Obituary of Louis Joseph Matthews

MATTHEWS, Louis Joseph (Lou) – With mixed emotions, Lou's family acknowledges his passing on Friday, September 23, 2016, at Victoria Hospital, but also celebrates the life he shared with family and friends. In his 92nd year, Lou, beloved husband of the late Mary Margaret Matthews (2013) and loving father of Jane Matthews and Bruce Taylor of Thornbury, ON, Jim Matthews and Sandra Banks of Waterloo, ON, and Mike and Angela Matthews of London. Loving grandfather of Ben, Eilish, Rachel and Juliana. Survived by his sister Marg Sullivan and Jerry and Angela Matthews, all of Guelph, ON, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother, Bill Matthews and his wife Fran, and brother-in-law Jack Sullivan. Born May 26, 1925, in Mount Forest, ON, son of the late Louis Robert and Mary (Burke) Matthews, Lou enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at age 18 and was an air gunner. After his 3.5 years of military service he returned home to finish high school before attending veterinary college in Guelph. Graduating in 1950, he was a veterinarian (small animal practitioner) in London, establishing Matthews Animal Clinic on Wellington Road (south of Commissioners) in 1961 before selling the practice in 1977. In semi-retirement he continued his veterinary career, working at a number of animal clinics in London and the surrounding area. Married to Mary Margaret for 60 years, Lou traveled with his wife "wherever she wanted to go" – mostly to destinations in Canada and the U.S. – including Florida during many Canadian winters. For a number of years Lou was Mary Margaret's primary caregiver as she contended with multiple sclerosis. A man of strong faith and principles who believed in the importance of family and personal relationships, he will be greatly missed. Those who knew him can also attest to his sense of humour, kindness, generosity and caring and compassionate nature. Hunting was a hobby of Lou's – particularly birds – but he also enjoyed going after bigger game on many annual trips with his brothers and nephews. Family and friends are invited for visitation at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street (at King Street) on Thursday, September 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Prayers are scheduled for 3:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Justin's Catholic Church, 855 Jalna Blvd. Interment at St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer's Society.