Obituary of Michael Bartley Mather

MATHER, Michael Bartley “Bart” 67 years, passed away with his loving wife and family by his side after a courageous battle with Cancer on September 9th, 2011 at Victoria Hospital in London. He is the beloved husband of 46 years to Delma Mather (Rivard), his soul mate, and the love of his life. Predeceased by his parents Ralph (1988) and Colette Mather (1986). He is survived by his brothers and sisters Lynda and Gary Selwood, John and Carole Mather, Suzanne and Mike Marks, Mark and Christine Mather, Greg and Rhonda Mather, and Pat and Karen Mather. He is also survived by his brother and sisters-in-law Bernice Belanger (Larry 2000), Florence and Kenn Benoit, Butch and Ruth-Ann Rivard, Irene Deveau (Bernie 1992) and Paul Raes, Kit and Ron Mailloux, and Diane and Larry Sterling. He was a very special Godfather to Andre’ Deveau, Charmaine Selwood, Patricia Ives, and Steven Hornick. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Bart was a long-time member of the Tilbury Golf Course. He loved golfing and enjoyed his very close friends, Albert Haskell, Dave Sawyers and Paul Reno. He belonged to the Benoit Drainage and Tilbury Tavern bowling leagues and will be missed by all of the friends he made throughout the years. Bart and Del both had such a passion for fishing and boating and spent many hours together on “Misty Dream” and enjoyed all of their special friends they met on the water. They belonged to the Bird Watchers and their love for birds was a big part of their life. They spent many hours on their front porch on Ella Street watching the purple martins land on the bird houses in the yard. Visitation at Reaume Funeral Home, 6 Canal St. W., Tilbury on Monday from 2-5 and 7-9 pm. Parish prayers 8 pm Monday. Visitation to continue at St. Francis Xavier Church, 32 Canal St. W., Tilbury on Tuesday from 9 – 10:15 am, with Funeral Mass commencing at 10:30 am. Interment following the Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery on 98 Hwy. If you so desire, donations to London Health Sciences Foundation-Oncology Department, Community Living Chatham-Kent, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at www.reaumefh.com