March 15, 1928 – September 13, 2023
The family is sad to announce the peaceful passing of their Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and friend on September 13, 2023. Les was born in Kyle Sask., on March 15, 1928 to Ethel and Jack Matthews.
Les moved with his family to Vancouver when he was 8 years old. He attended school, graduating from John Oliver High School in 1946 and later graduated from U.B.C. in 1950 with a B.E. degree. Les was very active with all sports. He was a member of the team that won the Minto Cup for lacrosse in 1948.
His first teaching job took him to Prince Rupert where he met his future wife, Enid Ball. In 1952 Les accepted a teaching position at Chilliwack Senior High. Les and Enid were married in 1954.
Summers he spent at the University in Oregon where he obtained his Masters Degree. His teaching career moved him to many schools in the Chilliwack District with his final position as principal at Rosedale Junior High and retiring in 1989. Throughout his years in the schools, he coached many students in all the team sports.
Throughout his life, he was a loving and supportive father and also active in his community. He helped to activate the Chilliwack Recreational Committee and he was also Chair of the Cultus Lake Park Board for 13 years.
Les was very skilled at construction and helped to build the family cabin at Cultus lake as well as their family home in Chilliwack. His rock walls that he built by hand were a great addition to the beauty of their home on Mount Shannon.
In his retirement he enjoyed watching all sports (especially hockey), travelling, curling, golf, music but especially playing bridge. Les was a charter member at the Chilliwack Golf and Country Club.
He was predeceased by his wife Enid in 2005, his sister Shirley Townsend in 1979, his son-in-law Brent Murray in 2021.
He is survived by his daughter Karen Murray, son Gary Matthews (Amanda), his grandchildren Matthew, Iain & Michelle Murray and Lewis Matthews and niece Kathryn McMillan and her 2 daughters and nephew Lionel Townsend.
Les is also survived by his good friend and traveling partner, Donna.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Scott Markey and Dr. Andreas Wolfe for their wonderful care.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Chilliwack Golf and Country Club on Thursday October 5th at 2:00 to 5:00pm.
Donations can be made to Chilliwack Hospital Foundation or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Les’ memory.