MATHEWSON: James “Brian” of Seaforth
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On January 14, 2025 @ 3:27 PM In Obituary,Seaforth | 31 Comments
Brian passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London Ontario on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 81. Brian was the beloved husband of Sheila (Drummond) Mathewson, and cherished father of Steven Mathewson and Heather (Jeff) Mathewson Jelsma and adored grandfather of Connor, and Brody Mathewson and Carson, and Scott Jelsma. Predeceased by his parents Edwin and Katheleen (Brunt) Mathewson and sister Nora (Mathewson) Roggie.
Brian had an unyielding zest for life and an enduring love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Born in Walkerton and raised in Clifford, Brian started his career with RBC at only 19 years old. His 36-year career provided him and his family the opportunity to live in many cities in Ontario. Retiring at 55, Brian and Sheila travelled North America and beyond, capturing as many sunsets as possible, meeting new friends and experiencing all that life had to offer. He and Sheila eventually settled in Seaforth, where new friends and fond memories were made, both on and off the golf course.
Brian loved his grandchildren, spending individual time with each of them. From career and life advice for Connor, talking football with Brody, connecting with Carson on books and sports, and all things trains with Scott, Grandpa had special words and relationships with each of them and will live on in these young men.
His children, Steven and Heather, will cherish him forever. His life advice, support, and presence allowed them to grow up secure in his love for them. His children will live their lives as he guided them to: Take the trip, make good friends, love your partner and children, and always find the positive in life.
The love between Brian and Sheila was a model for everyone to aspire to. Brian was rarely seen not holding Sheila’s hand. Sheila taught him how to dance, and they danced whenever they could—whether on the driveway or in the kitchen. His enduring love for Sheila will be cherished by her forever and remembered by all who knew him.
Brian firmly believed in celebrating all that life had to give with friends and family. In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of life will take place in the Spring so that all of the important people in his life can gather and share stories and remember him fondly.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Victoria Hospital for their kind and compassionate care for Brian in his final days, and his oncologist Dr. Mangel, for giving them the bonus years they enjoyed since his first diagnosis in 2020.
In honour of Brian’s courageous battle with cancer and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “MATHEWSON: James “Brian” of Seaforth”
Dear Sheila and family,
I am sending my condolences and love.
Your beautiful memories and close family are a true blessing.
Love
Jo Harman, Doug and Cyndy.
Sheila and family my heart hurts for you. Thank you for sharing Brian with the Drummond family. He was loved by all of us. I fondly remember staying with you when I was skating in Galt oh so many, many years ago. I am grateful that Torie and Ryan and the girls got to meet you on the Beyond last year. Rest well Brian. We will take care of Sheila for you.
Sheila and Brian’s family and many close friends, we offer our sincere sympathy to you all at this time. Brian was a smiling golfer, one who enjoyed the game and the camaraderie that went with it. We will miss him on the fairways and on the road of life. May your memories sustain you. Seaforth Golf Club staff and friends.
Brian was just a fine human being and good friend. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to Sheila and the extended family.
Lou & Catherine
Dear Sheila and family. We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He will be missed in our community. Our sincere condolences.
Hugs, Carolyn and Quinn
Brian was my best buddy, he taught me so many things, Beryl and I enjoyed many evenings and experiences with Brian and Sheila that are treasured , and will never be forgotten
We will always remember you my friend
Loved you
Stuart & Beryl
To Sheila, Heather, and Steven,
I’m so heartbroken for you. Brian was such a wonderful man and I’m honored to have him as a cousin. He was always smiling and had such a great sense of fun and humor. Always loved our visits, and will always have such fond memories of him.
Dear Sheila and family,
We will always remember the never ending smile on Brian’s face. You will always be part of the Bridges family.
May he rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences.
Leah and Bob
Dear Sheila & Family,
Brian was a definite inspiration to many. He always had a friendly smile , a positive attitude and was a pleasure to talk to . He will be missed .
Our thoughts & prayers are with You at this difficult time .
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincere Sympathy,
Keith & Janet Patterson
Dear Sheila,
Gerry and I were so sad to hear of the news of Brian’s passing. We too enjoyed his friendly waves and we treasured our visits to your garden.
He was a wise, thoughtful and very kind man as well as being an accomplished golfer and gardener. No words can express our sadness at the loss of such a fine gentleman.
Our prayers are with you.
Gerry and Ann Andrew.
Dear Sheila,
I am so saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a wonderful guy. Always enjoyed your visits at the Big O.
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and will be in the coming days.
