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her legacy in encouraging people to make a difference. The fund will provide
financial assistance to a student who exemplifies the values that Angela
respects and exemplifies herself: selflessness, honesty, integrity, creativity
and compassion. Although her sudden passing left us with broken hearts, we
want to ensure that she continues to spread her glitter for others to enjoy.
Donations can be made to the Angela Boddez Memorial Fund through the
Vancouver Foundation (www.vancouverfoundation.ca/angela-boddez).
Lisa Boddez and Jackie Christofferson
Neil Matheson, Q.C.
Neil Matheson was born in Vancouver on October 31,
1940. His father, Laughlin, was a school principal and
later a school district superintendent. Neil’s mother,
Dorothy, was a registered nurse.
Laughlin, Dorothy and Neil were a close-knit family.
Neil’s close relationship with his parents was evidenced
by the fact that, as a young teenager in
Surrey, he was untroubled by attending the same high school where his
father was the principal. Later, the Matheson family moved to Smithers and
then to Kimberley, where Neil graduated high school. Neil returned to Vancouver
to attend the University of British Columbia. Neil completed his
undergraduate degree and then, in 1966, his law degree.
From his father, Neil learned compassion and respect for others. Laughlin
(or “Lockie”, as his students called him) cared deeply for his students
and was a beloved school principal. Neil did not hesitate to put his undergraduate
studies on pause and return home to assist when his father suffered
a stroke. Posthumously, Laughlin was honoured by having the L.A.
Matheson Secondary School named after him. Neil felt greatly honoured to
officially open the school on his father’s behalf in 1998.
Neil started with Harper Grey in 1967 and practised at the firm for more
than 50 years. He was part of a small group, including Arthur M. Harper,
Q.C., and Harvey J. Grey, Q.C., that was instrumental in establishing and
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