The following is the eulogy for Beverly Anne Matthews as delivered by her husband, Ken Matthews:

Beverly Anne Matthews was born on Dec 24, 1942 in Petrolia, Ont., to Isabelle and Howard Burnley. She was the oldest of four children. The family moved to Sault St. Marie, Ont., where she lived until she moved back to live with her grandparents in the Camlachie area. She completed her high school in Forest.

Bev played basketball and competed in track and field in high school and was a member of the cheerleaders. She went on to get her RNA training after high school.

Bev and I met in high school and were married Feb. 22, 1963. We had three children: Jane, Steven and Craig.

In 1971 we moved to High Prairie and have lived here ever since.

Bev was well-known in the area as she changed careers and jobs a few times over the years. Some of these include: The original doctors clinic, J.B. Wood Nursing Home, Robinsons Store, Leonarda’s Beauty Salon, the Super A deli, TD Bank, Macleods True Value Hardware and The Associate Clinic. I know I have missed some others. She also had two businesses: Bev’s Beauty Salon and Flowers ‘n’ Things.

Bev curled and bowled for a number of years and she was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Bev decided to retire at the end of 2008; however, in February 2009, after we returned from a holiday in South Carolina, she was diagnosed with cancer which she fought until Aug. 29.

Bev battled cancer the same way she lived life, with optimism, determination, humour and never complained. She came up with the idea for a fundraiser and Bev’s Brainwave was started and with the help of many, was very successful.

She was known for her sense of humour and her direct approach in dealing with problems and people. This included the many nurses at the hospital right up until the last few days. Many apologized for hurting her when she was moved; her response was “No you’re not” followed by a laugh and smile.

Bev loved animals - especially dogs. The house always had animals, some strays, some shipped from different locations in the USA. You never knew when a new one would arrive. I received at least one dog for my birthday and a couple for Christmases. The last one was a boxer for Christmas in 2008. The dog had puppies when Bev was ill but she insisted in helping to feed the pups even though she found it difficult to walk. She felt we should keep two of the pups ... that didn’t happen! She always had 2-3 dogs on her lap in the house and in bed.

Bev enjoyed travel and especially holidays in Hawaii. But she made one trip in the summer of 1973 that she really was happy when it was over. She loaded up Jane, Steven and Craig in the car and drove home to Ontario to visit. She never made that trip again.

Bev loved her family and was proud of all of them. She enjoyed their accomplishments. Jane was her daughter, business partner and best friend.

Bev’s grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved them all although the first granddaughter spent more time with Bev than the others.

Brandyn remembers the trips for skateboard equipment and skateboard parks in Grande Prairie.

Jaret remembers Bev racing other cars from one traffic light to the next in Edmonton.

Shaylan had Bev take her to have her nose pierced against her mom and dad’s wishes.

Amy remembers when Bev took her, her sister and brothers to Ontario to a family reunion.

Ryan and Justin remember staying overnight with Bev, sitting on her knee trying to name all of the dogs.

Bev is survived by: her husband, Ken Matthews; her children Jane (Blair) Kuchuk), Steven Matthews and former daughter-in-law Tammy; Craig (Lori) Matthews; grandchildren Brandyn, Jaret, Shaylan and Amy Kuchuk, and Ryan and Justin Matthews; sisters Diana (Gord) Lethbridge, Sally (Sherwood) Herriman, brother Bill Burnley; aunt Leone Wellington; sister-in-law Helen Matthews and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Finally, I will close with a poem that I think Bev would say to all of you.

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you’ve given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you have shown

But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It is only for a while that we must part,

So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on,

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near,

And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear,

And then, when you come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home!”