inclusivity.
Family and friends are invited to an informal service and reception to celebrate Don’s life at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON on September 30, 2023. 2-4 pm.
If so desired, donations may be made in Don’s memory to Bloor Street United Church, Toronto, ON, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Canada), or Parkinson Canada
A Family Service and interment will be held in Moose Jaw, Sask. on October 14, 2023 from 2-4 pm at W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home , 474 Hochelaga St W, Moose Jaw, Sask.
In living memory of Don, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain
