Tribute

Allan Ernest Mathieson, 83, died Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Mariposa Gardens Retirement and Care Community, in Osoyoos.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Marilyn (Webb) Mathieson; his daughter, Lynanne (Mathieson) Fortin; his daughter, Jan (Mathieson) Nusche and her husband Mike Nusche; his daughter, Sue (Mathieson) Wazny and her husband Greg Wazny; his daughter, Margie Mathieson and her husband, Pat Somerville.  Allan will also be fondly remembered by his 10 grandchildren, Shawn (Brittany) and their daughter, Rayne; Carleigh and Ryan O’Leary; Matthew, Caitlin, Andrew & Mark Nusche: Trevor (Tania) & Megan Yerxa; and Callum Mathieson.

Allan was born and raised in North Vancouver, the son of David and Betty (Sinton) Mathieson.  He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, David, Elizabeth and Robert.  He received his master’s degree, majoring in School Psychology, with a minor in English Literature from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, in 1960.

Allan worked as an educator for much of his life.  After graduation, he was employed by the North Vancouver School District as a teacher.  He relocated his family to Oliver in 1967 and worked as a Vice Principal at Oliver Elementary and Osoyoos Junior Secondary Schools.  In 1976, the family relocated to Langley where Allan taught at Aldergrove Secondary School.   In 1978, he retired from teaching and obtained his real estate licence where he and Marilyn were active realtors in Langley until their retirement in 2000.  In 2001 Allan and Marilyn retired for good and moved back to Oliver, BC.

Allan had a passion for animals.  As the patriarch of a young family, Allan made sure that his daughters enjoyed the company of cats, dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks and especially horses. While living in Oliver, the family owned numerous horses with the kids and Allan competing in horse shows and combined training events for many years.  A true highlight for Allan was his first competition, participating in the Whiskey Jack 3 Day Event, in Lumby, BC on his trusty Appaloosa, Moose.

As an avid golfer, Allan enjoyed playing on the Oliver and Osoyoos courses in his retirement.  He had a life long love of music and theatre and was a member of the South Okanagan Amateur Players, Okanagan International Choir, and the Sage Valley Voices.  He will always be remembered for his gift for music and theatre and his beautiful baritone voice.

Rugby was another passion of his.  He played in University and later with the Valley Vintage and Twilighter’s Rugby Clubs in Langley BC.  He played his last game at age 68.

A Memorial Service honouring Allan’s memory will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 477 Bank Ave, Oliver, BC. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Allan to the BC Cancer Agency, the Alzheimer Society of BC or to the charity of their choice.  A second memorial will be held in Langley, BC on the September 15^th and 16^th weekend, the date, time and location to be confirmed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Mariposa Gardens for their excellent care of Allan.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com