George Douglas Mattison (1928-2025) of Jasper, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at the age of 96, with his family by his side.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Paula (Paul), Mark, Todd (Yvonne), Lisa (Al); Grandchildren: Emily (Pete) Anna (Chris), Erin (David), Troy (Nicole) Jeremy (Jen), Great Grandchildren: Elle, Grayson, Zoe, Maya, Felix & Elliott.
George was predeceased by his wife Pauline of 61 years, his sisters Doris, Ruth, Jean, Shirley, parents: James & Annabelle, in-laws: Hartley & Laila Hutchinson.
Dad was born in Halifax and grew up in the dockyards. “Georgie” was the youngest of the family and reportedly was spoiled by his four sisters who doted on him. He studied at Dalhousie University and participated in the varsity football and hockey programs. Mom’s sister Doris, played matchmaker, arranging a blind date that culminated in marriage a year later. The newlyweds settled in in Dartmouth where Dad began his 40-year sales career with Kraft Foods. This took the family first to Kentville and then to Moncton as the key account rep.
He was the consummant Sports Dad, juggling swim practices, hockey, baseball, & football schedules. He served as President of Humphries Minor Baseball & organized a hugely successful hockey fundraiser, with the kids selling garbage bags of all things! Upon retiring, Dad became a regular at the Moncton Curling Club, teaming up with his good friend Claude Parker. He also spent countless hours in his woodworking shop, making knickknacks & furniture for friends & family.
Summer weekends were enjoyed at Parlee Beach as were camping trips to PEI. The annual vacation to the family farm in the Annapolis Valley & connecting with our rambunctious country cousins was always the highlight of the summer. Vivid memories of rolling through the Rawdon Hills with four kids, a cat, dog, with Mom & Dad smoking cigarettes in the front seat. As Grampy Hutch would say, “out our way!”
Dad’s lifelong passion was his beagles and chasing rabbits throughout the countryside with Mark & Todd in tow along with his buddies Bert Ogilvie & Bill Conrad. Compliments of Mom and her pressure cooker, rabbit stew was a special Saturday night menu.
Dad loved interacting with kids & was in his glory when surrounded by his grandchildren & more recently his great grandchildren. Unable to pronounce Grampy, they dubbed him Baba which soon morphed into Baba George.
He treasured his friendships with Terry Sandell & Crescent Avenue neighbours, Janie & Roger. Dad always looked forward to their 4:00 PM “beer o’clock” social hour.
Upon moving to Jasper, Dad resided at the Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge. He marveled at the excellent care along with the five-star restaurant quality meals that the kitchen team prepared for the residents. The Alpine became a second family for Dad who was always quick with a joke and a welcoming smile. Staff affectionately called him Papa George. Both past & present staff came to visit Dad & reminisce with our family during his final days. We are truly appreciative for the kindness & love the Alpine Care Team displayed towards Dad during his stay, always managing to buoy his spirits.
Referring to his beagles & hunting, Dad always proclaimed that his last stop would be the Happy Hunting Grounds. Farewell Baba George. Rest Easy!
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