James MATTEAR

MATTEAR, James After a final trip to the cottage, James Mattear passed away peacefully at Lennox & Addington County General Hospital in Napanee surrounded by his loving family on October 11, 2019 at the age of 82. Jimmy was born in Paisley, Scotland, the only child to parents Edward and Nora. After finishing his certification to become a licensed electrician, he married the love of his life, Catherine (Kay) MacInnes. Two children, Gale and Campbell arrived before the couple decided to immigrate to Canada in 1966. Jimmy continued to golf, curl and ice skate as he had in Scotland, but as a new Canadian, he also took up his favourite hobby, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs, never losing hope that they would win another cup after their 1967 Stanley Cup win. Immediately after coming to Canada, Jimmy and Kay became active members of Central Presbyterian Church in Galt, where they have served for over 53 years. He embraced every aspect of his life in his adopted country, becoming an Elder at Central, joining the IBEW Local 804, volunteering with various organizations, but most importantly, Jimmy had his music. He was an enthusiastic church choir member, a member of the Cambridge Male Chorus, lead singer of the band Heritage (Innuendo) and the Scottish musical group, the Heathertones. He was a much sought-after soloist at events all over the region. Jimmy also fell in love with the rugged landscape of Ontario's Land-o-Lakes region, and even there, for over 30 years he packed the tiny Henderson church with locals and cottagers alike every summer when news got out that he would be singing during his cottage stays at Big Gull Lake. He leaves behind Kay, his beloved wife of 59 years, Gale (Shane Stavenow), and Campbell (Doris). He was a cherished Papa to Benjamin Stavenow and Emma (Nate Silkiewycz) and great-grandson Desmond, and to grandchildren Carmen, Ava, Jack, and Aaron Mattear. He will be greatly missed by his many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends in Scotland and the US. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the cancer care team at Cambridge Hospital, the ParaMed team of nurses and PSWs who cared for Jimmy while he was at home, and especially Dr. Rachael Halligan. A debt of gratitude also goes to the emergency response team in North Frontenac, and the staff at Lennox & Addington Hospital for their compassion and care in his last days. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Central Presbyterian Church in Cambridge (Galt), Ontario on November 2 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Restoration Fund at Central Presbyterian Church, or to Cambridge Memorial Hospital.