Tribute

Pete Mathews died peacefully at the age of 96 in Powell River, BC.

Born September 7, 1919 in North Vancouver, BC. He lived his formative years in Smithers, BC and went to sea at the age of 16 on the Empress of Japan. He served in the Canadian Merchant and Royal Navies during World War 2, berthing in every port in the world at the time. At the war’s end in 1946 he received a foreign-going masters certificate.

In 1949 he accepted a posting to Francois Lake to serve as senior captain on the ferry, Jacob Henkel. He moved his family from Salmon Arm, BC to Southbank, BC in 1950 where he lived until 1969, retiring in Fauquier, BC in 1978.

Peter is predeceased by his first wife Mary, sons Don and Dana, grandsons Peter and Brodie, granddaughter Carly, and son-in-law Phil. He is survived by his wife Agnes, sons Bryan and Hal, daughters Ida and Sally, 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Pete lived life with a sense of purpose. A true gentleman who loved nature and always knew where true north was, in every sense. We will miss, but never forget, Pete. Smooth sailing, oh captain, my captain.

A celebration of his life will be held next summer.