Albert Gardner (Joe) Matthews

April 2, 1964 - April 8, 2016

April 2, 1964 - April 8, 2016

Born on April 2nd, 1964 in France. Passed away suddenly while on a business trip in Las Vegas on April 8th, 2016.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carmen; and his two daughters, Nicole and Kayla of whom he was extremely proud; parents, Valerie and Lloyd; brother, Kevin and his wife, Evelyn, nieces, Alia, Thea, and Quinn; and little sister, Susie. He was predeceased by his brother, Danny and his wife, Cathy. Joe also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Cyr and Matthews families.

Always a go-getter in sports as well as in life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. We will always miss his beautiful smile, big heart, and teasing laughter.

Joe grew up on military bases in Germany, France, Comox, and Victoria and spent most of his adult life in Victoria. He fondly remembered his years at Parkland Secondary School, where he participated in many sports and made special, long-lasting relationships with both teachers and classmates.

Following his high school years, Joe entered his first profession in shoe repair at Stevenson’s Shoe Clinic. He continued his education at Camosun College, and began working at Velox Rugby Club, and was even a part of a construction company with friends. Joe then found his passion and entered a career in the security industry, which brought him to companies like Posscan and ADT, the provincial government, and finally to Camosun working with his long-time friend Byron.

Attending the bi-annual security conferences highlighted Joe’s years in the security industry. He was able to travel extensively and always had friends and colleagues he was looking forward to meeting and spending time with. He loved attending hockey games, golfing, and dinners out with friends including Yanik, Don, and Guido and enjoyed sending pictures home during these trips.

The camaraderie and physicality of sports drew Joe from an early age. Hockey, volleyball, basketball, rugby, floor hockey and slo-pitch all held a place in Joe’s heart. He loved to play hard. In recent years, Joe was very active in ice hockey and his slo-pitch league, and his latest passion was going out shooting with his very close friend, Doug and his boys.

The Velox Rugby Club was a big part of his life, where he made many lifetime friendships and continued to attend rugby games for the love of the sport and to keep in touch with his mates.

Joe shared a love of fishing with Carmen’s father, Len, and they spent many early mornings on the Campbell River fly fishing for pinks. He will be missed by Len and the rest of Carmen’s family: mother, Mary; brother, Shon and his family, Harley, Jacky, and wife, Jen.

Carmen, Nicole, and Kayla are thankful to have memories from recent family vacations to Florida and their houseboat rental on the Shuswap this past year.

A memorial service will be held at McCall’s Reception Room, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, April 21st, 2016 from 2-4 pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

44 Responses

  1. To Carmen and the girls, and brother Kevin – I was shocked and so saddened to hear about Joe and can only imagine your pain.
    I always looked forward to chatting with Joe. He was always ready with a smile and a quick comeback, and always enjoyed a good laugh. I know how much his family meant to him and how you all inspired him to be a better man.
    Take care of each other.

  2. My deepest condolences to your entire family. I had the pleasure of playing hockey with Joe over the past 3 years. He was one of my favorite guys to be around, always smiling and having fun. He was compelling and engaging to talk to, I’ll miss him, I’m so sorry for your loss, the world has lost a special man.

  3. So sorry to hear that we have lost Joe.

    He was a good friend and mentor to many and will be missed.

    Condolences to his family.

    Shaun

  4. Such as heartbreak, Joe was someone I always looked forward to seeing and visiting at trade shows or when I would come to Victoria on business. The news of his passing is difficult to grasp. He was a bright light in our industry that I loved to talk shop with. I am very sorry to hear of such a wonderful person leaving us too soon. My deepest sympathies to the Matthews family.

  5. Carmen, Nicole &.Kayla
    Thinking of all of you and the rest of the family.
    Hugs, Love & Prayers.
    Doug, Gay & family

  6. I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, it is a shock to us all and he is very missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and all the others that hurt. RIP Joe

    James Paquin
    Camosun College
    Facility Services

  7. I had the pleasure to work with Joe for many years so many great memories, he loved technology and always would lend a helping hand. My thoughts are with Carmen and his family during these sad times. RIP Joe

  8. Very sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Carmen, the girls and all of Joe’s family and friends. Gone far too young.

    Cathy and Frank Hohnsbehn

  9. Carmen and family.
    Joe was a good friend and teammate. I truly enjoyed knowing him. I am saddened to hear of his passing. You are in our family’s prayers as you lay your husband and dad to rest.
    Dick Cornish

  10. We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Joe. As his neighbour for the past number of years we quickly learned that Joe had a kind heart and was always willing to lend a hand whenever anyone needed it. As an active Board member he always offered valuable input and was a “doer” that helped tasks get completed. His passion for helping was evident in his commitment of time and energy to his neighbours and community.
    Our family sends sincere condolences to Carmen, Kayla, Nicole, family members and all those who are trying to come to terms with his passing. He was a an outstanding man and we feel honoured to have known him!
    Rest in Peace Joe, you will be greatly missed by so many!
    With deepest sympathies,
    Glen, Judi, Sarah and Kaylee

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