Obituary of James MATHIESON

May 24, 1924 – Calgary, Alberta
January 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Magnus James Mathieson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the age of 95 years.

James was born in Calgary on May 24, 1924, the only child of Magnus and Catherine (Kitty) Mathieson, immigrants from the UK. James attended St. Mary’s School for boys in Calgary. On May 2, 1948, with $200 in hand, James opened Mathieson Photo in the back of a chicken restaurant. The restaurant failed but the young determined James did not. As his business grew, he moved to the corner on Centre St. and Sixth Ave., now part of the Chamber of Commerce building. James would take on any job, from passport photos to becoming the official photographer of the City of Calgary. James’s work can still be seen in boardrooms and clubs around the city. James enjoyed a distinguished career during which he earned many designations and awards, including Craftsman and Master of Photographic Arts. In 1982 James was named PPOC Photographer of the Year, making him the first western Canadian to win the prestigious award.

Elsie was the greatest love of James’s life. James and Elsie fell in love the day they met and were married for fifty six years. Together they worked, took long walks, and travelled. Living near North Glenmore Park gave them ample opportunity to walk, something he enjoyed into his 90s. To commemorate his and Elsie’s love of these walks, James placed a bench overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir. One of James’s greatest joys was his trips to Maui with Elsie. Relaxing and walking on the beach was all they needed after working hard together at the photo studio. He also enjoyed spending time at his cottage at Windermere Lake, taking in the vast panorama of the lake, relaxing, golfing, and walking. James was also a devoted Calgary Stampeders fan and season’s ticket holder for 71 seasons.

James was a hard-working man who connected easily with people, and made many friends. He had a funny, outgoing side, but he also enjoyed the solitude afforded by his picturesque walks. Calgary was James’s home and he loved it, giving generously to many charities. He was a devoted husband to Elsie, loved his family and was much loved by them.

James is survived by his brother-in-law Lawrence (Lauretta) Ritz of Calgary, sister-in-law Pearl Ritz of High River, nieces, Patrice Sawyers (Larry Adorjan), Laurie (Peter) Vanderwoude and Cheryl (Dave) Schroeder; nephews, Bill Sawyers, Dan (Shelly) Ritz, Marty (Lois) Ritz, Troy (Gena) Ritz, Darryl Tonn, Kevin Ritz and Sheldon (Daune) Ritz; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

James was predeceased by his loving wife Elsie Mathieson, sister-in-law Ida Sawyers and brothers-in-law Ted Sawyers, Alvin Ritz and Alfred Ritz.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service will follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on James’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of James Mathieson. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.