October 1, 1940 — February 5, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of George John Mathieu – long time resident of Merritt. He passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2026 with his loving wife and best friend, Josephine by his side. George is survived by Josephine, his wife of 59 years, 3 brothers – Marcel (Nancy), Bernard, and Guy (Sylvia) and sisters-in-law Isobel, Grace, Marie and Minnie, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Arthur & Albertine Mathieu, and siblings, Paul, Evelyn, Maurice, and Renee.

George was born October 1, 1940 in St. Paul, Alberta. The family moved to Merritt in 1950 and George decided to join the Royal Canadian Navy when he was old enough to enlist. He served for five years while travelling the world before deciding to pursue a different career. Upon discharge from the Navy, George attended Nelson Vocational School for welding courses and then went to BCIT for further certification. In 1966 George and Jo were married in Nelson and settled in North Vancouver.

Two years later he and Jo made their permanent home in Merritt and he worked at Craigmont as a welder. George and Jo bought an existing furniture business on Quilchena Avenue. They later expanded and added flooring to their business. They built a new store, George’s Furniture and Flooring and worked together at the store from 1972-1989.

George is a Life Member of Kinsmen. He served many years on the executive before becoming Kinsmen president and Deputy Governor of the Mainline Zone. He was honored with a plaque for Outstanding Deputy of the Year. He really enjoyed travelling to conventions with Jo and their Kinsmen friends. Throughout his life, George embodied the Kinsmen motto “Serving the Community’s Greatest Need”. George was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic parish. He also was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96. He was chairman of the Merritt Community Futures from 1994-2002. He was a member of the Merritt Curling Club and Merritt Golf Club. He and Jo were longtime Merritt Centennials Hockey season ticket holders. George liked to travel and go camping with Jo. He also enjoyed fishing trips and gold panning with friends.

George will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Father Brendan Mgbenwelu will celebrate the funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2302 Jackson Avenue, Merritt Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11am.

• Date : 2026-02-05
• Location : Merritt