This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with great sadness we announce Al’s passing. Born in Toronto in 1929 to a highland Scot mother and a wounded Canadian WW1 soldier. Al spent his early years growing up in Toronto in the most challenging of times, “the dirty thirties”, where he learned his “street smarts”. Al was predeceased by his loving and caring wife Marguerite (McTaggart), brother Ian, his wife Betty and grandson Shelby. In 1937 the Canadian Veterans Land Trust built a small community of modest bungalows, each with sustaining acreage for qualifying WW1 vets’, near Whitby. The Matthews family moved there in 1937 and Al became a “country boy”. Two years later, at the age of 9 years old, Al’s father joined up for WW2 and left Al to work and manage the livestock and vegetable gardens. Al’s mother Jessie became one of Canada’s famous BOMB GIRLS, working in the area’s munitions factory. During WW2, Al was excused from school classes during the spring and fall to work on the farms. All told, he was boarded and raised by 6 different families. After WW2, the Matthews acquired a home and acreage on what is now the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Al joined Eaton’s of Canada and worked there for 35 years, achieving national level responsibility. Al joined Westinghouse Nuclear in Port Hope in 1985. He later operated his own business in downtown Cobourg. His store was known as Allen’s Dominion hardware and giftshop. After 6 years, Al closed out his full time working years with the federal business Development Bank as a business consultant. Then 3 years as their business consulting coordinator. Al was active in numerous local organizations. These included Community Care, the DBIA, West Northumberland Economic Council, the Cobourg Highland Games, the Lone Pine Marsh, the Monarch preservation, the Johnson woods conservation project, and the Board Member with the Cobourg Museum Foundation. He was the reform Party’s local candidate during the 1990’s. Al was also the area’s representative on the Ontario Parole Board for several years. Al leaves his son Jim (Sherry), and their children Allen, Athena, Alexis and his daughter Nancy, her 2 sons Matthew (Terra) their sons Shea and Lincoln and James (Jaclyn) and their daughter Payton and son Peter (Eve) and their children Helena, Joyia and Skye. Al will be greatly missed by his long-time companion Sheila Knight. At Al’s request there will be no formal church service. Following aquamation, an informal private family graveside farewell will be arranged with Rev. Bill Thompson saying a few words and the ‘piper” Mary Ito playing one or two on the bagpipe tunes. Happy trails to all. May the great spirit be with you. I did it my way. Memorial donations in memory of Al may be made to the Shelby Matthews Memorial Music Foundation (SickKids Hospital), and remembering to feed and shelter declining wildlife, would be greatly appreciated.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Hospital - Shelby Matthews Memorial Music Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Hospital - Shelby Matthews Memorial Music Foundation
Nancy & Jim, so sorry for your loss. thinking of you & yours - I’m sure your Dad is at peace now, smiling down on you with love & pride. Love & hugs to all from all of us xo
My sincerest condolences to Jim and Nancy with loss of your beloved Dad. As Al wrote his obituary, one cannot say good-bye without recognizing the incredible support he received from the PSW network and the love he received from his son Jim. While it would have been a choice to put Al in long term care; Jim dedicated 2.5 years of his life to ensure Dad was comfortable, nourished, and warm to the end. With respect and admiration Jim and his team of loving helpers ... you will be dearly missed by him.
93 years of age ... still feels unreal to think of my dear beloved friend Al as gone forever... I have no words to express what his loss means to me... all I know is this ... I loved him dearly ... and I grieve as if a limb has been torn from my own family.🙏🙇♀️🙏 the heart ❤️ of such a man is what truth and legacy leaves behind ... to reflect upon the soul of a life well lived, a purpose to serve, to love and give freely ... kind, compassionate, and always smiling 🙏❤️🤗😃 I enjoyed our dance 💃 Al Matthews some years back at your event in the Lions Centre.... you were a true gentleman that lead this lady with grace and strength... I felt like a Princess on the dance floor my friend ... thank you 🙏 💃❤️ I will miss our catch ups, a shared coffee here and there... your warm hugs imprinted upon my soul... I just ... miss .. you ... already 😭😭🤗🤗❤️ May you Rest In Peace ☮️ as the ancient writer said.: your fine works go with you good amd faithful steward 🙏🙏🙇♀️🙏🙏 Love forever Al ... God speed ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🕊🌹🕊🌹🐚🎋🐚🎋🌈🌈 Mandy ... whom you adored ... YES... I always knew 🙏🤗❤️🌝🌝🌝
Condolences to Jim and Nancy from the Greengrass Family.
I knew Al thru politics and he was always such a positive person, always smiling and with an encouraging word. I never realized the connection to Whitby. I also grew up (1968-88) in a small home near Whitby (outside of Brooklin) built in 1937 thru the same program. My condolences to his family.
Dear Nancy, Jim and families. So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with your dad. My sincere condolences to you all. Susan Beer
Dear Jim and Nancy and families, Your Dad has been a "larger than life" figure in my world ever since I met you both in high school. He lived life to the fullest and constantly advocated for people and things that needed attention or help. I always admired how he could fill a room with the warm lilt in his voice and how he made everyone feel welcome as soon as he saw them. I hope that happy memories bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time. In friendship and love, Jill
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Hospital - Shelby Matthews Memorial Music Foundation
My sincere condolences to the entire family. As long time friends I know how deeply Al will be missed. I know he knew he is one of the long time downtown merchants I always respected and will miss his wit and jocularity.
