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Arthur James Mattice

April 13th, 1946 - January 26th, 2024
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We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Arthur James Mattice on January 26th in Ladner BC.  We would like to honor, celebrate, and remember our beloved Father, cherished Husband, a dedicated Pappa and incredible Friend, Arthur James Mattice.  Best known to many as just Art. 

He is survived by his wife, Christine; son Ken, wife Alanna, grandchildren Kurtis and Sydney; daughter Laurie, husband George (& children Eli, David, Sarah).

Born in 1946, in Brockville Ontario he was one of 13 children to William and Thelma Mattice. He shared so many stories over the years of antics that he and his siblings would get up to being raised on a farm in demanding times, but they always found a way to find joy and happiness. Lessons he continued to share with us throughout our lives. 

He met his beloved soulmate Christine while attending Frontenac High School, Kingston Ontario when they were both teenagers and they fell in love and married a few short years later. Their bond and relationship continued to grow stronger as they journeyed through life’s trials and tribulations together as an unbreakable team.  After almost 60 years of knowing each other, they remained deeply in love, and were best friends enjoying the simple pleasures of just being together and especially when out in nature camping and fishing by the water. Art had a giant heart filled with love for our Mom and he was known to write her love letters and surprise her with thoughtful gestures of his devotion and desire to make her happy.  He was a romantic, funny, caring and incredibly loving partner that selflessly cared and nurtured their bond. Chris will feel the profound loss of his presence and miss him deeply every day.  Their lives were dedicated to each other.

Art became a father, and he called us his millionaire family. He always made family his priority. He worked tirelessly just to ensure that we never went without and that we were happy and loved.  He sacrificed so much over the years for us all, always being available to share life lessons, talk things through with an endless amount of encouragement and belief in us as little humans figuring out life.  He modeled integrity, honesty, and commitment for us as we continued to grow and create our own path in life with loved ones and extended families.  He welcomed them all with open arms of acceptance. He was such an empathetic listener, and his advice was from the heart, always considering all aspects and thoughtfully empowering us to trust and believe in our own abilities to resolve.  As an avid camper, hunter, and fisherman he and Kenny shared so many adventures out in the wild that will forever be imprinted.  It is not possible to share on a few short pages the lifetime of memories he gifted us with, there were so many that we will forever smile to think of them as they are deep in our hearts, and they continue to bless us every day as we honor his life. He was the absolute best Dad, and we are devastated he is no longer here with us to share our lives with. 

Being a Pappa to Sydney and Kurtis was one of Arts greatest joys and one that he took extremely seriously.  If he was not at home, he was at their house visiting and getting to share in memories every single day.  He made them laugh, he played games with them, he taught them little things and he spoiled them in the best conceivable way, with love.  He was a regular at both Sydney and Kurtis’s sporting events and was always one of the first persons they called to share good news.  He also had a special gift (even before technology) to know where everyone was, all the time and always happened to just show up to be there.  He had a warm and comfortable way of being able to communicate with them and so they benefitted by having him as both a confidant and friend.  Family was the most important thing to Art. His life choices were always around family and being able to bring us all together, create peace, harmony and a cohesive bond.  It was his entire life and it filled his days with a meaningful purpose.

Art loved sports.  He grew up playing fastball and hockey and was a skilled pitcher with a natural gift both on and off the field.  In Ladner he coached both fastball and hockey over the years and became deeply involved in the athletic communities and associations to support and drive youth teams.  His endless dedication and mentorship would impact so many generations of boys as they grew into men over the years. Those under his care as Coach thrived by his firm but encouraging nature, teaching sportsmanship and the winning mindset. All life lessons for them to continue into their future. 

Art had a passion for fast cars, speed racing and mechanics from an early age and he turned that passion into a profession by attending Technical College in Bellville Ontario earning an International Ticket as a prestigious award. He continued to work as an Automotive Mechanic throughout his life with most of his career being as both a Mechanic and owner of Ladner Esso.  Here is where so many of the community met Art and were introduced to both his talents with motor vehicles and his incredible generosity, his fun sense of humor and his sense of responsibility to all those that would enter his shop. He would take on the responsibility of fixing their vehicle issues and build bonds that went on to last lifetimes.  He was both respected and well loved within Ladner for being such a stand-up man that built his reputation on trust and honesty.

Art was a true-blue friend.  He valued his friendships deeply and he cared so much about those that were in his circle of companions.  I am sure they all have their own special memories of our Dad and many probably took place on a golf course or two.  He loved to play golf and was thrilled when he was able to join his buddies on some of their special trips over the years to play some games and share in some good times. He had so much love for his friends and would always speak so highly of the friendships that he had and how lucky he was to meet and know them. 

We would be amiss to not mention our Dad’s love of animals.  He is known in his neighbourhood as the Dog Whisperer.  We feel this is the perfect way to describe him, since there was rarely a dog that would pass by his house that would not see my Dad and come running.  They absolutely adored him.  When he had Beau, (his best friend, a black lab) he would be out on daily walks and over to Bell Park and he formed so many precious friendships with not just the dogs but also their owners too. We like to think that all those in doggy heaven are now joyfully celebrating his arrival. 

We are just so very sad for our Dads passing and we know our Mom is mourning the loss of her beloved husband but I want to close this on a positive note because we know that he would want that.  He would want us to celebrate his life and legacy each and every day, and all the many ways that we have been touched by his lovely soul and generous heart. He would want to be remembered as a man that deeply loved his family and that may have made a small difference in your life. We love you Dad, and we are forever grateful for a lifetime of your love and commitment!

