On May 2, 2022, Horst George Mathonia joined his beloved Maria (Hecht) and son Ralph in Heaven. He left this world surrounded by the love of his family in his 93rd year.
George came to Canada from Germany in 1952. He married Maria and brought her to Canada in 1957 and fulfilled his dream of raising a family and of owning a farm. He loved his wife dearly and visited her gravesite daily since her death in 2016.
He loved music, playing the Church organ at St. Boniface Church for over 25 years and playing his accordion with an assortment of bands. He worked over the years at Ellis Don and General Coach as well as farming. He liked nothing better than having a drink with his family and friends and watching a good soccer game.
He was a proud and loving father of Ray (Karen), Ralph 2018 (Peggy), Marianne (Dan McIver), Ken, Bernie (Connie), Linda (Bill Boyington), Peter (Carolyn) and Carmen (Brendan Fernandes).
He loved being Opa to Derek (Michelle), Jeff (Stacie), Kristyn (Lucas) Egli, Tony, Joe, Rob (Lindsay), Mandy (Chris Arnold), Stacey (Matt Kerslake), Dustin, Brooke, Nathan McIver (Sheena Cayer), Dylan, Mitch (Brooke Buren), Leah Sterczer, Miles Boyington, Connor Boyington, Katie (Grant) Masse, Laura (Quinn) Shiels, Lauren Fernandes (Jake Swanson), Claire Fernandes and all 20 great grandchildren.
George will be missed by extended family in Germany and his friends in the area.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, ZURICH on Friday evening from 7 – 9 PM. Registration is required and appreciated. Please click “Register Now” below, to register. Parish prayers to be said in the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 PM. A private family funeral will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11AM. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery, Zurich. Father Steve Eckert presiding.
The family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the live service or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to Heart and Stroke or South Huron Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Pauline Horn
To the Mathonia Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father, George. He and your Mother, Maria were wonderful neighbours and we have many fond memories of them. I remember babysitting all of you and enjoyed that very much.
Deepest Sympathy,
Pauline (Baechler) Horn
Christa Ihrig
Our Sincere Sympathy to the entire Mathonia Family.
I know your Dad will be greatly missed , but surely you have wonderful memories of your Dad .
Keep them alive with his beloved music talent .
We had the honour meeting him when we came to Canada.
If it was Oktober Fest at Hessenland or putting a band together for a parade in town .
Georg was always prepared to help .
It was a piece of Germany for us .
Dankeschön for the wonderful memories , sure you will have your Band in heaven already .
Mit stillem Gruß
Christa Ihrig & Family – Hessenland Inn –
KELLY OCONNOR
Worked with George for many years at general coach where he was well respected, a kind and polite man for sure, extremely hard worker with a multitude of friends
Rick & Patti Bedard
Sending our sincere condolences to the Mathonia family. George was a good fellow and wonderful musician. He will be missed.
Ken and Marg Caldwell
Ray and Karen and all other members of the Mathonia Family: Sincere sympathy in the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather, George. He will be greatly missed but will memories will keep him close in your heart and never forgotten. Ken and Marg Caldwll
Jill & Ralph
Thinking of the Mathonia family & remembering a wonderful man.
Sincere condolences,
Jill & Ralph Geiger
Gary and Judy Kyle
To the Mathonia Family Gary and I send our sincere condolences for the loss of the Patriarch of the family. George was such a gentleman and the love for his dear wife was an inspiration. Enjoy all the memories.
Charlie Dalrymple
I worked with George for many years, he was a great person. Rest in peace my longtime friend.
Theresa Finkbeiner
To the entire Mathonia Family
We want to offer our sincere sympathy for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the good memories you have of him comfort you in the days ahead.
Steve and Theresa Finkbeiner
Dennis & Marlene Estep
Dear Mathonia Family,
Our condolences and our prayers on the passing of your dear Dad, and a friend to many. I enjoyed numerous conversations with George over the years and appreciated his smile and kindness. He will be missed, and your memories will last a lifetime.
Norma Khan
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. There are many memories George playing in the band, pop in visits to Dad and Mom, and all those jokes and pranks. Let the music play on George.
Our condolences.
The family of Jim and Rena Young
Ann
We are proud to know your Dad and Opa. So many memories to share. Our condolences Matt and Ann Aarts
Laura Overholt
My deepest sympathies to the entire Mathonia Family.
Thought and prayers to all.
Your Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather will be missed by all
who knew him.
RIP George.
Pat and StevevMeidinger
Our deepest condolences to all the Mathonia family. Geoge was an amazing man! May heaven rejoice as he entertains them with his musical talent! Rest In Peace dear George!🙏🙏🎶🎶
louise alcock - haggitt
Deepest sympathies to the Mathonia family
Know Horst for many years as he worked with Paul and just lived down the road from us. In his years (30 years ago) when he would walk once in a while he would swing in for a cold glass of water , but he always knew there was also a little nip to go with it, but could only stay for one cause he couldn’t take the chance of Mommy smelling any thing on him. . I had known him for 5 years before I knew everyone else called him George . At the coach if he heard the name Horst he knew it was Haggy calling him. He was a great man and will be missed, but he is now back with Mommy , may he rest in peace .
Paul and Louise Haggitt
Rob Marshall
My heart goes out to you Peter and Carolyn.
