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 McKinley Holmes Mathias 1920 -2008 Everyone knew him as Mac, but the name given him at birth was McKinley Holmes Mathias. Born to Howard and Margaret Mathias in Matthiasville, situated in the township of Draper, the district of Muskoka in Ontario, Mac lived an uneventful and quiet life until volunteering for service with the Canadian Armed Forces in 1942. Mac then served four years overseas to the conclusion of the war after which he was discharged from active duty. Six years after returning to Canada, Mac moved to British Columbia with his wife Nancy. While homesteading in the Peace Country they were blessed with their children, Stewart, Randy, Laurie and Perry. Mac relished time with family and friends and counted among his favourite times those moments spent in the company of family and good friends. He often kept a big pot of campfire coffee to keep everyone warm; and in winter he would make certain there was a big fire by the puddle in the bush behind the family home on the Old Hart Highway. This was so the kids would be able to warm themselves during skating parties. Among the special memories for Mac’s family are the times the family worked together laying in the winter supply of firewood—the only source of heat in the home for many years. Mac was happiest when he was home where he stayed busy cooking giant pots of rice pudding, baking delicious pies and other goodies, or doing woodwork projects. After Nancy passed in 1984, Mac became passionate about music and renewed commitment to his faith. He invested himself in composing, recording and performing original songs and poetry. This rewarding investment brought great pleasure both to him and to those who enjoyed his creative talents. He was always ready to play his guitar and sing with good friends, including Walter Craig, Vern Braaten, Linda Shallock, Gregg Wandling, Barb and Ian Munro and Bob Dworsky. There were so many other musicians with whom Mac shared music that it would be impossible to name them all. From the late 50s until he retired in 1986, Mac worked with the Tunnel and Rock Workers Union on numerous heavy construction projects. He was a diamond driller on the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, and he also served as a labour foreman and a general foreman for pulp mills in Mackenzie and Prince George, the Peace Canyon Dam and Tumbler Ridge coalmines. Mac also worked building bridges on the Stikine River in northeastern British Columbia. During this period, Mac formed many strong friendships with his co-workers that continue to this time. Mac will be remembered for his warm smile and firm handshake that was freely offered to all whom he met. He mentored many people through the different stages of his life. Many people will remember his visits in the Co-op coffee shop. Mac passed away peacefully on September 15, 2008 at the Pouce Coupe Care Home. He was 88 years old at the time of his death. Mac is fondly remembered by his children Stewart (Debby), Randy (Betty), Laurie (Tom), Perry (Brenda) and grandchildren: Mick, Kevin, Bobby, Taylor, Ryan, Carmen (Matt) and Aaron. A memorial service was held on September 20, 2008 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Pastor Michael Stark. Inurnment was held on September 22, 2008 at the Dawson Creek City Cemetery Columbarium. |
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