It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Richard Mateer. Richard died in the presence of loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer on January 13th, 2023, in Victoria, BC. Richard is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Tristan), grandchild Walter, partner Kathy, sister Kathleen (Ken), and five nieces (Amy, Ann, Mary, Sarah, and Laurie). His parents, John and Dorothy, and his sister Helen (Tommy) preceded him in death.
Richard was a beloved community builder, entrepreneur, sailor, athlete, educator, and singer. He was a lifelong learner and loved to share his passions with others, whether it be music, sailing, Welsh Springer Spaniels, or the Wisconsin Badgers (particularly their football team, marching band, and basketball team).
Richard loved adventures – road trips were a particular specialty of his. He would plan the music and find just the right rest spot (a good hole-in-the-wall place, as he called it) for a bite to eat. His excitement and willingness to pick up and go came from his many years of living all over Canada and the world. Consequently, he made lifelong friends quickly everywhere and anywhere.
A funeral and reception will be held at St. Barnabas church in Victoria, BC, on Friday, February 3rd, at 2 pm. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery in London, Ontario, in April 2023.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Royal Jubilee hospital for their care and compassion – they were excellent and hard-working allies in the fight against Richard’s cancer (multiple myeloma).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Richard’s name to Wild Arc, an organization he volunteered with, and one of his favourite local charities – Wild Arc (https://spca.bc.ca/donations/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Ray LaFrance
-
Sharon Hazelwood I wish I had known of Richard’s passing in time to attend the service. I also knew Richard through his time at Stats Can and enjoyed his broad knowledge and determination to do his job well in a challenging work environment, meeting strangers’ reluctance with friendly assurance of the worth of participation. My best wishes to his family and friends in their journey of loss.
-
Deborah Goldbloom I am so sad to hear of Richard’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to Kathy and Richard’s entire family. I was friends with him from Wisconsin Alumni Group and he was such a positive and interesting person.
He must be singing in Heaven.
-
Doug Bain and Sandra So sad to learn of Ricks passing. Lots of fun memories. Our sincere sympathies to his family and friends.
-
Helen Cole I’m so sorry to read of Richard’s death. We knew each back in the day when he worked at Fanshawe College & I worked for the Elgin Training Council in St. Thomas. We lost touch over the years & reconnected when we both moved to Sarnia. He was always a gentleman & will be missed.
-
Derek Sidenius As a co-worker at Stats Can I can say Richard will be sorely missed. He was a pleasure to deal with and always a gentleman. I extend condolences to his loving family and many friends as they deal with this untimely loss.
-
Kinga Dear lovely Jen, I send you love to heal the space left in your heart. Nothing will replace you dad. But sharing his memory, and seeing who you are, can be mirrors to his vibrant presence in our world. Xoxoxo
-
Ann Henson What a wonderful tribute to my Uncle! I’m so sad I cannot be there but my heart and ❤️ to everyone will be. I will miss him so much. Never take your loved ones for granted.. each day is a blessing.
-
Bill McMurray It was my pleasure to call Richard a friend and a confidant. We were running buddies and travelling buddies. He introduced me to Wisconsin Badgers and I introduced him to walking in England. On Wisconsin.
As a fraternity brother from the halls of Psi Upsilon at Wisconsin, I’ll share our sadness at his passing. He was a big part of our undergraduate years when fun was had by all. His spirit still shines when thinking of him.