Bob Bacon
30-01-2008, 12:23
Sometimes news arrives that literally cuts off your breath and paralyses your brain. With a heavy heart, I regret to inform you that Bett Matthews, much beloved wife of Don Matthews, passed away this morning. After a long battle with cancer and its varied complications, she died in her sleep early this morning.
Bett lived as the roses do, 'for the space of a morning', to quote the 16th century French poet Malherbe. She was a wonderful woman who gave us so many lasting memories. She will definitely be missed.
Don, I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. This is indeed a trying and painful moment for you, but we want you to know that your sadness today is our sadness. We sincerely wish you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in Peace.
All! whither, sainted spirit, art thou gone,
And left thy tender spouse now all alone?
Our time together sweetly passed away,
While we were partners, each returning day.
But now, my love, no more can I behold
Those brilliant eyes that oft thy kindness told.
No; dearest partner,--thy blest race is run,
And thou art told that all thy work is done.
While we were passing through this world of care,
How oft thy counsel bid me not despair.
When storms and tempests seem'd on ev'ry side,
In thee I found (however greatly tried)
A mind superior to the darkest hour,
Whose trust was firm in the Almighty's power.
Thy gentle spirit, govern'd by the Truth,
Maintain'd with constancy the vows of youth.
Nor did thy soul e'er separated stand
From thy all-wise Creator's blest command.
But, being faithful to "the Light within,"
Was thereby kept from each besetting sin.
And having known a heart that was sincere,
Thy end was peace,--thy future prospects clear.
Thus pass'd the partner of my life away,
The blessed subject of eternal day.
No sorrows, griefs, nor clouds of dark despair,
But joy and peace forever centre there.
Bett lived as the roses do, 'for the space of a morning', to quote the 16th century French poet Malherbe. She was a wonderful woman who gave us so many lasting memories. She will definitely be missed.
Don, I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. This is indeed a trying and painful moment for you, but we want you to know that your sadness today is our sadness. We sincerely wish you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in Peace.
All! whither, sainted spirit, art thou gone,
And left thy tender spouse now all alone?
Our time together sweetly passed away,
While we were partners, each returning day.
But now, my love, no more can I behold
Those brilliant eyes that oft thy kindness told.
No; dearest partner,--thy blest race is run,
And thou art told that all thy work is done.
While we were passing through this world of care,
How oft thy counsel bid me not despair.
When storms and tempests seem'd on ev'ry side,
In thee I found (however greatly tried)
A mind superior to the darkest hour,
Whose trust was firm in the Almighty's power.
Thy gentle spirit, govern'd by the Truth,
Maintain'd with constancy the vows of youth.
Nor did thy soul e'er separated stand
From thy all-wise Creator's blest command.
But, being faithful to "the Light within,"
Was thereby kept from each besetting sin.
And having known a heart that was sincere,
Thy end was peace,--thy future prospects clear.
Thus pass'd the partner of my life away,
The blessed subject of eternal day.
No sorrows, griefs, nor clouds of dark despair,
But joy and peace forever centre there.