Gary Laverne Matheson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Laverne Matheson on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Stratford General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Husband and partner to Debbie (MacLeod) for 41 years. Proud and loving Dad to Greg (Samantha), Ryan (Vicki), Andrew, and Kurtis. Doting Grandpa to Luke, Zachary, Khenan, Kage, Sophie, and Colby. Gary is survived by his siblings, Jack, Allan (Anne), Ken (Marlene “Marnie”), Joan Hobbs (Lloyd), and his in-laws Dianne MacLeod and Brian MacLeod (MarLynn). He will be fondly remembered by his Aunt and Uncle, Ray and Helen Whetstone, and by many nieces and nephews. Beloved son of the late Robert and Betty Matheson and son-in-law of the late Marie and Bruce MacLeod.

Gary was born on February 5, 1953, and lived his entire life on the Matheson home farm in Zorra Township near Bennington. He began his working life driving truck for Finnie’s Transport, Hutton Transport, Milkway and West Zorra Township. He loved recounting his adventures driving transport throughout Ontario. However, his passion was for farming. In 1982, Gary and Deb established Zorrabrae Farm, their family dairy and egg-layer operation. Gary was so proud to be able to build and manage a new robot dairy barn over the past year, often found sitting in his barn office chair overseeing his herd – a legacy of farming he has passed on to the next generation. As a farmer, he experienced and respected the circle of life in all it’s aspects, facing the unpredictable, including his health challenges with courage and grace. Gary was a proud Past - President of Embro Minor Hockey and a dedicated life- long blood donor. His greatest joy and pride has always come from being a dad and a grandpa, weaving time spent with family into the day to day demands of farming. His quiet wisdom, wonderful sense of humour, practical nature, generosity and determination will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Matheson Clan Motto “Fac et Spera” Do and Hope

If you would like to honour Gary’s memory, please donate to Defeat Duchenne Canada or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for visitations on Sunday, January 14th, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service will take place on Monday, January 15, at 11:00 am.