Obituary of Gerald B. Mattice

Gerald (Gerry) B. Mattice, age 81, died at the Moncton Hospital on Sunday, December 24, 2006 after struggling with significant health challenges for several years. Dad was born in Ottawa, Ontario, a son of the late Prudence and Walter Mattice. He also lived in Haileybury, Port Credit, Toronto, Bracebridge, Perth and Guelph Ontario before moving to New Brunswick. His working life included many and varied occupations, such as salesman, prison guard, and entrepreneur. He dedicated himself to the well-being of his two children, Sandra Renowden (Peter) of Melvern Square NS and Wayne Mattice(Linda) of Riverview NB. He found enormous personal fulfillment in providing his skills and enthusiasm to family and friends with all manner of household renovations, building projects, or simply sharing advice based on his own experience. He relished the sense of accomplishment that comes from a hard day’s work. His Royal Canadian Navy service during WW II aboard the HMCS Sussexvale, the HMCS Ottawa, the HMCS Fennell, and at HMCS Mining Base Bedford Basin, remained of great importance to him throughout his life. Dad, known to his brothers and sisters as “Sonny”, is also survived by his granddaughter Danah Smith (Russell) of Riverview NB; great grandchildren Caleb and Cassandra; sisters Gladys Brothers of Montreal, Iris Hodgins of Whitby ON, and Hazel Murdoch of Markham ON; brother Eric Mattice of Bradford ON; former wife Elsa Mattice of Ajax ON; and nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his wife Vera; granddaughter Heather Mattice; brother Bruce; and sister Dorothy. His blue-eyed charm, youthful good looks, mischievous sense of humour, and single-minded independence endeared him to many. He had a passion for reading and current affairs, and was not hesitant to express his opinions. The courage, strength, and perseverance with which he embraced life and met its challenges will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers of The Briarlea residence and Royal Court residence for their compassion and friendship that, in Dad’s own words, made his recent years bearable. We are also very thankful for the dedicated medical support of Doctors Kim DeWare and Greg Donald. Although we are saddened by the death of our father and will miss him dearly, we are grateful for his release from the escalating pain and dependence that had come to dominate his daily life. At Dad’s request, cremation has taken place and there will not be a memorial service. A committal service will be performed at sea by the Royal Canadian Navy. Online condolences can be made via www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca