Obituary of Paul H. Matthews

Paul H. Matthews (Campobello Island, NB) passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2004 at his home in Wilson's Beach. He was 55. Born to Herbert Matthews and Marion Lank Matthews on March 29,1949 in Eastport, Maine, Paul spent much of his life on Campobello, leaving just long enough to voluntarily enlist and serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked most of his life in various segments of the fishing industry whether it be on a boat or as a night watchman for the Connor's Bros. factory, but undoubtedly his greatest legacy was his large and eclectic circle of friends. Wherever there were people gathered for conversation, you could find Paul. And if there weren't people to talk to face to face, his friends who knew him by his handle, “Sailor Boy”, would keep him company on his CB radio. He was known and loved for his generosity; if there wasn't money to give, he always had a helping hand he could lend. And he did. For people he knew his whole life or people that he met only long enough to help them change a tire. The lives affected by Paul's infectious laugh and good natured temperament are immeasurable. He didn't live long enough to be a grandfather and, as an only child, he could have never been an uncle, but he found surrogate family members to fill the voids. His best friends' children, Jenna Kinny and Jeremy Greene were perhaps one of the greatest joys in Paul's life. Of Jeremy's new baby sister Jessica, born on March 29th of this year Paul remarked that it was “the best birthday present he could have ever wished for.” He is survived by his daughter Brandi of Chicago, Il, daughter Jennifer London of Hampton, NB, best friends (and cousin) Brent Kinney, Mac Greene and Rilda Kierstead, all of Campobello, special friend, Andrea Fitzgerald of Connecticut, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and more friends than could ever be accounted for. He will be truly missed. Visitation will take place on Wednesday April 21 from 7 to 9 at the Wilson's Beach Pentecostal Church, Wilson's Beach. A Memorial Service will be held 2pm on Thursday from the church, with Rev. Todd McGuire officiating. For those who wish, donations to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke, or to a charity of the donors choice would be appreciated. MacDonald Select Community Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen in care of arrangements.