SJSA Family Loses a Founding Parent

Doug Matheson May 6, 1921-June 15, 2009

On June 15, 2009 our Saint John’s family lost one of it’s founding parents. Douglas R. Matheson died in a plane crash – doing what he loved best, flying. His obituary says it best, ” He was adventurous, opinionated, patriotic, intelligent, courageous, irreverent and funny. He was passionate about the things he believed in and the people he loved. To the end he lived life with laughter, enthusiasm, joy and a wonderful sense of humour. He died the way pilots would like to go: soaring through a sunny Alberta sky, joyously doing what he loved to do. His timing was out just a little bit; he always said that when his time came he hoped it would be after cherry season was over.”

Doug was born in Edmonton, and except for his absence during World War II,

Doug with his Spitfire

spent his life in this city. His wartime experiences included a career in the Royal Canadian Airforce as a Spitfire pilot with 411 Squadron. His career came to a sudden halt in December of 1943 when he was shot down over northern France. He parachuted to safety and was protected by a wonderful French family. He worked with the French underground until he was arrested in April 1944. After interrogation by the Gestapo he was sent to Stalagluft III.

After the war, Doug attended the U of A, and graduated with a law degree. He went on to found Matheson and Company with his brother Bob. Doug was involved in many areas of volunteer service. He would later become the school’s lawyer, and the founding chairman of the board for the school.

We enjoyed many years of friendship and shared vision with Doug. He will certainly be missed.

See a tribute to Doug on line

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