Shelley Bender
Sending our deepest sympathies
Jack and Shelley Bender
Ron Beierling
Our sincere sympathy to all of the Mathonia Family. I enjoyed working with George many years ago at General Coach. He will be missed by everyone.
Ron and Catherine
Wayne Keller
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mathonia family at this time. Hold on to the memories as we see from the picture there were many. Hugs Wayne &Bonnie
Laura Wilder
My sincere condolences to the entire Mathonia family. He was the head of a wonderful family. I’m sure he will be deeply missed. Treasure the memories.
Steve & Tanis Denomme
Sending our heart felt sympathy to all of George’s family. He will be missed by all.
Patti and Stevie Geoffrey
Dear Mathonia Family
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you during this sorrowful time.
Such a beautiful display of photos and fond memories to cherish forever.
Your father’s and Opa’s goodness and caring character will live on like a legacy of love that will always be with you.
Sending hugs
Patti and Stevie
Fred Ducharme and Vicki Wale
Our deepest sympathy to Ray and Karen and the entire Mathonia family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori Masse
Mathonia Clan
Deepest Sympathy to all – Your father will be missed, a very talent man (musical) who has left each of his children very special memories.
Our thoughts are with each of you
Lori Masse & Jim Nyssen
Rob Ducharme
I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Mathonia family
Rob and Lisa Miller
Sending Our sincere sympathy to all of the Mathonia Family. Thinking of you all while you cherish all the memories close to your heart.
Marty and Julie Becker
Offering our most sincere condolences to the Mathonia family.
May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Murray Armstrong
Our condolences to the Mathonia Family.
Lori and Murray Armstrong
Kim & Judy McKinnon
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of the Mathonia Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers through this sad time.
Greg & Brenda Dayman
Sending our Sincere Sympathy to All The Mathonia Family.
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
The Mathonia Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all
of you at this very sad time
Ted Ducharme
Our condolences to the families. Ralph and Mary Anne who I went to school with as a child at St Boniface.
Ted and Janny Ducharme
Gerard & Henrica Masse
Our sympathies to the family, we will always remember how he went to visit his true love every day, rain or snow.
Francis Denomme
We are deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing I got to know George and Maria when I drove bus for One Care I transported Maria weekly to the Adult Day Program in Exeter such a sweet lady. George such a pleasant man it was a pleasure knowing him always a smile and a very kind man. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout this very trying time. RIP George.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Vinet & Francis Denomme
Joe Rau
Ray Karen and the Mathonia family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
To the Mathonia Family
Sending our deepest condolences in the loss of your dear father, grandfather and great grandfather. George was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed our chats whenever I would see him. I know that he will be welcomed with open arms by his dear Maria.
RIP George…🙏🏻💕
Sue and Mark Adams
Sending our thoughts, prayers and strength as you say goodbye to your Dad and Opa. ❤️🙏🏻 So sorry for your loss!
George Watson
To the Mathonia family my sincere condolences to each and everyone of you. George worked at General Coach for years as a main lift truck operator,and being his supervisor found him to be dependable ,easy to get along with and an excellent worker.You can be proud of your Dad,he will be missed
Steve & Deb Overholt
Our thoughts and prayers to all the Mathonia family. May you all keep your best memories of both your parents in your hearts. They are angels together and watching over you.
Martin and Cheryl Gelinas
Our deepest condolences to all of the Mathonia Family. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Elaine Ducharme
Our deepest sympathy to all the Mathonia family.. George will be missed . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George and Elaine Ducharme
Elaine Corbett
Our deepest sympathies to you in the loss of your father and grandfather! Cherish your memories to help you through this difficult time and the days ahead.
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire Mathonia family. Your Dad was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed our chats when every I would see him. I know that he will be welcomed with open arms by his dear Maria. RIP Dear George.🙏🏻💕
DonnaO'Brien
George was a good man with a twinkle in his eye.We had some good times with him and Maria at the Minderleins.I send my sympathy to all of you ! Sincerely,Donnad
Pauline Miller
My deepest sympathy to all the Mathonia Family!!
Alice Masse
To The Mathonia Family
Deepest Sympathy You are in our thoughts and prayers
I worked with George many years at the Coach a true gentleman
Don & Alice Masse
Mozart Gelinas
Our sympathy and prayers Mozart and Julie
Had a lot of good times on stage with George. My first paying gig was in 1967 at the hall in Crediton guest vocals for the Country Five ; George was on the accordion.
Rodger and Charlene Finkbeiner
Sincere sympathy to the entire Mathonia family. Remember and cherish all your wonderful memories.
Cheryl and Bill Tong
So very sorry for your loss Karen Ray and family
Thoughts and prayers
Hugs 🤗
Jim Oesch
To George’s family ,
Real sad to hear of your Dad passing ,you all know what a great man that he will be remembered as . Christmas time at General Coach was time for your dad to have a little bottle of cheer for his friends 😉👍
Jeff and Lorraine Forrester
Deepest sympathy to the Mathonia family. Keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Clarence Rau
My Sincere sympathy to all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sue Riley
Extending deepest sympathy to the Mathonia family.
Elaine and Don Beauchamp
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Mathonia Family You’re in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time
Doug & Betty Lynn Eckel
Sending our sincere sympathy to the entire Mathonia family. Cherish all of your wonderful memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏♥️
Richard & Brenda Schilbe
Deepest sympathy to the Mathonia family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Jeanette Masse
Our deepest sympathies to the Mathonia family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!