Dr. Jackson E. Mathieu

“It is the lives we encounter that make life worth living.” — Guy de Maupassant

Jackson Mathieu died quietly, at home, his family at his side.

He is dearly missed by his wife Joan, children Chloe Girvan (Andrew), Katie Mathieu, Emily Mathieu (Derrick), and Joseph Mathieu (Erin).

Beloved grandfather or “Poppy” to Josie, Finn, and Lola Girvan. He relished every snack, joke, milestone, news of their adventures and accomplishments. They will miss him forever.

Jackson was born in Seattle, Washington, to Armand and Elizabeth (Jackson) Mathieu, a younger brother to Dick and Pete. After his father’s work moved the family to Montreal he attended Loyola High School and University, in Montreal, before enrolling in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Following his graduation in 1969, he interned at the Montreal General Hospital. It was through a fellow intern, and eventual brother-in-law, he met his future wife Joan.

Throughout their 53 years of marriage they remained the best of friends.

A family physician, Jackson's first practice was in Kincardine, Ontario. After several happy years the couple and their four young children followed close friends to San Jose, California, where he practiced medicine for seven years.

In 1986, the family packed into a van and drove across the USA to Guelph, stopping at monuments and national parks along the way. A true history buff and military enthusiast, future trips would include many civil war sites. Adventure and travel were among his favourite pursuits. He took any chance to share a story, laugh, or an obscure fact.

He paid particular attention to family history, mapping out the stories and bloodlines of many generations past.

Described as kind, sincere, and honest he easily made and maintained friendships throughout his life. They will mourn his loss alongside his extended family.

A natural athlete, Jackson played football and rugby in high school and university, was an avid skier, windsurfer, swimmer and completed the The New York City Marathon twice. Replenishment was never a challenge thanks to his love of food.

Guelph would become home, where he practiced family medicine for 30 years, helped develop hospice care, and was a founding member of The Guelph Enabling Garden.

After he retired at 70, Jackson took up sketching and painting. Under skilled instructors he excelled and created many beautiful pieces of art. When not in front of a canvas he almost certainly had a golf club in hand, happy to play whatever the weather as long as the season allowed.

Jackson’s family is forever grateful for the support provided by his healthcare team and wish to extend a special thank you to Dr. Tom Tobin.

If you wish to make a donation in his name please consider the ALS Society of Canada.

A celebration of life will take place at the O.A.C. Centennial Arboretum Centre, in Guelph, on Sunday, December 13th. Friends and family are invited to attend between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A service is planned for 2:30 p.m.