It is with immense sadness that we share news of the passing of Donald “Red” Matthews on

Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Don left us after a brief final match in his war against cancer.

 

Don was born on October 31, 1946 to John “Jack” and Blande (née Labossiere) Matthews. The only boy, Donnie was doted on by his loving sisters.

 

Don leaves to mourn his devoted wife of almost 50 years, Janeth; sisters Joan (Ken) and Edith (Dave); daughters Dana (Jayson) and Tanya (Rob); grandchildren, who will greatly miss their papa, Cody (Jennifer), Brendon, Karlee, Matthew and Revin; great-grandchildren Akeira, Aria, Daynen and Daley. Don will also be mourned by the numerous members of his extended family and many, many, many friends. Especially his two best friends Noah and Billie who will sadly watch the door but know his footsteps won’t be heard again.

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Don had many passions and interests. Everything he did, he did 110%. He worked a lot and became an entrepreneur at a very young age. He was always looking forward to the next business venture. His earliest venture was running a backyard circus which led to many more including D.A. Matthews & Co., AAA Roofing, TD Rentals, the Woodbine Hotel and finally the La Salle Hotel. Don met a lot of people and made a ton of friends.  

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The company picnics and Christmas parties will always be remembered with many smiles and stories. Don managed to be both the life of the party and the solid friend that you could always trust. He always had your back. Those he called friends were indeed blessed. Don made a big difference in the lives of many.

 

Don was the most fun dad imaginable. He had a passion for travel and dragged his girls along on countless road trips, regularly driving straight through the night to get to Lake Louise in time for the lifts to open. On more than one occasion he could be seen filling up the box of the truck with neighborhood kids for a trip to the movies. When the front street flooded, he dragged out the canoe and we paddled away. We always had a dog or two, and even though he was their “god”, they always made great playmates for us. The truly fun learning and taste for escaping the city came later in the form of “the cabin”. There he really shared his love of all things living and all things green. The man was tree crazy! We learned that power and running water were not necessary to get things done. Then the barn went up. He got us baby goats!! Chickens, donkeys and so many critters! Papa showed the grandkids and great-grandkids how fun being off grid can be.

 

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at both the St. Boniface Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre for the care that Don received over the last months.

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A celebration of Don’s life will take place from 11am to 1pm on Monday, December 3, 2018 at the La Salle Hotel, 346 Nairn Ave.