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
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Jack, just heard. I think he is a second cousin of mine. I am the son of Bill Matthews (Wasyl Matvenko) he was the son of Kathleen & Steve Matvenko. I met the family-famous Jack only once at the 2005 100the family reunion near Kamsak, Saskatchewan.
My dad, Bill, is the one who fought in Spain. I am working with cousin Roslyn on a comprehensive family history.
Our family’s condolences.
Dear Lynne-Mari and Brian
I am greatly saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. Both your parents were kind, loving, and beautiful
souls.I will forever cherish times I spent with them and never forget them. Rest in peace Jack- reunited with Joan.
So sorry to hear about the death of Jack. I was away in the UK when I heard the news and could not get back in time to go to Oak Bay Golf Course for the celebration of his life. My husband Ian and I would like to send condolences to the family. Jack & Joan ( J & J ) are together again resting in pure happiness & peace. With good memories of the two of them. Ian & Chris Toye
I was deeply saddened by Dr Matvenko passing. Since he had become my eye doctor, I knew I am in excellent hands.
He was always professional and caring – to be with him I felt as much of a client as a friend. Men like him I will keep in my heart for ever.
My sincere sympathy to family.
I offer my condolences to the family of Dr Jack Matvenko and Joan. He was an incredible Dr who took care of so many of us in the Lakes District. Over the years as my family and friend friends received his gentle complete medical attention. I developed my dream of becoming a Dr too. I did go to medical school in Vancouver and interned in Toronto. I went on to practice family medicine then obstetrics and gynecology. I apologize that I never thanked him for all he was to to me.
We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Matvenko’s passing. He was our Opthalmologist for decades until he retired. He was such a kind and compassionate man always very concerned about his patients and their welfare. The world has truly lost a special man and he will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to all his family.
My condolences to all of Jack`s family. We in Togo always enjoyed visiting with Jack when he came to town . He will be greatly missed by all.
Lynne Mari and Brian with a heavy heart I am so sad to loose my brother your dad I will miss him forever. He loved people and saw the positive side in everyone.I grew with him and have many happy memories to cherish
I was deeply affected reading this obituary. He was my ophthalmologist from about 1978 to about 5 years ago, and I saw him once a year during those years. I always wanted to get to know him better, because he was the kindest and most interesting person I have ever met in the medical field.
We shared some memories of going to Cuba when it was less than fashionable and I was always fascinated to hear of his beginnings in medicine and his long career.
May Jack (for so I called him) rest in peace, as I am sure he will.
So sorry for your loss. My grandmother thought your Dad was a saint (or maybe even God) according to her without him I would likely not be here today. After hearing the tale, I remember being so excited to meet him when I was in my 20s when he came back for a community reunion. After my grandmother’s stories about him, I expected him to be eight feet tall, I was rather surprised to be able to look him in the eye! 🙂