May 11, 1952 - July 12, 2020
Robert (Bob) Sinton Mathieson, 69, passed away suddenly on July 12th, 2021, at his home in Deep Bay.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Rothmund; children Lindsay (Barry White) Mathieson, Scott (Eileen) Mathieson, Whitney Falconer, Brittany (Linton Mereu) Falconer, and Riley Mathieson; stepdaughter Jennifer (Je ) Tench; grandchildren Eavan, Rylan, Oscar, Vera, Brynn, Fiona, and Bodhi; siblings Rick (Sharon) Mathieson, and Janet (Patrick) Seline; and uncle Dennis Mawdsley. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Josephine (Jo) Mathieson.
Bob was born on May 11th, 1952, in North Vancouver, BC, where he was raised along with his younger brother and sister. An avid athlete, Bob loved playing rugby and was an exceptional soccer goalkeeper.
While attending school at UBC, Bob spent summers working in Woss Lake as a timber cruiser and fell in love with the beauty of the North Island. After completing his teaching degree, he and his first wife, Sylvia, moved to Holberg where they both taught at the K-10 school. He had a passion for science, and he initially taught both science and math before later becoming vice-principal.
Following 8 years in Holberg and the birth of Lindsay and then Scott, they moved to Woss Lake, where Bob became the principal of the small elementary school there. Family time in Woss was often spent outdoors, fishing and roasting hotdogs at the lake.
After three years in Woss, Bob and his family relocated to Port Hardy, where he was the principal of Eagle View Elementary School. He made a point to get to know the students, and many former students remember his "pinky finger waves" in the halls of the school. He was well known in the community and also involved with the local Lions organization.
During this time, Bob met his second wife, Heidi, and welcomed Whitney, Brittany, and Riley into the family. Later on in his career, he became principal of North Island Secondary School in Port McNeill, which is the last position he held before retirement. Bob always loved the North Island, including both the natural beauty and being part of the close-knit community.
During retirement, Bob met Jane, and they made their home together in Deep Bay. They had 12 wonderful years together making beautiful jewellery, gardening, travelling, watching hockey, and visiting with their children and grandchildren.
As a young adult, Bob was diagnosed with significant health and physical challenges that continued throughout his life. Despite these challenges, he was always optimistic and had an incredibly positive outlook on life. He loved sports, games, cooking, making jewellery, and spending time outdoors (including in his garden).
He was passionate about education in and out of the classroom, both in teaching others and in learning new things himself, including new hobbies, how to fix something, or how to cook a new dish.
He will be remembered as a very kind man who was always willing to offer a helping hand or word of advice. He had a big heart and loved his family dearly. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.