Matthew McNicol AINSLIE

Matthew McNicol Ainslie November 27, 1915 – October 9, 2009 Matt passed away on the evening of October 9, 2009 at Stanford Place Care Campus in Parksville, BC after a battle with cancer metastasized from his prostate. He will be sorely missed by his family, his loving wife of almost 70 years, Joan Sheila, also a resident of Stanford Place, sons Barry (Sharon) and Bill (Jean), granddaughters Sheila Dix (Dave), Cheryl Cameron (Mark), Barbara Bhatt (Arjun), grandsons Ryan and Jonathan Ainslie (Leila), and great grandchildren, Sarah and Lauren Cameron, William (Billy) Dix, and Conner Ainslie. Also mourning and missing his smiling and caring personality will be sister Jean Preece (Ted), Joan's cousins, Mavis and her hubby Ron Trask of Sidney, BC, Pam and her hubby Keith Taylor of Victoria, sisters-in-law Shirley Johnson of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Ruth Ainslie of Steinbach, Manitoba, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by many golf buddies made whilst a member of Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, BC and Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, BC. All thought of him as a gentleman golfer and much enjoyed his company on the links. He was a very capable golfer, having taken up the game seriously following retirement to Victoria, and "shooting his age" every year from the age of 76! Matt was born in Winnipeg, November 27, 1915 to Alexander and Mary (nee McNicol), and in addition to sister Jean from North Vancouver, also had two brothers, Ramsay (Rose) and James (Ruth), and a sister Margaret Johnson (Hugh), each of whom predeceased him. The five children were all raised during the depression years, which might explain his obvious delight in winning a "Toonie" from his golf buddies! He worked briefly in the grain business before being called to serve in WWII, ultimately overseas, in the Army. He was a Lieutenant when he left the forces, returning to Winnipeg and joining the Federal Civil Service (Canadian Grain Commission) in the grain inspection branch. He rose skillfully through the ranks and on retirement in 1974 at the young age of 58 was Chief Grain Inspector for Canada reporting through the Board of Grain Commissioners. He was fortunate to have been able to travel the world both on business and during his retirement years with his beloved Joan. Our family is deeply indebted to his physician Dr. Carey Sulz and the many thoughtful and caring staff members of Stanford Place, most of whom still have responsibility for Joan. Their gentle touch and steadfast interest in assuring his comfort as he neared the end will be forever remembered. Thanks too, to the VIHA home care specialists who cared for Dad while he was at home. A gathering of friends & family is planned for Wednesday November 11, 2009. Flowers gratefully declined, however, should individuals wish to contribute to a charity in his memory, The Salvation Army and The Canadian Cancer Society were two of his favourites and donations to either in his name would be gratefully accepted. Lift a glass of cheer to Matt; all of us in Parksville certainly will be doing so, right Mum? Published in the National Post on 10/17/2009