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June 22, 1918 - Sept. 23, 2012

With thanksgiving to God, who gave us life upon this beautiful earth, the works of His hand and through Jesus, His only begotten Son, our redeemer, our saviour, our salvation, we enter into eternal life.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, who receives us and takes us to God our Heavenly Father, and our loved ones God has called before. Our beloved, William Anton Matyas, truly loved, we are blessed with a loving husband and dad clasped in the arms of our Gary, God called April 28, 1970.

Born to Frank and Mary Matyas of Lemberg, SK, loving son, loving brother to Joe, Jeff, August, (my Bill) Tom, Frank and Roy.

William’s dad’s life was taken in a mine in West Virginia, resting at “Nanty Glow”. His mom raised seven little boys, six were in uniform during WWII. Frank’s life was taken June 9, 1944, serving with the Regina Rifles, now resting Canadian War Cemetery, Bery-Sur-Mer, Caen, France, Piat Gun Carrier.

My Bill was on the front lines through to Holland with the Royal Canadian Engineers, was wounded, applied shell dressing to a comrade also using his own, while being wounded himself. He stood guard with his brenn gun at a forest, either the “Black Forest” or “Hochwald” while the comrades returned to camp for breakfast. A soldier of the opposing side came out of the forest with arms raised, stating the rest of his troop left. William took the soldier in as prisoner stating to the two comrades to keep watch.

Upon William’s return, one comrades life was taken, the other taken as a prisoner, all three being in their very early 20’s.

Bill’s mother was “called by God” while Bill and Frank were to begin action, Frank stating “if anything happened to either one of us mother will never have to know”.

War ended and William returned... we met… what a blessing… married in 1948… were blessed with two little sons. Early 1952, Bill got his orders for Korea, sailing out from Seattle, Easter Sunday. The Lord kept watch and my Bill returned, April 29, 1953.

We returned to Chilliwack and the Royal Canadian School Military Engineering (RCSME) Vedder Crossing

In 1959, William got posted to Picton, ON to Regina, SK, July 1964 and back to Chilliwack, 1968

He joined the BC Corp of Commissionaires retiring in 1988 after 19 years service, the military 30 years.

We thank God and Jesus, Our Saviour, for the length of days, love and happiness fulfilled.

Terry and I wait to join our loved ones and now Arlene also who joined our family.

Graveside services have taken place at Chilliwack Cemetery.



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