The family of Jurgen (Yogi) Matuszewski are deeply saddened to announce his passing, June 24, 2023 at the age of 75 at St. Joseph’s Manor, Elliot Lake. He was born in Werries, Germany on October 10, 1947, and was a longtime resident of Elliot Lake, Ontario. Beloved and cherished husband of Kate Matuszewski, loving father of Krista Matuszewski (Andrew), grandfather of Jacob Wellman, uncle of Jason and Katie Frank, and David and Heidi Stegmayer, brother in law and long-time friend of Fridolin and Colette Stegmayer, stepson of Helga Matuszewski, and numerous cousins in Germany. Predeceased by his parents Ida and Engelbert Matuszewski, sister, Doris Frank, and mother and father in law Doreen and Honore Pavlovitsch.
After moving to Canada with his family at the age of 8 and initially settling in Val d’Or, Quebec, the family moved to Elliot Lake where Yogi’s father worked at Denison Mines. At age 17 Yogi moved back to Germany to learn his trade and apprenticed for four years as an automotive mechanic. At the encouragement of his father he moved back to Canada at 21 and worked as a mechanic at Canadian Tire for a year before securing employment with Rio Algom where he worked for 28 years as a heavy equipment mechanic until Stanleigh Mine closed in 1996. Yogi stayed in Elliot Lake and opened his own business, Yogi’s Automotive, in 1998 and he successfully operated his business until recent years.
Yogi was well loved and highly respected in his community. He was a man of honour and integrity, and was loyal and generous to his family, friends, colleagues and staff. He loved working at his business, enjoyed serving his customers and working with his great team of technicians, and also his former workmates at the mines. Yogi had a zest for life and a genuine charisma that drew people to him. He had many passions; first and foremost his wife and family whom he adored. He was a lover of all things automotive – fast cars, BMWs, Formula 1 and Indy racing, and his days of attending races at the famed Mosport Race Track were legendary!
He was a talented photographer, and could be often seen taking pictures at countless special events and concerts over many years. He loved going to amazing restaurants and trying different food. He was adventurous and loved scuba diving, water skiing, and downhill skiing. He loved great stereo systems to play his favourite music on and the house would vibrate, and glasses would shake in their cabinets when he would demonstrate his hi-fi to friends! He loved music, movies, X-Box, all things high tech, family vacations, was a soccer fan and loved to support Germany at the World Cup. He had fun flying his model helicopter and drone and was always interested in flight. He was “all-in” with anything he set his mind to. He volunteered in his community, was a sponsor of major events, concerts, arts and recreation.
He was a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was a mentor to his Little Brothers and also to his apprentices at his garage. Yogi was a pillar of the community and will be remembered for his great skills as an automotive technician, his kind and caring ways, his great smile and sense of fun, his indelible spirit, and those unforgettable blue eyes! He was a bright light in our world and now that light will shine from above. He carried himself with grace, strong will and courage in the face of adversity and his family are so proud of the man he was.
A memorial mass will be held, July 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Elliot Lake.
A reception will follow the service at the Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation of Elliot Lake or Parkinson Canada.
The family would like to extend their thanks to all the caring medical and nursing staff and PSW’s at St. Joseph’s Manor and nursing staff at St Joseph’s General Hospital. Special thanks and profound gratitude to Dr. Stirling for his care, compassion and support. Also, grateful thanks and appreciation to Dr. Chau and his outstanding team at the North East Specialized Geriatric Centre, and the Community Home Care professionals that helped support Yogi at home.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel & Cremation Centre (36 Ontario Ave). Online condolences to the Matuszewski family may be made at www.elliotlakefuneralchapel.com