Albert Gardner (Joe) Matthews

Born on April 2^nd, 1964 in France. Passed away suddenly while on a business trip in Las Vegas on April 8^th, 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 21^st, 2016 from 2-4 pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

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