Jack’s family sadly announces his passing. He is greatly missed by his children, Lynne-Mari and Brian, his sister Jean, grandchildren Rae and Ben and many dear nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his wife Joan in 2019.
Jack was born and raised on a farm in Togo Saskatchewan. He was one of 5 children born to Tena Lubidoff and Carl Matvenko. He is predeceased by his sister Nina and brothers Nick and Charlie.
Jack was a proud graduate of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Class of 1952. A move to Toronto to intern would bring him to meet a young nurse and his future wife for the next 64 years, Joan. After marrying 1955, they moved to Vancouver B.C., where Jack took additional medical training.
In 1956, the family moved to Burns Lake B.C., where Jack opened a General Medical Practice.
Jack loved the community of Burns Lake, joining the Kinsmen and making lifelong friends. He embraced the outdoor life of Northern B.C. hunting, fishing, curling, and flying his Super Cub.
In 1965, Jack moved the family to Saskatoon returning to University to specialize in Ophthalmology. Moving to Maine, USA, where Jack returned to school to get his American degree. Then moving his family to Victoria B.C. in 1969 where Jack settle into his Ophthalmology practice. He enjoyed his work and continued his Practice well into his 80’s.
Jack was a proud Rotarian and served as President in 1987. His many hobbies continued to be hunting, fishing, skiing, mountaineering, ham radio and spending time at Honeymoon Bay on Lake Cowichan. He enjoyed travelling to Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii. Golfing at the Victoria Golf Club was a special part of his life. He had great times playing in tournaments, attending Men’s night and anytime he had a win. Jack had a full and active life into his 90’s with many stories to tell.
The family would like to thank Doctors’ John Antonsen, Jay Aikens, Jeff McCracken for their care of Dad.
Jack’s friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC on Thursday, September 29th, 2022 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
My condolences on Jack’s passing. He was a good friend, a colleague & was my Opthalmologist. Jack told me he was the first referral from a GP when he came to Victoria in 1968! Later we served together in the Rotary Club. Jack had a wonderful bedside manner. He listened to his patients & treated us warmly.
I shall miss him! However, it was privilege to have known him!
Dr. Ian Buckingham
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Jack’s passing. We lived many miles apart but I always enjoyed a visit with he and Auntie Joan. When he attended university in Saskatoon, I well remember babysitting Brian and Lynn-Mari. May he Rest In Peace with Auntie Joan. I won’t be able to attend the service but my thoughts will be with you all. Take care and hold on to all the good memories ❤️ Nina
Dear Lynne-Mari and Brian,
I remember your mom and dad and both of you very well as we lived on the corner of 8th Ave. And 9th Ave and and Dr. Dr. Jack was our Doctor. Excellent care always and he looked after our pet dog Skippy as well. I remember taking Skipper over to your home and your mom Joan helped Jack to cut off a piece of his long ratty tail. Used the chopping block of wood outside. Great job as he had a cute stubby tail with curls as he was a cocker and springer spaniel mixture so curly hair. I also remember when he was in Saskatoon and treated my mom’s aunt for glaucoma and then called mom to let her know so we could all be checked.
So very sorry and may the memories in your heart bring healing and peace.
Dear Lynn Marie and Brian U have so many fond memories ❤ of you both and your beautiful parents My mom was very sick with breast cancer Your dad made countless visits to our home treating my dear mother with such kindness and respect She died in 1967 I will be forever grateful to your dad for his compassion and kindness ❤
Dr. Jack was our family doctor with Dr. Trevor Thompson in Burns Lake. He was so wonderful and a great friend of my parents as well. What a wonderful man.
Dr. Matvenko was our family doctor for many years in Burns Lake. One always knew they were in good hands when Jack treated you. He was one of the finest and this community was very lucky to have him and his family as part of it.
Sorry Jack was my Dr in burns lake He was a great Dr Plus a good friend
As a young girl living in Burns Lake, I fondly remember Dr. Matvenko. He and my father (James Wood)the were in the Kinsmen Club together. Rest in peace
So sorry to hear of Dr. Matvenko’s passing. He was my Moms eye Dr up until not that many years ago, when he had his office on Chatterton way. She always looked forward to the eye appointments when they would always reminisce about the old Burns Lake times. My sincere sympathy to Lynne and Brian and family.
Chris Grey
To the family of Dr. Matvenko and Joan – I am so sorry for your loss. I truly pray that Jack and Joan are happily watching over you all. I worked for Jack back in 1992 at the Yates Street office as an MOA for a couple of years. We would sometimes eat deliciously made moose meet pastries that Joan had made from Jack’s hunting expeditions. He was extremely kind and courteous and a true gentleman. I was so very sorry to hear about Joan’s passing in 2019 when I last bumped into Jack at Royal Jubilee where I work as a nurse – I know that he absolutely adored her. I pray that you all are healthy and may you all have peace, love and good memories in your heart. It’s never easy to lose a loved one at any age.