Dear Sheila
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of a husband father and grandfather. We will miss Brian so much as a neighbour and a friend. He was always there to offer advice, help or a glass of wine. We enjoyed all the times sitting on your deck or front porch talking, laughing and enjoying your hospitality. From the first day we looked at buying a lot, building a house and moving to the Bridges, you and Brian were there to make us feel welcome. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Brian. You deserve it. Love, The Joiners
Brian is fondly remembered by childhood friends in his hometown. They can be read on the Facebook page If You Lived in Clifford.
Dear Sheila and Family,
Our hearts were broken when we heard the News of Brian’s passing. Although we’ve known you two for several years, we became a lot closer in the last few years. We really enjoyed the times we spent together and especially your visit to our home. It was a wonderful time and we made many good memories.
Please know that you and your Family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Pam and Dewayne
Sheila I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I have so many fond memories of Brian thanks to our families being such close friends. I remember you and Brian coming in the restaurant when Steven was little. I wish I had known you lived so close, I’m in St Thomas now.
Sheila and Family, we are so very sorry to learn of Brian’s passing, and we keep you in our prayers at this sad time.
Ron & Cheryle Harris
Sheila and Family, we are so very sorry to learn of Brian’s passing, and we keep you in our prayers at this sad time.
Ron & Cheryle Harris
Sheila & family- thoughts & prayers are with you as you grieve your loss. Brian was a wonderful person! Residents at the Big O in FL remember him as a kind, loving and fun guy! I am sure he will be missed! God’s blessings!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sheila, and your family as you face the days ahead. I will always remember Brian with fond memories of him giving me gardening tips, taking care of the plants at the side of the house and just generally potting around in the garden. I will definitely miss hearing the lawn mower every few days and knowing that Brian was out and about once again. He never complained, was always cheerful, even when so seriously ill, and he always asked after Kevin and was ready to listen. I want to say Rest in Peace, Brian, but knowing you, you’ll already be actively tending those Heavenly Gardens. God Bless !
Sheila, we will miss Brian’s robust laugh and always smiling face. We remember many good times with the two of you. Your travels brought you both many new friends and eventually brought you to the Bridges. Take care.
What a sad time and yet a time to celebrate a wonderful life. Brian will always be remembered for his smile, gentle good humour and thoughtfulness for others. He truly enjoyed life and put up such a fight for it (with incredible support from his family). You are wished much comfort with a multitude of happy memories.
Mary Jean
We are deeply saddened about the passing of your beloved husband, Brian. We know he was not only a wonderful partner but also a cherished friend and confidant. Olga and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this heartbreaking time. We hope that the joyful memories you shared together — the laughter, the adventures, and the quiet moments of love — will provide you with comfort and strength as you navigate through this period of grief. Please remember that you are not alone; we are here for you.
Olga and Daniel Langevin
Sheila, Heather, and Steven
I’m truly sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. When I think of him I will always remember his big smile and the jokes that followed. I have wonderful memories of “Powderhorn” and was happy to see him more recently in the Spring.
Lots of Hugs,
Petunia ;)
I first met Brian when I was accountant in Harriston. A real good guy with lots of personality. Rest in peace Brian.
I first met Brian in the mid 70s playing ball with the RBC team and I always looked forward to catching up at the annual RBC golf tournament. A true gentleman. Please accept my condolences.
Sheila, Heather, Steven and family.
I am so very sorry to learn about Brian’s passing. I have many fond memories of Brian and you from the time I was a young teenager. Brian always wore a beaming smile and exuded with positivity and kindness. Please accept my sincere condolences to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
From Catherine and I, our sincere condolences to Sheila and family. We only found out about Brian’s passing while perusing a back copy (January 2025) of an RBC staff publication. Brian and I were Area Managers together in Ontario for RBC and I have such fond memories of our friendship and good times. I always looked forward to when we both attended district meetings and conferences and the occasional social time as it gave us the opportunity to catch up on many things as well as share a few laughs. Thank you Brian. You were a special colleague to me.
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing .
Great memories starting with coaching baseball for the boys first day of season At 7 or 8 years old.
The coach never showed up the whole season Brian stayed through it.
Winters he made skating. Ponds in back yard.
Very fond memories.
Condolences to Shiela, Heather Steve and grandsons. Brian was a wonderful man.He touched many people with his lovely personality and ability to make all feel welcome.
Sheila
We’re so sorry for your loss. There was always a friendly greeting and a great big smile every time we saw Brian.
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Very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. My condolences to Sheila and family.