Gerald Richard Charles Matthews passed away in his sleep at the Civic hospital on April 11,2020, at the age of 64, due to complications of Glioblastoma.
Gerry was born on February 11,1956 to his parents Clarence and Audrey (Cooper) Matthews (predeceased}. He proudly spent his entire life in Ottawa, Ontario. He graduated from Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1976. He then earned his Bachelor of Commerce with 1st class honours at Carleton University in 1980 and his Certified Management Accountant in 1984. He belonged to TMAC and then was a member of FMI for several years in which he served as Chair the year before his passing. He was employed as a CMA with the government for 38 years.
Gerry had a passion for writing and reading, with hobbies of playing the piano and camping with his children and grandchildren. He was also famous for his quick wit and his ”Dad jokes”. Gerry loved family get-togethers. Gerry took great pride in his city and shared his knowledge of it with everyone. In Gerry’s earlier years he enjoyed coaching his daughter’s soccer team for several years and ran the National Capitol Marathon in 1986. Gerry was liked by everyone known best for his friendly positive personality.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife Jackie Matthews and his daughter Laura (Kenny) Dill of Orleans, Ontario and son Richard Matthews of Ottawa, Ontario and his step-daughter Jennifer (Andy) Lacross of Phoenix, New York and step-son Joseph Cooper of Central Square, New York. His latest pride and joy was his grandchildren - Leightyn, Ryann and Wesley Dill, Patrick, Correy and Haley McAllister and Katelyn, Caleb and Abigail Cooper.
Gerry is also survived by his sister Marsha (Rick) Dowd and two brothers Roland (Gisele) Matthews, Fred (Kim) Matthews and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid we will be postponing Gerry’s Celebration of Life until restrictions are lifted.
Digital Guestbook
Ivor and Linda Bayley
Kathy Cleary and Logan Buchanan
We loved him so much. Your visits always excited us to get to spend time with you guys! Gerry was one of the most happy, funny and filled with knowledge. I enjoyed learning from him. We love you Jackie.
Pamela Matthews
Deepest sympathies for the entire Matthews and extended family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. He was a beautiful soul, who cared deeply about everyone, especially his family, and including public policy and finance. I will miss his insights, personality and caring demeanour. Love you always Uncle Gerry.
Roger
Gerry, your calm and steady hand in the office is greatly missed. You were always there quietly smiling and always willing to offer a piece of sage advice. Jackie and family, my heart goes out to you but know that his memory will remain with all of us at TBS.
Ajay Pangarkar
I only knew Gerry for a short time. I briefly worked with him at TBS and remember him kindly asking me to volunteer for FMI. He was a kind, genuine person with only warmth in his heart. Even though I only knew him briefly, he made a lasting impression. My sympathies to the family. Cherish him in your memories. He will live forever there.
Chantal Banks
Gerry was a beautiful gentleman on many levels and inspired all those who knew him. For me, Gerry was a great neighbor, friend and brother (union). He inspired me by the genuine way he loved his beautiful wife and family. He always had time for you, was always positive, and always had the warmest, most contagious smile. I cannot find a single bad thing to say about Gerry. His time was short but meaningful. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family and his numerous friends. To Gerry, thank you for being a part of my life, the friendship and for inspiring me. You will be missed. Keep smiling, we will all be reunited again one day. Xoxoxo
Keith Hallissey
My thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Randy Marquardt
Our most sincere condolences to you Jackie and your entire extended family on the passing of Gerry. Gerry was my first friend in government, having met on my first day on the job. He has stayed true friend since then. He will be missed by all those that knew him......he constantly amazed me on who he knew (A Rolodex on legs) and one of the nicest, kindest, most positive people you could ever meet. He helped me throughout my career and will miss our regular emails and chats. RIP old friend.
Patti Moran
So very sorry for your sad loss. May the memories you have of him bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead.
Fiona Peters
My sincere condolences goes out to the entire family. Gerry and I worked together and had many laughs and talks that truly brightened my days. Gerry was such a delight to be around, his optimism and smile was contagious. I will miss you Gerry, RIP. Fiona
Only knew Jerry for a short time. He was a real gentleman and a joker. So sad he is gone. R.I.P buddy