William Charles Matthews

1949 – 2023

It is with a profound sense of loss that our family shares that William Charles Matthews, affectionately called ‘Papa’ by those who knew him, has passed away after a long battle with cancer on March 26, 2023, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, at the age of 73.

Bill was born April 14th, 1949 in Sandy Point, Nova Scotia and moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta in 1990, with his wife Christine and 3 children Mark, Melonie and Michael. 

Blessed with over 53 years of love and partnership, Bill leaves behind his wife and best friend, Christine Matthews. Together Bill and Christine built a large, loving family of 3 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren that often gathered together around Papa’s table. Their door was always open, and their home was full of extended family enjoying the meals Bill prepared for all to enjoy. 

Bill is survived and will be forever loved and missed by his wife Christine: children, Melonie (Cranley), Michael (Rolene) and daughter-in-law Theresa: grandchildren, Colten, Krishna, Zachary, Derrick, Randi, Nicholas, Chelsi, Abby, Lucas, Dylan, Doug and Brittany: great grandchildren, Gage, Raven, Wes and Hayden, and siblings, Myrna, Brian, Sandra (Ed), Lawrence (Gigi) and Carrie (Bill) are left behind to mourn in our loss, as well as his nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who marked his life with joy and purpose through his years. 

Bill is predeceased by his parents William Sr and Phoebe Matthews: his siblings, Elizabeth, Helen, and Clara, son, Mark, and grandchildren, Brie and Emily. 

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Tina Tom and Dr. Stephen Yam and the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Ward at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. Your compassion, support and attention to detail through Bill’s diagnosis and passing will never be forgotten. Additionally, we thank the founders and supporters of the Jeremy Snook Foundation for their steadfast commitment to the development of the Jeremy Snook Memorial Palliative Suites. The palliative suites made all the difference for our family as we navigated grief. 

Bill’s final request was for no formal funeral service to be held. He deeply valued his privacy and wished to be remembered how he lived: busy in the kitchen, serving his family. 

In lieu of a service, Bill’s wish was for his friends and family to simply hold dear their favorite memories of him healthy and strong.  The next time you’re enjoying a good home cooked meal remember to think of him. 

Fort McMurray Funeral Home