The following is from program for Oscar's Memorial Service, March 6th,1999

OSCAR JOHNSON MATILPI
1933 - 1999

Today we gather to pay our final respects to Oscar Johnson Matilpi. Oscar was predeceased by his father, Ned and his mother, Grace, sisters: Margaret, Helen and Lilac. Oscar leaves behind his loving companion and partner Dorothy Alfred, his brothers: Dempsey, Edward and Stanley, his sisters: Emily and Lily, his daughters: Dorothy and Kathy, his sons: Ned, Oscar Jr., Calvin, Kevin, Darren and David, eleven grand-children and one great grandchild, plus one on the way. Oscar was born in Freshwater Bay, B.C. at the families logging camp. The family traveled to different locations in the Maamtagila territories throughout the year to participate in the logging industry. When it came time for the family to re-locate to another logging show the houses were pulled onto the log booms using a "donkey" and towed to the next place of work. Oscar lived in a time that would seem foreign to us today. The Matilpi family were known to be involved in the logging industry for many years.

Oscar lived in Itsekan, (Matilpi Village) Turnour Island, Tsaxis, Alert Bay and Victoria. He was for many years a fisherman, logger and carver. Henry Hunt Sr., Oscar's brother-in-law, taught Oscar to carve. They continued to work together at Thunderbird Park in Victoria in the 1960's. Oscar continued to carve for the rest of his life and took great pride in the work that he produced. He carved many masks, totem poles and potlatch masks. His favorite figure was the Sisiutl. Two of Oscar's works of art remain proudly displayed in the Museum in Victoria, B.C. They are a Sisiutl mask and a Sisiutl feast dish. Oscar's casket is adorned with a Sisiutl design that was done by John Livingston and Richard Hunt.

Several years ago Oscar opened his house to boarders from Alert Bay. They were Randy Cook, dale Peterson, Billy Cook, Clifford Dawson, Brian Wadhams, Tracy Alfred, Marlene Alfred and Edwina Rufus. Oscar reflected on this sudden change of life with cousin Barb Matilpi. He said, "I always know where my stuff is, now I can't find anything." He tried to sound annoyed, but but he was smiling as he said that, and there was that familiar twinkle in his eye. Sometimes in a teasing way, We called him "Oscar the Grouch". This was not a true reflection of his personality. Oscar was a kind-hearted, gentle soul with an incredible sense of humor.

He cared very much for his loving companion Dorothy (Gunn), his brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many, many cousins. Everybody who had an opportunity to be part of Oscar's life will dearly miss him.

Oscar's family would like to say to Gin (Laureen) how grateful we are for being there for Oscar. In between her busy schedule going to school and looking after her children she would continue to go to Oscar's to cook for him. Gin also spent many hours with Oscar at the hospital.

The family would also like to thank Dorothy for always being there for Oscar and for the dedication, the commitment and the strength to help Oscar get through this difficult time in his life.

The following is by Bryant Ross

Foremost Oscar was a kind, beautiful, gentle man. His smile was infectious and his eyes spoke of his knowledge of life. Someone mentioned that he spoke with his face, he didn't have to talk, you just knew what he meant by the way he looked at you.

Oscar is survived by a strong family, but he is also survived by his monumental art work. Besides the pieces in the Royal Museum of British Columbia there are pieces in museums and private collections across Canada and the U.S. The Children's Museum of Philadelphia has a Raven Transformation and a towering pole stands on the Capalino Reserve in North Vancouver. He carved many ceremonial pieces used in potlatches and as a younger man was a great dancer. Because of his knowledge of the use of ceremonial pieces in the potlatch he became an attendant, helping to orchestrate the dance performances. He always knew which dancer was to come out next and made these complex ceremonies run smoothly.

I am honored to have known you and I will miss you dearly.