Obituary of Robert Matthew

Robert Richard (Dick) Matthew passed away on August 12th, surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born March 16th, 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota. He was the second child of Robert MacKenzie Matthew and Mary Dwyer Matthew.

He enlisted and served in Italy during World War II. In 1953, he married the love of his life, Bette Mae Larson. They lived in Brookston, Minnesota and raised four children there. He worked as a Carman at the DW&P Railroad for over 40 years. Dick helped create the Brookston Volunteer Fire Department and served as Brookston’s Mayor. He was an avid reader and was never without a book. He was Irish and funny and generous and bright and kind. And he lived an excellent life.

Mr. Matthew is survived by his sister, Helen Brooks of McHenry, Illinois; two daughters, Sue Carlson (Dale) of Duluth and Jan Matthew of Brookston; and two sons, Rob Matthew (Anna) of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Rick Matthew (Julie) of Grand Junction, Colorado. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bette; his sister, Mary Watson of Proctor, Minnesota and brother, Jim Matthew of St. Petersburg, Florida.

All are welcome at a celebration of life on Sunday, August 25th from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Duluth Food Bank.