Obituary of Burris Weston Matthews

Captain Burris W. Matthews Surrounded by his daughter and granddaughters, Burris W. Matthews went to be with his Lord on April 21, 2008 after courageously weathering the effects of Alzhiemers for several years. The son of Clarence and Aggie (Dow) Matthews, he was born on Campobello Island on December 8, 1919, one of nine children. He was predeceased by his parents, brother and lifelong business partner Medford Matthews and sisters Betty Jackson, Royce Calder, Jewel Calder and Phyllis Babcock, all of Campobello. He is survived by sisters Lorene Barteau of Deer Island, Della Mathews and brother Ivan Matthews of Campobello. Burris was married to Jean (Jackson) Matthews on Campobello. They built a house on the hill at the site of the “old school house”, where they lived happily until Jean went to be with the Lord on Nov 3, 1986, and where Burris continued to live until shortly before his passing. Burris is survived by their daughter, Donna (Savage) Adams of Campobello; five grandchildren: Terri (Don) Brown, Susan (Jim) MacFeat, Angela (Joe) Stuart, Andrew (Heather) Savage, and Kim Savage; six grandchildren: Jim and Molly Brown, Erica and Heather MacFeat, and Brett and Jessica Stuart. He was predeceased by his son in law Steven Adams. Burris married his second wife, Norma Matthews, in January 1988 with whom he enjoyed nearly 20 years of companionship. He is survived by Norma of Georgia, her children Dianne (John) Speirs, Richard (Carrie) Davis and grandchildren Paul (Laurie) Speirs, Tracy (Ronnie) Prince and great grandchildren Jarod, Alex and Sydney and predeceased by Norma’s son Bobby (Gale) Davis. A small man with a tenacious work ethic, sharp mind and sometimes ornery determination, Burris was a fisherman who devoted his working life to the family business with his father and brothers, Medford and Ivan. They began fishing in small boats with their father in and around Campobello. Collectively they made significant contributions to the fishing industry, particularly purse seining. At the time of retirement they owned and operated two 120 foot steel purse seiners with state of art technology that they helped create. Captain Matthews piloted ships safely through Head Harbor passage to Bayside for more than 20 years. A gifted navigator and boat handler, Burris earned the respect of many ships’ Captains. He was as comfortable and capable in command on the bridge of a 750 foot ship as he was on a fishing boat. At age 75 he was still able to ascend the rope ladder on the side of a ship quickly and with ease. Burris was a man of faith who lived by example and who was truly devoted and committed to his family. Always willing to help, advice was given when requested, assistance was provided when needed and plain truth always revealed by his “twitting facts” and “the way I sees it”, sometimes to make a point but always with his humorous wit which made those around him smile. While saddened at his passing, everyone can find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is at home with the Lord. He will be always remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Services will be from Wilson’s Beach Baptist Church on Friday April 25, 2008 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Robert Weaver. Visiting hours will be at Wilson’s Beach Baptist Church on Thursday April 24, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting hours for family will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to the Edith Lank Camp or Wilson’s Beach Baptist Church.