Doug Mathison

In Loving Memory Of

Doug Mathison

February 19, 1957 ~ February 7, 2022

Age 64 Years

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of James Douglas Mathison on February 7th 2022 at the age of 64.  Doug was a loving husband, father, gramps, uncle, farmer, musician, and caring friend.

Growing up on the farm with his siblings and many cousins always close by, farming was a way of life that was engrained in Doug from an early age.  He never missed out on a day of harvest and as a child he’d run up the lane after school hoping the combines were still running.

In his childhood Doug loved the games of hockey, baseball and curling.  His sports talents on the ice and on the field brought him great successes and many friendships.  Although, even more important to Doug was sharing his love of these games with his daughters and grandchildren.  For their sports events he was usually the first one in the stands ready to cheer them on. As a ball player, he was a member of the Manitoba Bison team in New Brunswick in 1976, the MB junior team medalists in Newfoundland Canada games in 1977, and of the Cardale Cougars team that has recently been inducted in the MB Baseball hall of fame.  Following this Doug was also an accomplished curler.  His time playing sports led to many great memories and Doug always seemed to have a new story to tell about his experiences.

In his early years of farming Doug thoroughly enjoyed to be with his Dad and Uncles on the land, learning many of their work ethics which in turn carried him in his own life’s journey of farming.  Whether it was working his own land or someone else’s, he took great pride in everything he did.  Doug was also a creator of sorts, always thinking of a new invention or working on repairs on existing ones. From welding a swather carrier to building instrument stands with personalized touches, everything he made was created with a purpose and built with “a lotta love”.

Doug’s creativity was also reflected in his love of music.   He spent many hours strumming the guitar around a campfire with his family and friends, or playing at many functions while his daughters sang beside him. Music was such an important part of his life from a young age.  Doug was self-taught on the guitar and always had a keen ear to create a “new little diddy”.  He has left us with many favorite songs that we cherish so much.

In 1976 Doug married Carol, and their love story began.  They began farming together and started their family.  March 18, 1977 James Dwaine was born and this was such an exciting time, however an illness took Dwaine March 8, 1978 and this broke their hearts.  Together they endured this loss and went on to have two daughters, Becky-Lynn and Nicole.  And so began a new chapter in Doug’s life being the greatest supporter of his girls.  Teaching them how to drive on the farm, going on many a camping trip, coaching ball, and playing many games of catch.  It was always easy to get a hold of him on the CB radio to see where he was at to take him out a “nice little lunch” as he would always say.  So many memories were made and every one of them cherished.  Even though he was always busy doing something, he always had the time to have a quick visit, chat, and always left you feeling seen and heard.  Family was what was most important to Doug and never missed an opportunity to call on their birthdays, give random “I love you’s” or write a special rhyme that always had words of encouragement and a touch of humour that was personal and always heartfelt. Most mothers’ days or anniversaries, Carol could always find a new little love note.   This care for and time for others extended beyond Doug’s family into his community, to the friends that he and Carol would join for an occasional happy hour, and to anyone that crossed his path throughout his life.  A wave, a thumbs up, or a chat that would leave someone feeling like they mattered. 

Doug was lucky enough to see his girls graduate and walk both of them down the aisle on their wedding days.  This gained him two sons in law, Clarence and Henry.  He was always so proud of them both and a steady role model in their lives.  Doug was a proud supporter of his seven grandchildren.  He made it a priority to be at all their important events or special days and he was always their greatest cheerleader. 

Doug left this world with his family knowing the love and pride he felt for them every day.  

Doug is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 45 years Carol, daughters Becky-Lynn (Clarence) Bjarnason and family Ethan, Carson and Reegan.  Nicole (Henry) Wilson and family Harmony, Eveline, Gloria and James.

Mother Norah; sister Deborah (Darwin); brother Kelly (Heather);sisters-in-law Kathy (Danny) and Debbie (John);and aunts Linda and Marjorie, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Doug was predeceased by his son Dwaine; father Jim; parents-in-law Steve and Marie; and uncles Buck, Baldy (Gladys), Ken (Doris), and Allan.

A graveside service for extended family will be held on July 30th @ 11:00am at the Hamiota Cemetery. The service will also be live streamed and can be accessed by clicking here or the white banner link below.  

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same,

we cannot hide our heartache, when someone speaks your name.

Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall,

living here without you, is the hardest part of all.

You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true,

and when we needed someone, we could always count on you.

The special years will not return, when we are all together,

but with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doug Mathison, please visit our floral store.