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
Robbi-Lynn and Don Fitzpatrick
Zicky Hammud
My deepest condolences to the Matthews family. I was a colleague of Gerry's at Government Consulting Services and more recently, at the Treasury Board Secretariat. I always appreciated his depth of knowledge and especially, his wonderful sense of humour. Everyone who knew him will sadly miss him.
Zicky Hammud
My deepest condolences to the Matthews family. I was a colleague of Gerry's at Government Consulting Services and more recently, at the Treasury Board Secretariat. I always appreciated his depth of knowledge and especially, his wonderful sense of humour. Everyone who knew him will sadly miss him.
Trev
My deepest condolences to Jackie, Rich, Laura and the large and loving family Gerry has. Easily the nicest person I ever worked for and always put the person ahead of all else. I'm going to miss those treks for morning coffee, borrowing his newspaper before he folded it up to take to his neighbor, and his stories that always seemed more like adventures than something that happened at work once. He lived respected and passed regretted.
Celeste Tamarit
I have not seen Gerry since 2011 or so. We worked at CSC together. I really enjoyed his smile. He was always smiling. He always had time for more than just a quick hello in passing. Enjoy your next chapter Gerry. My condolences to your family for their great loss.
Mark Irvin
Jackie, I had the absolute pleasure of working with Gerry for 5 years and he was a wonderful man. I would often run into him and we would had a good chat. I am sorry for your loss.
Jane Newcombe
I too shared some daily office banter with Gerry at Consulting and Audit Canada back in the day (could it be last century). He always had a cheerful comment and wise counsel on workings of government. He was respected as a colleague and certainly one of the good ones Although I did not meet Gerry until we were both working we shared a common link as we both grew up in Ottawa and knew all the old landmarks and dangerous places children played. Like floating a raft in the Rideau River above the falls. I figured if he had survived that he was likely to survive anything life threw at him including his diagnosis. So I was saddened to hear of his passing. Condolences to you his family especially at this difficult time.
Anna-Maria Harmathy
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. I worked with Gerry at Consulting and Audit Canada/Government Consulting Services many years ago. He was a great co-worker, always ready to share his expertise and lend a helping hand with a smile. He will be missed!
Jeff Threader
Was truly shocked to see this. Had just been thinking of him and searched his name. He was a good friend and great colleague at Canada Post for the short time he was there. My condolences to the family.
Susan Jellett
I cannot imagine how much you will all miss Gerry. I'm very glad that he was my colleague: he listened, understood issues, and helped many of us just by being himself! Please know that his love of his work always came second to his love for his family.
Jackie and the Matthews family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Gerry’s passing will leave an emptiness in everyone he knew. Take care of yourselves during this difficult time.