MATTHIES ~ George (Gerhard). July 4, 1929 ~ January 4, 2012. After three and half years of hospitalization at Menno Hospital, George passed away January 4, 2012 peacefully with his beloved wife Anne at his side. Born in Manitou, Manitoba, he was the youngest child and only son of Isaac and Hilda Matthies who had recently emigrated to Canada from Russia via Mexico. In the mid '30s, the family moved to Black Creek on Vancouver Island, where George grew up, attended school, and started his working career. On May 5, 1950, George married his sweetheart Anne Friesen in Clearbrook, BC. Anyone who knew George, knew that he loved his family first, and then trucks. He entered the world of heavy-duty mechanics - specializing in diesel engines - in the mid '60s, continuing to work in this field up and down the west coast and into northern BC and Alberta until retirement. George was also very committed to involvement in whatever church they attended, serving as head usher, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, boys' club, choir member, and including building supervisor for several renovation projects over the years at Clearbrook M.B. Church. George could fix anything, and was often found wearing his greasy coveralls and tinkering on a project. As a couple, George and Anne also loved camping, fishing, travelling with their RV, spending time with family, visiting with old friends, and playing table games. George was predeceased by his parents, Isaac and Hilda Matthies; sisters Melita (Dave) Wedel, Irene (Henry) Van Bergen, and Hilda (Henry) Unger; son-in-law Tom Boychuk. He is survived by Anne, his wife and love of his life for almost 62 years; daughter Charlotte Boychuk (John Tyler), sons Jim (Ellie) Matthies and Jon Matthies; grandchildren Nathan (Lisa) Schroeder (Sadi, Jakob and Mason), Joel (Theresa) Schroeder (Jorja and Gabrielle), Jessica Matthies, Joshua (Jessica) Matthies; and sister Erika (Ben) Falk. A special ac- knowledgement to the Menno Hospital West staff for the exceptional care they showed our husband and father. Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, January 10 at Clearbrook M.B. Church. Donations may be made in George's memory to M.C.C.