Former driver and trainer Paul Earl Matthews passed away peacefully after a brief illness at Margaret’s Place Hospice in Hamilton, Ont., on Friday June 7, 2024. He was 82.
Paul had a long, successful career in Standardbred harness racing. He was a consistent winner at Flamboro Downs, once completing five wins in one night on a 10-race card. While he raced all over Ontario, he was most proud to be invited to participate in the Invitational Roosevelt International World Championship driving Jet Sky in August 1979, at the Roosevelt Raceway in New York. In 1985, he drove Nobility Way for fastest trot of 1:59.2.
Born in England with his twin sister Elaine in 1942, he came to Canada as a toddler, first settling in P.E.I. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Baltic. Later, his family moved to Ontario and settled in the Hamilton area. He raised his family with Mary Lou in Dundas.
Predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Earl Matthews, and son Paul (aka Monk). The loved father of Wendy Matthews. Grandfather to Ashley Monahan (Dale), Paul David Monahan and Misty Matthews-Roper (Bryan). Great-grandfather to Drake, Hendricks, Avery and Dawson. Beloved sister to his twin Elaine Jensen, and brother Mark (Tracey). He had many cousins in P.E.I. and the UK. Uncle to many nephews and nieces. Will be lovingly missed by his companion Brenda Lankelis. A friend to everyone he met, he will be missed.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton (ER, 5 MG, 2ALC, 5 CC) and Margaret’s Place Hospice, as well as a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Anne Boyle for all her care and getting the brandy sorted out.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held.
Wendy asks for two things: in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to Margaret’s Place Hospice to support ongoing care and to leave a favourite memory or story of Paul for her to remember him by.
"Trotters at the gate and they’re off, Matthews is first off the post and stays there, for this is his last race. As they come into the final turn, he is 12 lengths ahead of the pack, it is Matthews for the win. So, Dad, come to the winner’s circle for your last bow with Monk as your groom, and your parents Earl and Dorothy standing proudly at your side."
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Matthews.
Paul Matthews
PM
That is what we called Paul in good old days at flamboro. As he was the main
Driver and he could drive a horse.
I worked for Paul many years,he and I had a lot of success with Jet Sky beating them all in Ontario stakes.
I remember he and Ray Maclean in the barn after the races having a smoke and a few whiskey.
Lots of memories good and bad.He to had swagger in his walk and a swagger
In his talk. I can still picture him walking in the barn with a hangover and would have to train a bunch.
But we had some success.
PM you were one of a kind. Until we meet again.
Brenda Anderson aka BOO
Paul Matthews
My condolence to Paul's family. I met Paul years ago at Flamboro when it first opened. Paul drove many of our horses, including an OSS win with Star Status at Mohawk for the 3 yr old colt division (1986). Later in life I would run into Paul often in Dundas. RIP in peace.
Paul Matthews
My condolences to all family members of Pauls. Had a lot of great times with Paul especially in the confederation room at Flamboro after the races. I especially remember rainy night I had him drive 2 mares for me & he got the exact trip I said they needed & won with them both. Was a good friend & will b thought of often. Peter Hamilton
Paul Matthews
R.I.P. my friend. We called Paul page three, because when he got a program he would keep page3 and throw the rest away because page 3 was the triactor back then !! Also, when he won 1,000 races everyone congratulated him and he would reply, I think it would have been better to win less and know which ones I was going to win !!! lol <Al Casselman>
Paul Matthews
Condolences to Pauls family a great horseman and driver we have many pictures of Paul winning races for us may he rest in peace
Kent Benson