MATUS Louis Alexander Matus of Three Hills passed away peacefully at Drumheller Continuing Care on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at the age of 88, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Louis was born in Fernie B.C. to Theresa and Joseph Matus on August 26, 1916. He moved with his parents to Trochu in 1919 and later to Ghost Pine. As a young man Louis attended Greenleaf, Florence and Lumni schools. He helped his Dad and Uncle Joe Huchala with farm work and later became involved in the family trucking business. As a young man Louis loved playing hockey and fastball. He took part in many tournaments and helped his Ghost Pine team win the intermediate championship. At the age of 22, Louis wed Mary Kopulos. When war broke out in Europe, Louis joined the Edmonton Fusiliers, later being transferred to the Prince of Wales Regiment. As a Sergeant, he trained recruits in New Westminister and later served in the West Pacific and Aleutian Islands. After the war, Louis and Mary farmed in the Ghost Pine and Three Hills area where they raised their five children. Louis was employed in construction, mining and for many years as a bartender at the local hotel where he earned a reputation for telling jokes. Louis' many musical talents included playing the fiddle, mouth organ, guitar and Jewish harp. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing. Louis was a life member of the Elks Lodge. He marched, led, and coached the Three Hills Patrol team. As a war vet, Louis was also a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion. The last ten years of his life were spent at the Drumheller Continuing Care. While a patient there Louis looked forward to visits from his family and friends as well as joking with the staff. Louis was well cared for during his final years. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary and brothers Joe, Tom, Steven, John and baby Alex. He is survived by his loving wife Mary; 4 sons, Dave (Fran) of Yorkton, SK, Ron (Judy), Merv (Sandi) and Reg all of Three Hills; one daughter Jean (Ken) Hincks of Maple Ridge, BC; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters Theresa Malaka and Lil Hanson of Three Hills and Ann Milan of Fort St. John, BC. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 17, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Three Hills with Father Les Drewicki celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer's Society. As a tribute to Louis Matus, a tree will be planted in the Heartland Tree Memorial Park, Olds.
Heartland Funeral
Services Ltd., Olds
entrusted with arrangements. 507-8610.