Obituary of Tony Maters

Antonius “Tony” Maters

1931 - 2023

 

It is with heavy hearts, but with gratitude for a life for which he always felt blessed, that the family of Tony Maters announce his passing on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, with his three daughters and a photo of his beloved Sophia by his side. Tony was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on February 24, 1931, to Jan and Maria Maters. Dad is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Louise (Michael) Bohonos, Mary-Ann (Larry) Eirich and Dianne (Kevin) Van Drunen; six grandchildren, Christopher, Derek, Janelle, Alana, Jaclyn, and Desiree; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews in the Netherlands; and friends on both sides of the ocean. Dad was predeceased less than four months ago by his lifelong partner and love of his life, Sophia. Dad and Mom’s journey together spanned over 70 years, almost 69 as a married couple whom one month after marriage, ventured away from the Netherlands to build a life in Canada. Dad was also predeceased by his parents; two brothers and one sister, as well as their spouses; and by Sophia’s seven brothers and three sisters, as well as their spouses. Tony and Sophia were the last of their generation on both sides of their families.

 

Mom and Dad were married in Nijmegen on May 8, 1954. On June 10, 1954, they boarded a plane to Montreal as young newlyweds and travelled on to Regina, where they lived the balance of their lives and proudly received their Canadian citizenships on May 15, 1969. The majority of Dad’s career was spent as a machinist at Ipsco (now Evraz). Their three daughters were born in 1955, 1957 and 1958, and the three sons-in-law were happily accepted into the family in the late 1970s. The family continued to grow with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Dad, with Mom by his side, enjoyed travelling back to the Netherlands, to the Rocky Mountains with Dutch family, to BC, to Reno, and many smaller trips. For many years they swam regularly at the Lawson, where friendships were formed. Dad was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends who could use it. He was always up for a spirited discussion about politics. Dad was an avid computer and iPad user, by choice and sometimes by necessity. It was inspiring to watch a person in his 90s send emails and pictures, do on-line banking, and even send e-transfers.

 

Above all else, Tony loved his wife and family and loved life. There was nothing he would not do for Sophia, and he was right by her side providing love and care as needed for as long as he was able. He accepted every challenge that was sent his way with an incredibly positive attitude and his personal motto that “it’s all part of life”. He was a very determined man (some would say stubborn!), a character trait that he used to move full speed ahead, both literally and figuratively. His viewpoint of life and how he tackled roadblocks was inspirational. He will be forever in our hearts and memories.

 

No words can fully express the family’s gratitude to everyone on Unit 2-5 at Wascana Rehab. Dad received great care and also tremendous compassion and friendship. Unit 2-5 was his home and everyone there was part of his family for the last year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you also to the Regina Home Care team, and Dr. Liu and Dr. Khan at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, for caring for Dad in his last few years.

 

A Private Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory can be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or to a charity of choice.