October 24, 1932 - January 9, 2009

JAMES MATKIN of Magrath, Alberta passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on Friday, January 9th at St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit.

Jim was born on October 24th, 1932 in Magrath, Alberta to Charles and Ireta Matkin. He grew up in Magrath. He lived in Milk River and Lethbridge and then settled in Pincher Creek, where he owned and operated Big Yield Agriservices. He was always active with basketball, curling or golf and he volunteered for years with the Pincher Creek Junior Golf program. He loved to play crib, scoring his first ""29"" in 2002. Of all these activities, Jim was always happiest when he was on the course with his friends, sharing a laugh and a good game of golf.

Jim returned to Magrath in 2002 to spend last few years of his life. While he was still able, he was a familiar sight strolling around the town, going into the bank, having coffee or a visit at the Magrath Golf Course or curling rink.

Left to mourn are Jim's children, Jim, John (Maricar), Connie (Greg) , Kathy (Christian) and Sharla (George) as well as his sisters Kathleen (Harold) Anderson of Milk River, LeVaun (Johnnie) Thompson of Magrath and Lucille Blaxhall (Jim) of Calgary. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Carmen and Laura Tarnava, Mark and Mike Matkin, Isaac Prusky, Abigayil and Maiya Clapton and Elijah and Rain Matkin-Szilagyi. Also surviving him is June (Freel) Matkin, the mother of his children, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son Michael, his granddaughter Cassidy, his parents Charles and Ireta, his brother Gordon Matkin and his sister Nola Madge.

Jim will always be remembered for his warm smile, easy laughter, good stories and friendship. He was a loving father, brother and son. He will be sadly missed by all of us and will be alive in our hearts forever.
His family would like to thank Charlotte Anderson and the staff of the Diamond Willow Terrace Lodge in Magrath for offering Jim a welcoming home in Magrath. Thank you also to Jeff Bell and the cottage staff at Good Samaritans in Magrath for always treating him with respect and kindness. We would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Coleman of Good Samaritans in Magrath, with whom Dad shared a tender connection. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the staff of St. Michael's Palliative Care unit for providing a peaceful and caring place for our Dad to leave this earth in quiet dignity.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Brian Magee, officiating.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jim's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Society Lethbridge Chapter, #402, 740 - 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9.