Obituary of Archdeacon Ron Matthewman

The Venerable Dr. Ronald Matthewman, LLD, Lth, CD, GMTJ

Entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on July 9, 2025 at the age of 95 years.

Pre-deceased by his wife Dorothy (2013). Survived by his children: Anne Matthewman (Alan) of Halifax, NS, Timothy Matthewman (Joanne), Gilmour, ON, and Gillian Matthewman, Amherstburg, ON; Grandchildren: Joshua Matthewman (Megan), Rachel Robitaille (Branden), Adrian Matthewman (Elaine), Jennifer Angeli (Nicholas), Emily MacIlwain (Dustin); Great grandchildren: Benjamin & Lincoln Robitaille, James Matthewman, Oliver & Serena Angeli.  

Archdeacon Ron was ordained in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England in 1953.  In 1954, he married Dorothy Brewster, and together they sailed to Canada to begin a new life of ministry.  Archdeacon Ron served all of his Anglican Church ministry in the Diocese of Huron, Ontario as: Curate, St. John’s Church, Kitchener; Rector of St. Mark’s Church, Brantford with Holy Trinity, St. George; Rector of Trinity Church, Aylmer; and Rector of Church of the Ascension, Windsor.  Appointed Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (1970); installed as Archdeacon of Essex (1988); and retired from parish ministry (1993).  Archdeacon Ron continued to assist in ministry throughout Windsor-Essex for many years following his retirement.

Active in community life, Archdeacon Ron sat on numerous municipal and community committees throughout his ministry and was: Past President of Canterbury College; former Member of the Board of Governors, University of Windsor; received an Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree, Assumption College;  former Chaplain of H.M.C.S. Hunter & Senior Canadian Naval Chaplain for Royal Canadian Naval Reserves and Chaplain for R.C.N.A., Windsor; and  a founding member of the Canadian Priory of The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem having leadership roles within the Order as the first Grand Prior of Canada and Vicar General for the International Order.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (South Chapel), 3048 Dougall Avenue (519-253-7236) on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2-5 & 7-9 p.m.  Visitation will continue at Church of the Ascension, 1385 University Ave., West, Windsor on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to the time of the Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.

Cremation to follow, with private family service for committal of ashes, Church of the Ascension Memorial Garden.

Memorial donations to Church of the Ascension can be made online (click here) or E-transfer can be sent to ascension@bellnet.ca.  Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.windsorchapel.com

Arrangements have been made by the church for additional parking on Tuesday, July 15th at Alicia Mason School (Parking Lot located behind the school), 284 Carmon Avennue