Obituary of Ronald Alexander Matheson

Ronald Alexander Matheson, 85 Glace Bay/Sydney River, N.S. Ronald Alexander Matheson passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday November 8th, 2023, at the age of 85 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born on September 30th, 1938, Ron lived in Glace Bay until military postings sent him abroad, and he eventually settled in Sydney River with his wife Josephine "Joey" Matheson, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage. Ron was exceptionally proud of his contribution to the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served 32 years. He was also a reservist in Sydney after he retired from the Regular Forces. His military postings sent the family to Edmonton, Winnipeg, Gagetown, Chatham, and Germany. After military life, Ron worked as a commissionaire and then as a maintenance man at Ben Eoin Beach Campground, where he and Joey spent their summers for over 25 years. The family holds cherished memories of their time spent on the shores of the campground, where Ron lent a hand and a good laugh to all those in the park. When he wasn’t tending to the upkeep at Ben Eoin Beach, or visiting his family in Ottawa or California, Ron always kept himself busy, whether it was doing handy work around the house, playing in one of his many dart leagues, or going skating and dancing with his wife. Ron was also a season ticket holder for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles hockey team and loved cheering on his team. Ron is predeceased by his parents John Cameron Matheson and Ida Miller, sister Jane Fricker and her husband Ivan. He is survived by his adoring wife Joey, daughters Jo-Anne (Russ) and Cathy (Damian), siblings Margaret Rose (Don) and Cameron (Liz), and grand-daughters Madison (Cohen), Hailey (Kyle), and Lauren. Visitation for the late Ronald Matheson will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 12-2 p.m., and Memorial Service to follow at 2 p.m. all in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Dr., Sydney, N.S. 902-539-7175. A reception will follow the service. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Taigh na Mara nursing home in Glace Bay for Ron’s care over the past three and a half years. They would also like to thank the palliative doctors and staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital who looked after Ron in his final weeks. Joey would like to thank family and friends for their support throughout this very difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign/donate-to-the-poppy-fund). Words of comfort may be expressed to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.