It is with heavy hearts that the family of William (Bill) N. Matthews announces his passing on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born 93 years ago in L'Etete, New Brunswick, Bill was the son of the late Stewart and Kathleen (Tucker) Matthews.

In 1960, Bill moved to Saint John, where he met the love of his life, Wanda. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage and worked tirelessly as a team to provide excellent home-cooked meals, countless family gatherings, and cherished memories in a home where family always came first. Friends and family alike knew there was always room at the table and a warm welcome waiting.

Throughout his life, Bill embraced hard work without complaint, always with a smile on his face, determination, patience, and good humour in his heart and often whistling as he worked. He spent much of his career in the transportation industry. He started his career at an early age with his family, fishing and transporting fish on the Bay of Fundy. After moving to Saint John he worked as a railroad fireman during the era of coal-fired locomotives, then for many years, delivering milk for Baxter Dairies and loading transport trucks in the evenings for CP. Along the way, he formed many lifelong cherished friendships. He finished his career as a truck and tractor-trailer driver with CP Express and Transport. Though proud of every job he held, driving tractor-trailer was an accomplishment that remained a source of pride throughout his life. His philosophy was simple: "Hard work never hurt anyone."

Above all else, Bill's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. Bill showed his unconditional love not through words or grand gestures, but through unwavering support, quiet sacrifices, dependable advice, and a lifetime spent tirelessly caring for others.

A man of exceptional skill and intelligence, Bill could fix almost anything. With country music playing in the background and family gathered nearby, many hours were spent repairing, building, teaching, and sharing stories. Bill believed that when a job needed doing, “the hands come off the clock.” Every task deserved one's very best effort, and successfully completing it to perfection was always the goal.

In retirement, Bill treasured life's simple pleasures: spending time with his entire extended family and especially enjoying precious moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom he was beloved “Papa.” He loved boating, fishing, beach walks, sunsets, cars, road trips to visit family and time spent on the Bay of Fundy, Lake Utopia, and the Saint John and Kennebecasis river systems with family and friends.

You would often hear Bill say, "Just do your very best; that's all anyone can ask of any of us." It was advice he lived by every day and a lesson he leaves behind for all who knew and loved him. His memory will remain forever etched in our hearts and minds.

Bill is survived by his son, Stephen Matthews (Holly Burns and her children Ashley, Chris, and Nick); his grandson Michael Matthews (Jennifer McCullum) and great-grandchildren Miles and Aubrey Matthews; beloved step-granddaughter Shawna Lohnes; his daughter, Angela Graham (Patrick) and their chosen daughter, Ashley Allen; brothers-in-law Glen Foote, Jamie Sullivan, and Carl Bragdon.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Wanda, and his siblings Phillip, Paul, Pauline Foote, Jim, and Margaret Sullivan; sisters-in-law Mary-Patricia Matthews, Gail Matthews, Leona Speight, Mary-Jane Whipple, Rita Bragdon, and Elsie Bragdon; brothers-in-law Wayne Bradley (Margaret), Leslie Bragdon, and Douglas Speight; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate healthcare professionals, support staff, and caregivers of the 5th floor, GEM Unit, and the 8th floor at St. Joseph's Hospital, as well as the staff of the Loch Lomond Villa and Ashley Sainders, who supported Bill by providing him exceptional care throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time.

For those who wish, remembrances made through acts of kindness, helping others, or donations to a charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.BrenansFH.com.

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