It is with great sadness we announce the sudden, unexpected passing of our endearing husband, father, grandfather and friend, John, at the age of 80 in Kamloops, BC. Survived by his loving wife, Marmie Matisz and her children Mara (Dean Audet) of Kamloops, Judy(Dennis Vidaurri) of Lynden WA, Janey(Steve Komm) of Burnaby, Sandy Cunningham(Julianne Pollock) of Cardston, Alvin Cunningham of Courtney, Evelyn( Zak Murakami) of Lethbridge and 18 grandchildren namely; Ty, Tiara, Sharly, Lacey, Enzo, Gio, Angelina, Elizabeth, Spencer, Walker, James, Rupert, Freddie, Beatrice, Jace, Nellie, Clara, and Leo. Also survived by Evelyn Ferguson, mother of Gregory Matisz of Victoria and daughter Lisa and grandchildren Sierra and Koby of Kamloops. John is remembered by his brothers Joszef, Mihaj and sister Gizella. He is predeceased by his parents Joszef Matisz and Borbala (Orosz) of Hungary.

John Matisz was born to a good family in Sarospatak, Hungary, Oct. 3rd, 1936. He was athletic and loved soccer. He attended trade school, taking mechanics, machining and welding; finishing all three in one year. John fought with civilians during the Hungarian revolution of 1956. He fled to Austria, then immigrated to Canada in 1957 by boat first to Halifax and then by train to Edmonton and southward to Taber. He earned enough money on the sugar beat farms to eventually buy a truck and drive to Kamloops. Kamloops reminded John of his hometown in Hungary so he stayed. For a while, he managed a local band called Johnny and His Starlights; singing and even playing the accordion. In time, he established Johnny’s Welding and worked road construction jobs. During his retirement, John enjoyed almost 20 years of Christmas festivities being the centre of attention at North Hills Mall. John was a fun loving, happy person who made friends easily and always had a jovial greeting for all. He will be warmly remembered and cherished by family and friends.

A Graveside Memorial will take place at 1 pm on August 9th, 2017 at the Chase Cemetery with Brian Arnold officiating.

Special Thanks to the staff of Home Health Care for their consistent, noteworthy support; John and Deni Tallen’s deliberate kindness; EMResponders and friends.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2017-08-03
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.