Wilbur Clarence Matlock formerly of Champion, Alberta passed away March 20, 2006 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 88 years.
Wilbur was born July 27, 1917 at Carmangay, Alberta to Harold and Ada Matlock and was raised on the family farm East of Champion. He attended Harmony School and completed high school in Champion. Wilbur continued to work with his father on the farm and eventually took over all the farming operations. Wilbur married Betty (Christman) in 1944. Retiring from full time farming in 1981, they moved to Champion and in 2004 to the Peter Dawson Lodge in Vulcan.
Wilbur loved his family and community. He was an active member of the Champion Lions Club for 50 years, including the Club’s development of Little Bow Park. Always cherishing his time at the lake, Wilbur was instrumental in the building of Sanderson’s Subdivision. Wilbur was a member of the Southern Alberta Antique and Classic Automobile Club (SAACAC), participating in the club activities until his passing. He and Betty traveled extensively, especially in their retirement years and spent twenty winters in California. Wilbur was active in his church community and helped build St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Champion. He was also a member of Unifarm.
Wilbur will be sadly missed by his family, communities and friends. Beloved husband of Betty of Vulcan, loving father of two daughters Kathy (John) Reasbeck of Mystic, Connecticut and Maureen Lynch of Calgary, a son Byron (Jo) Matlock of Champion, four grandchildren Jennifer (Mike) Eggermont, Mark Lynch all of Calgary, Eric and Aaron Matlock both of Champion, a sister Marie Granlin of Vulcan, four nephews and two nieces.
Wilbur was predeceased by his brother Gerald (Alice) Matlock , a brother-in-law Elwood Granlin and his parents.
Requiem Mass will be held Thursday March 23, 2006 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Champion with Rev. Fr. Ben Marino celebrant.
Casket Bearers Aaron Matlock, Eric Matlock, Mike Eggermont, Bart Matlock and Mark Lynch.
Inurement at a later date at Champion Catholic Cemetery, Champion.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Wilbur’s memory can be made to either Champion Cemetery Maintenance Association Box 99, Champion T0L 0R0 or Vulcan & District EMS Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.