Albert E. Matthews, Jr.

MATTHEWS, Albert (Al) Edward (retired auto executive) passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, January 8 at the age of 81. Loving husband of Linda Matthews (neé Gardiner) for 27 years, devoted father of and wise counselor to Tim Matthews (Anna) of Birmingham, England, Debbie Fisher (Mike) of Detroit, Michigan, Andrea Nicholls (Chris) of London, Ontario, and Brenda Wagner (James) of Ladner, British Columbia. Amazing and always interested grandfather of Ela, Ed, and Ewa, Carter and Grace, Rob, Diana and Tori, Helen, Elliot and Elise. Dear brother of Wynn Harding of Brantford, Ontario, and Pam McPherson (Tom) of Aurora, Ontario. Beloved brother-in-law of Joanne and Bob Ross of Burlington, Ontario, Marian and Jim Williamson of Ottawa, Ontario, and Chuck Lewis of Wheaton, Illinois. Extraordinarily supportive uncle for many much-loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Di Matthews (neé Hallamore), his beloved wife of 29 years, by his mother and father, Al and Wynn Matthews, and by sisters-in-law Marilyn Gardiner and Sue Lewis, and brother in law Jim Harding. Al will be remembered for his deep caring for all of his friends, colleagues and relatives, his strong Christian faith and his service in many churches and at Geneva Park YMCA, his extraordinary intelligence and wit, and his love of airplanes, cars and the auto industry. Al was born in Woodstock Ontario, grew up in Sarnia, graduated from St. Andrews’ College in Aurora, and obtained his business engineering training from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. His 35 year career at the Ford Motor Company included assignments in Canada, Michigan and England; he returned to Canada and served for more than 10 years as Chief Financial Officer of Ford of Canada, and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Al was a regular traveler to many places around the world, visiting his far flung family and friends. An avid golfer and squash and tennis player (until his knees gave out), an occasional fisherman when requested by his grandchildren, an accomplished bagpiper and artful Euchre player, he made a huge contribution to the lives of all who knew him, and will be sorely missed. Services will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1115 Center Road, Venice, Florida. A celebration of life will also be held in the summer in the Toronto area. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka for the Geneva Park YMCA at https://secure.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca, in honor of Al Matthews, or to a charity of your choice. Service Information Date: Saturday, January 14, 2017 Time: 2:00 pm Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Address: 1115 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 941-497-7286 | Map