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Robert Thomas (Bob) Matthews, a pioneer of Canoe, passed away in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the age of 88 years.

A celebration of life service was held from the chapel of Bowers Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. with Jack Bowers presiding. Honours were presented by comrades of the Royal Canadian Legion, Salmon Arm; Padre Norm Russell presiding.

Cremation with interment to follow later in the family plot at Mt. Ida Cemetery, Salmon Arm.

Born in Canoe, BC on October 20, 1919, Bob lived a full and active life. He served with the Canadian Army in Italy and the Netherlands, returning to the goldfields in Manson Creek. He later returned to Canoe where he was employed with Federated Co-op for many years. Bob had a passion for boats and water, building two houseboats with wood and a speed boat. He was founder of scouting in Canoe, the leader of the first Canoe Sea Scouts, Canoe Cub Master, Canoe Scout Master and was District Scout Master. Bob is well remembered for speaking his mind, including having a kind streak that surprised many.

He was predeceased by sister Marion and brother Don. Bob leaves his wife, Pearl; four sons, Robert (Carol) of Parksville, James (Ursula) of Nanaimo, Ernie (Sharon) of Canoe and Michael Bruce of Edmonton; seven grandchildren and five great grand- children; and brother Jack of Canoe.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the MS Society, 1600 - 1130 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4A4.

Email condolences may be sent to

sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com.

Funeral arrangements were in the care of

Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium,

Salmon Arm.



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