Obituary of Harold Ivan Mather
Harold passed away on February 26, 2026 at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital (Perth Site), with family by his side.
He was the loving husband of Darlene and the devoted father of the late Gary, Tanya (Chris), the late Rachel, Josh (Sarah), and Jerritt. Cherished Grandpa to Emily, Maddie, Bryce, Lauren, Marshall, the late Dario, Jade, and Mekhai. Beloved brother to Sandra (the late Eian Drew) and Anneth (the late Bob Andrews). He is predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Rhoda. He will be missed by his brothers-in-law Don (Joni) James, Kevin (Carol) Franklin James, Keith James, and his sister-in-law Caroline (Darrell) DeClercq, as well as by his Aunt Inez and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful four-legged companion, Jack.
Born in Perth and raised in the Village of Middleville, he attended PDCI and later graduated from Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute.
Harold became a millwright after graduating from high school. He worked at Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, Findlay’s Foundry, Central Wire, and INCO in Thompson, Manitoba, and later became a well-seasoned long-haul truck driver travelling across Canada and the United States. Along the way, he made many lifelong friends with whom he shared his wit and amazing sense of humour (oh, the stories he had).
Harold always had time for his family and friends, who brought so much joy to his life. He fought a battle that this time he could not win and is now at peace. Words cannot describe how we are all feeling at this time, but we are comforted by the knowledge that he is no longer in pain or suffering. The overwhelming number of calls, messages, and offers of help has been deeply appreciated.
We would like to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital.
For those wishing to attend, a service will be held at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth on Thursday March 12, 2026, in the Chapel at 10:00 A.M. A reception will follow in the funeral home’s reception centre. In remembrance of Harold, contributions to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital or to the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated.