Out of respect for our Dads wishes, we will not be holding a service or celebration of life.  There will be a memorial bench placed within Ladner in his honor.

He will live on in all of us.

 

 

 

 


Tributes

Justine
March 2nd, 2024

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Mattice's absence will be felt in the neighbourhood. He always had a kind, friendly word for me when my dog and I walked by, and although I only knew him in passing, he was a fixture, and he will be really missed. RIP.

Todd and Tanya Allan
February 14th, 2024

Our deepest condolences. Art was a big part of our lives and he will be deeply missed. Art was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Ladner lost a bit part of its character with Art’s passing. He will always be remember bu us with deep fondness.
Todd, Tanya, Tyler and Brody Allan.

Tracy rutherford
February 12th, 2024

My thoughts are with the family in this time of loss. I have many fond memories of Art with my beloved Kelly . He will be remembered for his beautiful smile.

Jeff & Cathy Klimek
February 10th, 2024

Art was a great neighbor. We always enjoyed talking to him, His absence in the neighborhood will be deeply felt by all.

Donald R Morrison
February 8th, 2024

RIP to a great family man and great person. Had the pleasure of getting to know Art while coaching and playing with his son Kenny. He raised a great son and is testament to who he was.

Monica Lawless
February 8th, 2024

Dear Art, the news of your passing was very sad. I feel extremely blessed to have known you and to have been part of your family for a time. You touched so many lives in our wonderful community. I will missed seeing you around and having our little catch up conversations. I will think of you always and remember you with so much love.

Christine, Ken (Alanna) & Laurie (George) I am so sorry for the loss of your dad/husband and best friend. I know the closeness and love you all shared with each other. I hope you find love and light through this very difficult loss. He always knew his family loved him and was proud of all of you. Even though he can't be with us, we will definitely always feel his presence and love around us because that is his legacy.

Kurtis and Sydney, It is never easy to loose someone you Love. He was such a presence in both of you lives and for that you will always have those memories to hold onto forever. He was so proud and loved you both very much.

May we all remember this wonderful man with love, respect and kindness and the beautiful legacy he left behind for all of us to remember and hold close to our hearts.

Love Always,
Monica

Chris Ainge
February 7th, 2024

My family is gutted by the news of Art.

As a kid he was my friends Dad, then he became my mechanic and when your car knowledge is putting gas in the vehicle ya talk to your mechanic often. Art was always there. Then he became my Fastpitch coach but the most cherished one was Art was my friend!!

Art was always there for our kids. He came out to watch them play ball, he was their mechanic and he supported them in their fundraisers.

Art was a dear friend to my parents Louise and Bill. Always asked how they were doing and after Bill passed away always asked how Mom was doing.

Whether my car, Shelly’s car or any of the kids car I always looked forward to “dropping it off to Art”. Every drop off or pick would mean a visit I looked forward to. Always asking about my kids, Art often spoke about how proud he was of his grandkids. Whether Kurtis and his job at the city or Syd and her pitching and softball. Art would just beam when he brought them up. It brought goosebumps every time. He spoke about how he and Chris would go for a drive and have ice cream, to working on the trailers, to golfing, but it always came back to the grandkids.

My family and I will miss Art more than I can say. Driving around town, stopping by in front of the house to say hi or just that chuckle and laugh when we would BS in his garage!

Arts a first ballot hall of famer and there are a lot of angels upstairs to greet him.

We love ya Art!! Rest easy my friend!!

Helen Winter
February 7th, 2024

Art was so living and caring. When I became friends with Laurie it was like he took me under his protective wing. He rescued me and my car once (at least) and without any hesitation. He loved his family so much and it showed in everything he did. He made me laugh whenever I saw him and even I have seen him for a few years he will be greatly missed.

Sandy Caird
February 7th, 2024

A brother is someone who gives you lots to remember, to laugh about to be grateful for, and to love. Art was all of that and more our brother, our friend. Rest In Peace and I hope you meet up with everyone that left before you,oh the stories you will be able to. Forever in our hearts. Love your sisters Pat, Verma, and Sandy and brother Jim.

Angharad (Ang) Gibby
February 6th, 2024

Lovely and such true words to describe a beautiful person. Art, I am blessed to have known you. During our 19 years on 58B Street, you became a cherished friend. I will forever hold dear our almost daily talks, whether at 6am on a dog walk, during the afternoon when I'd ride my bike past your house, or when you'd stop by to visit. Our visits were a part of my day to day and I feel that loss deeply. We've had many heart to hearts over the years - thank you for your wisdom, thoughtfulness and kindness. From parenting advice to helping me through the loss of my own parents, or just having a laugh, you became an integral part of our family. You are a gem. We never did get that one last visit that you hoped for, and you know that Pax is looking down your driveway on every walk. I miss you, my friend.
Love Ang

lisa Malone
February 6th, 2024

What an accurate tribute to a kind gentleman. Our entire neighborhood feels the loss.
Grant , Lisa , Abby & Jack Malone

Naadia Clayton
February 5th, 2024

Art was a true friend. I met him at the dog park with his beloved black lab Beau. I had my beloved black lab Nicky. We remained friends over the years after our doggy crossed the rainbow bridge. He was an exceptional man…he helped me through many tough times with his words of wisdom and his kind heart. My family and I will miss him. We are lucky to have had him in our lives. Rest well my dear friend. Naadia

Barbara Hiwie
February 5th, 2024

Art was a good friend and neighbor for years. Always there if you needed anything. Fixing the cars and aways a very honest man. You will be missed.

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