Nancy, Jim and Families, I'm sad to hear of the news of your Dad's passing. I have some very fond memories of Al when he had the Hardware Store. Thinking of you all, many the wonderful memories cherish the highs and lows as you grieve. Eileen Sheppard
Jim and Nancy; A Father’s love is eternal. Hold on to that infinite love and let it be your guiding light during this difficult time.
So sorry to heal of Al’s passing Sheila, he was so very fortunate to have you lovingly care for him in his later years. I know he cherished his relationship with you.
Sheila, I'm sorry to hear of Al's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and his family.
Jim, Nancy and family. So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Jim and family, my sincerest condolences on Alistair’s passing. Such a kind and considerate person, I will carry “ABC” (always be careful) with me from now on.
Nancy, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was such a nice man, always with a smile and ready to chat. Hang on to those memories; they are always so special.
Jim , Teri and I, are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. He was a great man and lived a very busy life. God will most definitely look after him. I'm glad you took care of him in his last years. You are a good man and a good friend of ours. Lots of Love.
Nancy, Shiela and families. My condolences on the passing of Al. I got to know him through his work on the Board of the Cobourg Museum Foundation and the many meetings during which he, I and Elgin Ball, worked to develop CMF policies. The three of us came from very different life-experiences which contributed to the many interesting conversations we had as we often drifted off topic from time to time. Al was a good and principled gentleman; one of the old guard. He'll be missed.
What a lot of living, learning and teaching Al packed into his life. A great example for all. How fortunate Al was to be cared for so lovingly in his final days. Thinking about all of you and hoping you take comfort in your memories.
Jim, Nancy & family. My deepest sympathy on your dad, grandpa’s passing. He & your mother were so much fun. Always a smile & a laugh for everyone. I got a big hug from him the last time I saw him. Keep the good memories in your hearts. He was very special. Therese
Dear Nancy, Matt and James, and family, I’m sorry to hear that you dad and grandpa has passed. Please accept my sincere condolences. I hope that your happy memories will make it easier to get through this sad time. Love Elaine
Nancy, Jim and families My sincerest condolences to all of you. I have very fond memories of your Al. We had many laughs when we’d chat. I often frequented the hardware store years ago! Hold your memories close ❤️ Much love Dawn
Nancy and Jim so very sorry for Your loss, May the memories sustain You and the family at this time, Marcia
Nancy I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending hugs your way during this sorrowful time.
Sorry for your loss xo
Dear Jim, We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. His life was a busy one, holding a variety of jobs over the years. Cherish the wonderful memories and share them often with friends and family. Our sincerest condolences. Alistair "Al" Leonard Grant Matthews December 29, 1929 - July 25, 2022 ~ REST IN PEACE ~
Our mutual admiration society has suffered a terrible loss. I’m so sorry Sheila and Nancy. I loved Al and I was so blessed to have known him. I’ll sing a Hallelujah for you Al and remember you and Sheila dancing at the Hall in your special corner.
Jim, Nancy, Sheila and families. I feel so privileged to have met Al and all of you. I hope he is dancing the Cha Cha Cha with all his beautiful loved ones up there.
Awe Nancy I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Keep all your great memories close in heart and cherish them. Big hugs to you my friend.
Jim...I am so sorry to hear of dads passing. I enjoyed working for him at Allens hdwe ...he was always such a kind man and made time to chat whenever we saw each other ...great loss for all ...
Nancy, Matt James & Families, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad & Grampa. I'm sure you have many beautiful memories. Sending our sincere condolences at this sad time. Sincerely, Michelle & Jorden
Nancy, Jim, Sheila & Al's many family and friends, Please accept my sincere condolences. Hold your memories close and celebrate a life well lived.
Nancy and Sheila Our condolences to you. It was our pleasure to know you. May your memories sustain you.
My condolences Nancy, I always enjoyed talking with your dad, he will be missed, but not forgotten ❤️
Nancy , big hugs my friend. My Condolences to everyone.
JIM & NANCY.So sorry to hear you have lost your dad. I will always remember my time at Allen Hardware store. RIP Alex.
Nancy and family, Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We remember him walking Walter, and he had the greatest patience. We enjoyed watching him along our street.
We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. We will keep all of your family and Sheila in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed anytime we spent with Al.
Jim. So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to Al. My sincere condolences
Nancy and Families So sorry tohear this news. I always enjoyed chats with your dad. Sending hugs.
Nancy and Families So sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed chats with your dad. Sending hugs.
Nancy and Jim out thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Also in our hearts. Always there for you. xo
Nancy, Matt, James and families, So sorry for your loss. Your Dad/Grandpa was such a great hockey supporter and it was always lovely to chat with him at the arena. Please try and keep all of your wonderful memories close in you heart.
RIP AL
Nancy.. so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, he was always such a kind and gentle man. We hope that all your wonderful memories will help you and yours get thru this difficult time❤️
Jim and Family: Condolences on the Passing of your Dad. Doug