Obituary of Colin Matheson

It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Colin Alexander Matheson on October 11, 2012 at 76 years of age. Colin was born on February 24, 1936 in Lipton, Saskatchewan. His family moved to a farm in the Wyber area in 1937, where Colin attended elementary school before graduating from the Ituna High School in 1954. Colin's love of nature and farming was formed in his early years when his father Sandy taught him about grain farming and livestock on the family farm. Immediately after graduating from high school Colin followed his dream of becoming a successful cattleman and farmer. In 1962, Colin married Marge Kearns of Carrot River Sask. and settled in Ituna while continuing to commute daily to their farm. Colin and Marge moved to the farm to concentrate on his passion of being a top breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle; receiving a special award from the Angus Association. He took great pride in his cattle and loved being on the farm to enjoy the wide open expanse of the prairie landscape. Colin had a deep love and respect for nature and in his spare time spent many hours reading about nature and observing plants, birds and animals in their natural habitat. Colin was an enthusiastic conversationalist and took great pleasure in a lively debate with friends and family. He enjoyed reading almost any written word and had a special affinity for western novels. Colin also loved sports and in particular would spend hours chatting about the fortunes of his favourite teams the Roughriders, St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Red Wings. He had a wonderful voice and generally succumbed to the wishes of others to hear him sing and recite poetry. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and spent many hours researching the Matheson family clan. Colin led by example and was a great role model. He was a "diamond in the rough". Colin was a wonderful son, devoted husband, loving brother and uncle and a caring friend. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family; sisters: Margaret Harrison, Helen Peters, Leila Shwed and Sharon (Ray) Johnson; nieces and nephews, Charmaine Harrison, Shane Harrison, Maureen (Alan) Inglis and their children Cameron and Connor, Byron Peters, Dale (Mara) Shwed and their children Eric, Preston and Zara. Colin was predeceased by his parents Gladys and Sandy Matheson; his wife Marge; sister Anna Mae and brothers-in-law Johnny Harrison and Orest Shwed. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Lakeside United Church in Ituna with Rev. Brian Mee officiating. The eulogists were Dale Shwed and Shirley Smycniuk. The organist, Lenore Fincati led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "Old Rugged Cross". The soloist, Richard Barnsley sang the selection, "Danny Boy". Serving as honorary casket bearers were Donald Baber, Cheryl Markham and Claudia Schmid. The interment followed in the Ituna Town Cemetery with Jim Meikle, Eugene Korchinski, Simon Wirachowsky, Shane Harrison, Colin Baber and Murray Markham serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Colin's life may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Ituna Town Cemetery