With sad news and blessed hope we announce the passing of Mathew Beardy, 86, in Thunder Bay on March 24, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Ponask near Sachigo Lake, Ontario to Philip and Hannah Beardy. His surviving siblings are Jake, Tom, Tilly, Margaret, Lucy, Sopena, Morley, Sarah and one late brother Caleb.
Mathew married Juliet nee Barkman in 1950 and they raised their family in Bearskin Lake, Ontario. His late wife, Juliet predeceased him on September 4, 2014. He is survived by his children Martha (Myles) Sturgeon, Selma (David) Poulin, Rosemary (Jack) McKay, Samson (Ruth) Beardy, Elizabeth Beardy and John (Malcy) Beardy. His 15 grandchildren will miss him deeply; Geoffrey (Ila) Beardy, Michelle (Craig) Dockeray, Jack Mckay, Melanie (Steve) Cormier, Kevin Mckay, Mike Mckay, Jordan (Audrea) Sturgeon, Maxine Poulin, Margie (Levi) Cahoon, Krista Sturgeon, Matthew Poulin, Johnathan Beardy, Jewelle Kakegamic, Ethan Beardy and Mia Beardy. He leaves behind several great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mathew loved and lived off the land by being self-sufficient in every way in providing for his family. He also served his community in being a committed advisor and elder for the Chief and Council since their inception. He loved and served His Lord as a true prayer warrior and never stopped talking about the Lord and sharing from the Bible. He also gave Bible devotions on Wawatay Radio for many years. Throughout his lifetime he remained a humble and kind man.
He was an inspiration to many and passed on many life teachings to his family and community. Mathew enjoyed feasts whether it was in the family or community settings. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to excel in education, work and sports, in particular hockey.
A memorial service will be held at Harbourview Funeral Centre, Thunder Bay at 12:00 Noon on Monday, March 28th and the funeral in Bearskin Lake will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 in Full Gospel Church presided by Pastor Tommy Fiddler of Christian Assembly Church, with the assistance of Pastor Wayne Brown.
His favourite verse was: "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. We as his family are so grateful he is now in the Kingdom of God.
