John Matheson facts for kids

John Ross Matheson (born November 14, 1917 – died December 27, 2013) was an important Canadian. He was a politician, a lawyer, and a judge. He is best known for helping to create Canada's national flag and the Order of Canada.

Early Life and Education

John Matheson was born in Arundel, Quebec. His parents were Reverend Dr. A. Dawson Matheson and Gertrude Matheson.

He trained at the Royal Military College of Canada in 1936. Later, he went to Queen's University. He graduated in 1940 and won the Tricolour Award. This award is given for outstanding achievements.

Military Service

Matheson served as an officer in the Canadian Army during World War II. He was part of the 1st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He fought in Italy with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. He was the only officer in his regiment to survive the war.

During the Battle of Ortona, a German shell exploded near him. Shrapnel hit his head, causing injuries like a stroke. He was paralyzed and could not speak. After returning to Canada, he slowly recovered. However, he never fully regained the use of his right leg. He often used a cane to walk and lived with pain.

Matheson later held honorary positions with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment. He retired from the military as a Colonel in 1982.

Family and Law Career

After the war, John Matheson met Edith Bickley. She was a radiologist's assistant. They met at a hospital in Montreal, Quebec. They got married in 1945 and had six children.

Matheson continued his education. He earned degrees in law from Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Western Ontario. He also earned a Master of Arts degree from Mount Allison University. In 1948, he became a lawyer in Ontario. He was named a Queen's Counsel in 1967. He practiced law in Brockville, Ontario. Matheson lived in Kingston, Ontario until he passed away in 2013.

Political Career

John Matheson became a Liberal Member of Parliament in 1961. He represented the riding of Leeds in Ontario. He won elections again in 1962, 1963, and 1965.

In the 1968 Federal Election, Matheson lost his seat. He was defeated by only four votes. This was a very close election. He was the only Liberal Member of Parliament who was not re-elected that year.

Creating the Canadian Flag

Matheson played a very important role in creating Canada's national flag. He was a key member of a special committee. This committee was tasked with choosing a new flag design for Canada.

He worked closely with Dr. George Stanley. Together, they developed the design that became the official National Flag of Canada. The new flag was adopted on February 15, 1965. Matheson later wrote a book about this process called Canada's Flag: A Search for a Country.

Founding the Order of Canada

Matheson also helped create the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours. He was one of its founders. He also helped with the design of the Order's special medal.

His work on the flag committee was even shown in a "Heritage Minute" television commercial. Actor Peter MacNeill played John Matheson in the commercial.

Judicial Career

In 1968, John Matheson became a judge. He served in different courts in Ontario. From 1990 to 1992, he was a justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.

Important Legal Decision

One of Matheson's most famous decisions was in a case called Clark v. Clark. This case was about a young man named Justin Clark. Justin had cerebral palsy. Matheson ruled that Justin, who was 20 years old, was mentally able to make his own choices. He decided that Justin should not be forced into guardianship by his parents.

This decision was very important for disability rights in Canada. It led to new ways of thinking about guardianship laws. Matheson said that making this decision was his proudest moment.

Honours and Awards

John Matheson received many honours for his service to Canada:

• Officer of the Order of Canada (1993)
• Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (1999)
• Knight of Justice Venerable Order of Saint John
• Knight Commander of Merit Order of Saint Lazarus
• Canadian Centennial Medal (1967)
• Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977)
• 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal (1992)
• Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
• Canadian Forces' Decoration (1977)

Memorials

The John Matheson Sword is an award given each year. It goes to a cadet at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. The cadet must achieve the highest results in academics, leadership, athletics, and bilingualism.