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MATTINSON, Roy Benjamin (64114)

Birth

  • Born on June 28, 1933 in Pugwash, Cumberland Co., NS

Death

  • Died on April 27, 2022 in Pugwash, Cumberland Co., NS
  • Buried in Palmerston Cemetery in Pugwash, Cumberland Co., NS

Marriages

Children

Notes

  • Occupation: Owner Roy B. Mattinson & Sons Ltd. Trucking
  • Obituary: Roy Benjamin Mattinson, age 88, of Pugwash NS, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 27, 2022, at North Cumberland Memorial Hospital. Born June 28, 1933, the eldest child of Charles and Ivy (Carter) Mattinson. Roy's life was full. His passion for trucking began at an early age. Starting with toy trucks, then on to helping his father with deliveries, to owning his own truck at the young age of 16, to eventually owning his own fleet of 5 trucks. Roy B. Mattinson and Sons trucking became a very respected and thriving business. A few of the many ventures included hauling the first load of non-refrigerated blueberries out of province to Montreal, Christmas trees to the United States, hauling pulpwood from Quigley's pulp field to the Pugwash wharf, to be loaded on to boats. When Scott Paper opened its plant in Abercrombie, Roy was privileged to be their first contractor hired. He hauled the first load of wood through the gates in 1967, and continued this for 29 years. When Scott Paper began organizing Truck Driving Rodeos, Roy eventually became a participant, driving in at least 17 rodeos, going on to nationals on 9 different occasions. This was a great travel opportunity for Roy and Helen, his wife of 56 of years, to see the country. Besides his love of trucking, Roy had a passion for his community and church. Roy served as Superintendent and Teacher for the Sunday School at Wesley St. Matthew's United Church, Pugwash, for more than 30 years. He organized many Sunday School picnics, bowling trips, barbeques and variety concerts. He also provided Christmas trees and mitten trees for the church each year. More recently, he and Helen organized weekly crib nights. Roy took pride in organizing softball in the community. There were no tryouts! Anyone who wanted to play, got to play! He formed two local teams that went on to compete locally for many years. The men's team, the Scrubs, included Roy as the pitcher. The ladies team, Roy's Angels, he coached with pride. As if he wasn't busy enough, he also organized pick up ball for the community...Tuesday evenings for children, and Sunday evening for adults. Family time was important to Roy (Our Dad/Grampy). We all know how he loved a good game of Washer Toss and participated in many tournaments. If he couldn't find a family member to compete against, his faithful companion, Frisky his dog, would be more than happy to join in. Another family tradition was the annual Canada Day celebration. From parade floats, where family members were asked to "volunteer", to post parade barbecues (charcoal only) in the back yard. Everyone was always welcome. Roy was never a person to sit idle. After arriving home from work, he would often grab a bite to eat, and was then off to enjoy an evening with the bowling league, or a local crib game. Some of the accolades he received over the years in relation to his community service were the Cumberland County Volunteer Award, Maritimer of the Week Award, and in 2012 his dedication to his community led Pugwash to winning the TSN Kraft Celebration Tour. It started with his grandson, Alex, submitting an essay to TSN outlining his grandfather's tremendous community service. Out of hundreds of entries, a panel selected Roy's story as a top 20 finalist. Next, it went to a nationwide vote to determine the 10 winners from across Canada, resulting in a landslide victory of more than 4 times the votes than the opposition had received. As a result, the ballfield was awarded $25,000.00 for revitalization, and the community of Pugwash was awarded a live Sports Centre broadcast by TSN. During the live broadcast, millions of viewers got to witness, much to Roy's surprise, the ballfield at Sport Pugwash being re-named the Roy B. Mattinson Ball Park. He is survived, and will be dearly missed, by his loving family. Wife: Helen Mattinson (MacAulay); Children: Ivan (Marcia) Mattinson, Lawrencetown, HRM, Bill Mattinson, Pugwash; Ronnie (Mary Ann) Mattinson, Pugwash; Carol (Eric) Dotten, Lantz; Kelly (Steven) Parker, Pugwash; Bonnie (Jeff) Parker, Pugwash; Thai (Thuy) Lam, Moncton; Brenda (Mike) Walker, Upper Nappan. Grandchildren: John (Sabrina), Melissa (Tyler), Rhonda, Lezlee, Felicia, Bradley (Rebecca), Jason, Joe (Tara), Ben, Marie (Jason), Matthew (Haylee), Alex (Véronique), Shelby (Adam), Evan, Kyle (Carly) and Jake. Many cherished Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. Brother: Glen (Sara) Mattinson, Peterborough, ON. Sister: Thelma (Heber) Colbourne, West Pugwash, NS. He was predeceased by his parents and great granddaughter, Anika. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Some of the charities close to Roy's heart were the Wesley St. Matthew's United Church and Sport Pugwash. Special thanks to the devoted Health Care Team of North Cumberland Memorial Hospital, including Dr. Peter Blaikie and Martha Underwood. The compassionate care they provided to Roy (Our Dad and Grampy) during the final stages of his journey here on earth, was absolutely immeasurable. Heaven will be a busy place now with Roy (Our Dad and Grampy) organizing ball games and truck rodeos. There may even be a washer toss tournament, or two.

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