Matheson, Hugh – Hugh Matheson, lifelong resident of Brookfield, died peacefully surrounded by his family on October 20, 2026.
Born in 1939 to Tom and Flo Matheson, Hugh remained deeply rooted in his community throughout his life.
Together with his wife, Judy (Henderson), Hugh built a life shaped by family, service, and a shared connection to the place they called home. Hugh often said he considered himself the luckiest man on earth.
Hugh and Judy raised five children: Chris Bernard (Doug), Kim Dawe (Joel), Leah Bowers (Charles), Jodie Matheson (Rick Hill), and Nick Matheson (Lori).
Hugh was proud “Grumpin” to 12 wonderful grandchildren: Donny, Lucas (Amalie), Gregor (Erin), Regan (Kendall), Jacob (Morgan), Chloe (Luke), Jack, Jewel, Maryn, Isaac, Neve, and Ronan.
His great grandchildren are Malcolm, Callie, Jett, Kenzie, and Lane.
Hugh is survived by siblings, Edna, John, and Vaughn.
He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Flo Matheson; siblings, Verna, Wilma, Letha, Gordon, Winston, and Ken; and many other cherished members of the Matheson and Henderson clans.
Hugh was an athlete, coach, manager, fundraiser, builder, and fan. He was involved in hockey, softball, curling, and golf. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and the Truro Sport Heritage Society Hall of Fame. He coached and managed hockey at several levels and was assistant coach and manager of the 1980 Brookfield Elks senior men’s national championship softball team.
Perhaps nowhere was Hugh’s commitment to Brookfield more tangible than in the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex. Hugh played a central role in building and managing the facility and spent countless hours supporting it through community fundraisers, including the Lotta Truck. He was involved for decades with the Brookfield Athletic Association to help create opportunities for generations of athletes and families. He worked tirelessly on the Big Game Hunt / Elks Sports Draw, selling tickets right up until late August 2026.
Hugh also served his community through municipal government as a Colchester Councillor and Deputy Mayor. He was a lifelong member of Knox United Church.
Hugh was determined, independent, and unmistakably himself. He lived according to his own sense of how things ought to be done and when there was something that needed doing, Hugh’s answer was always the same: “Let’s get to work.”
If desired, donations gratefully accepted for the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex, 55 Carter Road, Brookfield, NS, B0N 1C0; Brookfield Knox United Church; or Brookfield Terry Fox Run or purchase a Sports Draw ticket in his honour.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, 5-8 p.m. in Knox Church Hall. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2 p.m. in Knox Church. To livestream the funeral, https://www.facebook.com/knoxunitedbrookfield
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