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Harry Edwin Mathias
January 19, 1930 - June 16, 2014
Tribute
Harry Edwin Mathias passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the age of 84. Harry was born on January 19, 1930 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan though his family soon moved so he spent most of his youth in various locations in British Columbia. He graduated from UBC in 1954 and became a teacher, starting teaching in 1955 in the West Kootenays. He married his love, Evelyn Hawkins, on July 7, 1956. Harry and Evelyn settled in Cranbrook and Harry spent the next 31 professional years at Mount Baker Secondary School. Harry retired from teaching in 1987.
Evelyn and Harry raised three children: Grant, who predeceased them in 1980, Lynne (Steve) Newhouse and Leslie (Mark) Molnar. Harry has four grandchildren: Jake Molnar, Daniel Zimmer, Marissa Molnar and Jocelyn Molnar.
Harry was an active person in the community, always willing to help others. He was particularly involved with the Cranbrook and District Teachers’ Association, several charities and the CCF (later known as the NDP). Harry ran for MLA for the BC NDP party in 1983. Harry and Evelyn became honorary life members of the NDP in 1996.
Harry and Evelyn both loved to garden. Harry loved to travel. Before retirement, he took his family, mostly camping, to many places in Canada and the US. After he retired, he and Evelyn took 38 major trips, to places including Cuba, Venezuela, China, Europe and Great Britain.
Harry believed in pursuing social issues, and was a positive, loving individual with a strong devotion to family. He will be missed.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21st at 2:00 PM at the Cranbrook United Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.
Condolences
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From: Linda Gunson Haley
Relation: friend of family
Sorry to hear of your loss – Fondly remembered – Our deepest sympathy
From: Don Rivers
Relation: Harry was a colleague.
Harry was a true gentleman. He was a great teacher at Mount Baker Senior Secondary and involved with the provincial New Democrats. He had the best of motives in his quest for an East Kootenay seat.
From: Charlene Morrison
Relation: Co-worker of Leslie
Leslie and Mark,
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your father and grandfather. I hope all your good memories will help ease the grief that you must be be feeling. My recollection of your father from school -although I never had him personally- was that he was well respected
From: Lauretta(Pagurut)Dick
Relation: Was a pupil of his at Mt. Baker
Mr. Mathias was a great teacher.. Really enjoyed his class. My condolences and prayers go out to his family
From: Terry and Hilary Segarty
Relation: Friend
Our deepest sympathies to the Mathias family. It was with much sadness that I read of the passing of Harry. Throughout his life he served his community with distinction, both as an educator and as a community activist. He was always available to help those in need.
Most of all he was a devoted family man with a strong sense of faith who took great pride in his family, as they took in him. Sorry we are unable to attend the service for Harry as we will be in Ireland attending a family funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Evelyn, and with your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Terry and Hilary Segarty
From: Molly, Derry, Sean Cloarec
Relation: neighbours, History 12 teacher
To Harry’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the passing of Harry.
We will miss chatting with him and enjoying his quiet nature and dry humour.
He will always be remembered as being the best History 12 teacher!
From: Cheryl ostash(loewen)
Relation: One of my favorite teachers.
Jamie said it right. He was inspiring and a very sincere teacher. He was very good and helpful with everyone, more so if he knew you didn’t really enjoy the day. As years went on I got to know him and Evelyn through my work and they were always so friendly and stopped to chat. I still called him Mr. Mathias (my generation respect), he shook his finger and said please no, I am Harry to you. I miss seeing his smiling face and his laughter. I will NEVER forget him. 😢💔
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
June 21, 2014
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Cranbrook United Church
2 - 12th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC Canada
2 - 12th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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