R.E (RICK) MATTHEWS

Oct. 10, 1951 – May 19, 2018

Russell Edward (Rick) Matthews of Blairmore Alberta passed away peacefully in his 66th year with his family by his side on Saturday May 19, 2018 in Calgary Alberta.

Rick leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 38 years Erin(nee Shoesmith), his children: Kevin ( Daina ) Matthews, Jordan ( Megan ) Matthews, Joey Matthews, Katie ( Mark) Ernst, his granddaughters Paige and Reese Matthews and Skylar Ernst.

Also missing the big guy will be his brother Terry Bailey, his brother and best friend Wes ( Carmen ) Dry, his sisters Beverely Anne Dry, Norma Jean Dry and Lynn Susan Dry, his extended family including Joan Shoesmith, Pamela ( Keith ) Newton and Geoff ( Carol ) Shoesmith as well as numerous nieces and nephews including Carmelle, Mason, Madison, Mathew (Laura), Josh, Nicole (Ryan), Kristina (Cam ), David, Sigourney, Tracy and Chad as well as good friends Ric Rae, Ben Smith and John ( Ingrid ) Hart.

Rick was predeceased by his infant son Joshua Luke Matthews, his mother Elaine Joyce, his father Henry Dry and his father in law J.C.( Chuck ) Shoesmith.

Rick was a big guy with a heart and a personality to match. He had a lifelong ability to remember any joke and to be able to repeat and entertain at any party, function or workplace that he attended.

Rick entered this world as a bustling 12 lb 8 oz baby in Alert Bay B.C. with childhood stops in Trail, Kitimat, Lethbridge and Calgary. After deciding that a career in academics was not for him he joined the military where he was trained in his lifelong occupation of trucking.

Rick operated and drove for various companies including South Rock Paving, Med Hat Wholesale Foods, Alberta Express and Medalta Transport before moving into sales his god gifted occupation eventually owning and operating Laker Freight Systems until its sale and his “semi” retirement still maintaining his class one license always willing to do some “big riggin” whenever the opportunity arose.

Rick had a lifelong passion for the outdoors where he and Erin enjoyed many years of entertaining family and friends at their cabin on Lee Lake in the Crowsnest Pass suitably named the “Sitting Duck”. Rick was a skilled fisherman always willing to take people out for a tour or a troll on his barge to bring in some big rainbows.

When not at the cabin Rick could quite often be found in his garage on that stool cheering on his B.C. Lions or viewing any and all other sporting events.

A celebration of Ricks life is being planned for the weekend of August 25, 2018 in Blairmore Ab. with details to be released at a further date. Please call or email Geoff (trailside@live.com) or Wes (wesdry@wdinc.ca) with a question or RSVP by Aug 15,2018 as Ricks life touched so many people.

Donations in Ricks memory can be made to a SPCA or animal rescue charity in your area or just simply adopt and give a pet a good home as Rick and Erin have done so many times.