MATIS, Herbert “Herb”

Herbert “Herb” Matis 1949 – 2025 Dad, Herb Matis, 75, passed away peacefully at home after a year or so of many ups and downs with his health.
Dad was born September 11, 1949, to Benjamin & Gertrude (nee Pauls) Matis. Our grandparents immigrated to Canada in 1948. He was the first member of his family to be born in Canada. He was born and raised in Coaldale with his 4 siblings. Dad was the middle child with brothers Richard, Eric, Rudy & sister Elvira. In 1970, he married our mom, Mavis (nee Roper) and we came along in 1971 & 1973.
By trade, he was a skilled carpenter and a wood magician! He followed in the footsteps of his dad. The boys worked with Grandpa from an early age learning their craft and building houses, including his house he lived in from 1973 until his death. He had a great pride in the house. Always, almost until his death, he was busy taking care of it and renovating it. The house holds a lot of his magnificent woodwork.
In 2001, Dad married Helga (nee Schneider) and they spent the last 24 years making memories together. They like to spend their time fishing at White Swan, BC, and Chinook Lake, AB. They also did a lot of travelling to Germany to see Helga’s children & grandchildren. In Germany, he was also able to find and build a relationship with one of Grandpa’s brothers – Willi -. I think Dad’s relationship with him made dad very happy as he was always talking about him. Dad and Helga also loved going for their daily Tim Horton’s for coffee and blueberry muffins.
He finally retired some years back. Yes, the man who had a work ethic the rivaled no one (well maybe his brothers), actually retired. In his retirement, he would do work around the home and kept his yard in immaculate shape to keep himself busy. Dad was never one to sit still for very long. In October 2023, he was working in the yard and took a major fall while pruning his trees. This started the year of ups and downs with his health. 2024 was a year of a different sort of work. He battled everything that was thrown at him like a champion.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Ben & Gertrude as well as his older brothers Richard & Eric.
He is survived by us, his children, Jennifer (Joseph) Vadnais and Kevin (Marli Duncan) Matis; and grandchildren Kaden and Mykah; his wife Helga and her children, Tino Fritzsch (Manuela) and Claudia Fritzsch; and grandchildren Lea & Luis. Dad is also survived by his younger siblings Rudy Matis & Elvira (Albert) Penner and his nieces & nephews.
As per Dad’s wishes, we will not be having a funeral. He made clear to us he wanted to be scattered between his two favorite fishing spots – White Swan & Chinook Lake. We will be planning a private celebration of his life later this year.
In lieu of flowers, Dad would be please if you wish to make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. He had a valve replacement in 1997, so this was a charity he always supported.
Dad, enjoy your endless fishing. Crank up the music and say hi to all the family that has gone before us. Take it easy, you earned it! And we hope Hansi has found you at the Rainbow Bridge already. We will miss you!
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.