Herbert "Herb" Mathies

February 17, 1951 - June 22, 2026

On Monday, June 22, 2026, Herbert “Herb” Harold Mathies of Swift Current, SK, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the age of 75. Herb was born in Herbert, SK, on February 17, 1951, the 5th of 11 children born to Dave and Katie Mathies. Herb always had a thirst for adventure and a desire to see the world, so after high school, he ventured off to the big city of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan—despite his mother thinking it was a little too worldly! Since Herb had lots of experience picking rocks on the farm, the study of geology seemed like a perfect fit. Herb graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering. In 1978, he received his designation as a Professional Engineer. Through university, Herb had the opportunity to do a summer work program in the wilds of the Yukon, an experience that brought him stories to tell for a lifetime!

In 1974, Herb met the love of his life, Marilynne (Siemens) at a mutual friend’s wedding. Despite the fact that he was 23 and she was 17, Herb always said their timing couldn’t have been better since he was in his last year of university and Marilynne was in her last year of high school—though he did tell his university buddies that she worked as a secretary at a law office. He later said it was kind of true since she was typing all of his assignments!

Herb and Marilynne married on June 19, 1976 and moved to Calgary, AB where Herb took a job with Gulf Oil. However, Herb’s heart always had a yearning for farmland in Saskatchewan so he asked for a transfer back to his home province. Herb and Marilynne moved to Estevan and bought a house in the city and land in the country. Herb always had a zest for new and diverse business opportunities. His professional career took him from owner/operator of Chem-Est Industries, manager of CEDA, owner of Nutri System franchises, environmental engineering with Herb Mathies Environmental Services, Operations Manager for WasteCo and Newalta to gold mining opportunities with Alligator Resources.

On August 19, 1976, Herb and Marilynne were blessed with their daughter Rachelle, followed by their son Ryan on August 6, 1979, and their son Kyle on December 25, 1983. Though Herb gave his life to the Lord at a young age, having a family of his own shifted his focus back to his faith. Herb was baptized in 1977, and he and Marilynne became members of the Estevan Alliance Church. The welcoming people in the church became their family. Many of those friendships have continued to this day and were instrumental in their spiritual lives. Herb volunteered in Estevan Alliance Church as Treasurer, leader of Boys’ Brigade, and as a Youth Leader. Herb and Marilynne later became members of Trailview Alliance Church where Herb volunteered as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, Youth Leader, Oasis, and anywhere else he was needed.

In 1991, the family moved back to the Southwest where they put down forever roots in Swift Current, fulfilling their dream to be close to family. Herb had the opportunity to fulfill a second dream and purchase farmland near the Mathies Homestead. He continued to work in the Engineering field while he farmed and was thrilled to get his fingers back into dirt. Over the years, Herb wore out the asphalt between Swift Current and Herbert as his favourite thing to say was, “I’m going for a drive”.

Herb loved to holiday and took many trips with Marilynne, their family and friends. Places like the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Alaska and the Yukon always held a special place in his heart. But the best holidays of all were spent at their family cabin at Beaver Flats, a place where everyone who came felt at home. In Herb’s retirement years, fishing became his passion. It was his greatest joy to take people out on his ‘86 Edson. Everyone knew if they were fishing with Herb, they would be catching! They would then be treated to a fish fry, complete with his specialty, mock lobster!

Of all the things that were important to Herb, besides his faith, he loved people the most. His family and friends meant everything to him. Herb had a way of making everyone feel special. From his easy smile to his contagious laugh, Herb’s joy in connection and conversation was evident. Matthew 22:37-39 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.” Herb loved the Lord his God with all his heart, soul and mind and Herb loved his neighbour as himself. Everyone he met was his neighbour and Herb considered everyone he met to be his friend.

Herb is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilynne; children Rachelle (Darcy), Ryan (Lauren), Kyle (Alysa); his grandchildren Dayton (Darby-Jayne) Patzer, Jesse (Jamiee) Patzer, Kadey (Luke) Regier, Avaya Mathies, Dextyn Mathies, Teslyn Mathies, Bronn Mathies, Heidi Mathies; great-grandchild Kai Patzer; his brothers Roy (Lydia), Cliff (Maru), Ron (Cindy), Harv (Karon), Bob, Ken (Colleen), Don (Esther); his sisters Betty Andres, Colleen (Bob) Leslie; his sister-in-law Brenda Mathies, and many nieces and nephews.

Herb was pre-deceased by his parents, David and Katie Mathies; brother Hank Mathies; brother-in-law Corney Andres; sister-in-law Gina Mathies; nephew Cory Mathies; and niece-in-law Chantel Andres.

Herb is also survived by his mother-in-law Lottie Siemens; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Harv (Bev) Schulz, Greg (Sheryl) Siemens, Russ (Jacqueline) Siemens, Al Jahnke; and many nieces and nephews.

Herb was also pre-deceased by his father-in-law Menno Siemens; and sisters-in-law Crystal Siemens and Val Jahnke. A family interment took place on June 29, 2026 at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Trailview Alliance Church. Funeral Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle, Hayden Cappelle, Bob Cappelle.

Donations in Herb’s memory can be made to:

West Bank Bible Camp -  Box 1841 Swift Current SK, S9H 4M6 https://westbankbiblecamp.ca/donate

Broken Arrow Youth Ranch - Box 44, Wood Mountain, SK, S0H 4L0 brokenarrowyouthranch@gmail.com

The family would like to thank Ryan Cappelle and Hayden Cappelle with Parkside Funeral home, Trailview Alliance Church, Pastor Kirk Cowman, Verlan Voth, Greg Dion, and Patti Klassen with K3 Creations for their kindness and care in planning and facilitating Herb’s Celebration of Life, and all who attended and sent gifts of flowers and food.

The family would also like to thank Dr M Bosch and staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, and all the doctors, nurses and staff that cared for Herb at the Cypress Regional Hospital, the Chemo Unit, Ambulatory Care, and Clover House.

To watch the video of the service, click on the following link - https://vimeo.com/1205897263?fl=pl&fe=sh