John Matheson

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 our dearly loved John Murray William Matheson passed away, taking his own life in Golden, B.C. at age 40.

John leaves to mourn his beloved "Angel" Melanie Gourdes and their two beloved dogs, Duke and Baron of Banff, Alberta and his loving parents Jack and Del of Winnipeg. John is also survived by his uncles, George (Norma) and Allan (Valerie) and their families, Del's sister-in-law Carol Patterson, nieces, nephews and special family, Lily and Naomi, mother-in-law Claire (father Gaetan deceased), sister-in-law Genevieve (Steve) and their families in Quebec.

He also leaves behind an overwhelming extended family of friends spanning from the Vancouver area, through Golden, Banff, Canmore, on to Brandon, Clear Lake and Winnipeg.

John was diagnosed with bipolar depression more than 20 years ago but this did not stop him from pursing his real passion of snowboarding. John moved in the Canadian Rockies and settled in Golden BC for almost 10 years, where he met the "love of his life", Melanie.

John and Mel relocated in Banff about six year ago, where John continued following his amazing artistic skills, love for snowboarding and work in retail.

Unfortunately, the last few years became more difficult for John due to his illness. His latest depression hit him long and hard, and although he fought with tremendous courage and strength, the pain was just too much for John to bear.

John's creativity, gratefulness, kind soul, love of family, snowboarding and of course his love for Golden, will be forever missed.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of John's life will eventually be held in Golden. Further information will be available at a later time. Until then, please remember John by snowboarding, painting, fishing, skateboarding and by following your passion in life.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.