William Matinet

Mr. William "Boxcar" Matinet, age 73 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 13, 2016 surrounded by family. 

He was born in Mud River and was a member of Whitesand First Nation.  Boxcar lived most of his life in Armstrong and Whitesand. 

In his younger years he worked at C.N. Rail, M.N.R., at bush camps and as a guide and trapper. He liked to walk and whenever he was not at home you could find him walking around the community. It was always a special time sitting with him at the kitchen table eating the bannock he made, talking, laughing and being together. 

Boxcar also liked music, especially Johnny Cash and he played guitar. He was loved and respected by others and was known by many names including Uncle, Bubba, GG, Johnny Cash, Wiley Coyote and Moke. 

To his children he was proudly called Dad.  His greatest passion in life was his family and he was happiest when spending time with family and friends.  Boxcar will be lovingly remembered by his children Willie (Kelly) Kwandibens, Gordon (Priscilla) Matinet, Natalie (Joey) Matinet, Jackie (Deppy) Matinet, Chris (Nicole) Matinet and Ursula Matinet; sister Julie and Auntie Bridget. 

Boxcar is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends and will be sadly missed by the Kwandibens family. 

He was predeceased  by his wife, Theresa Kwandibens, his brothers, one sister and his grandson Darren. 

Visitation and prayers will be held in Thunder Bay on Tuesday February 16,2016 from 12 - 1p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 1pm in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel at 21 N. Court Street.  At 2pm the family will travel with Boxcar to Armstrong where family and friends are invited to Natalie's home for visitation. 

On Wednesday February 17, 2016 family and friends will gather at Our Lady Queen of Snows R.C. Church, Armstrong, Ontario for the Mass beginning at 1pm officiated by Rev. Kroker and words from Ignace (Iggy) Kwanibens. 

As experessions of sympathy, memorials to the TBRHS Foundation - Northern Cancer Fund would be appreciated.

Whether the journey you shared with our Dad was a moment or years, the strength, love and laughter from memories will last forever and form the legacy of a man who lived a life with grace, quiet strength and left footprints from his daily walks and on the hearts of all who knew and loved him.