Dana James Matchett

Dana James Matchett, of C.I. Road, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, at the age of 77.

Born in Newcastle, he was the son of the late Edward and Mabel Matchett. He retired from Northumberland Dairy after 40 years of dedicated service.  He also owned and operated Matchett's Auto Care with his brother Ronnie.  Dana was a volunteer firefighter with the Newcastle Fire Department for over 20 years, where he retired as Captain.

Dana had a passion for automobiles, both antique and new, and enjoyed detailing them as much as driving them.  He was a member of the Miramichi River Cruisers Car Club for many years.  After retirement from the Dairy, Dana went on to work at Miramichi Chrysler where he enjoyed helping out to this day, especially with his partner-in-crime, Colie Savage.  He truly enjoyed live music, both gospel and country, and attending the Tuesday night jam sessions at the Nelson Community Hall.

Dana was an active member of Boom Road Pentecostal Church where he regularly attended.

He will be greatly missed by his wife MaryAnn Welton Matchett of C.I. Road; daughters Wendy Vienneau (Fabian) of Halifax, NS, Kelly Kohout (Doug) of New Hampshire, and Sam Maltby (Brian Whitney) of Miramichi; sons Darren Matchett (Paula) of Miramichi, and Malcolm Welton (Wendy) of Napan; three sisters Beatrice Stewart (Merlin) of Lyttleton, Margaret Sauntry (Late Mike) of Williamstown, and Linda Stewart (Tim) of Sillikers; two brothers Willis Matchett (Louise) of South Esk, and Ronnie Matchett (Lilla) of Miramichi; 10 grandchildren Jade (Josh), Jordan (Amber), Joshua (Abby), Mikaela (Luke), Zack, Kristen (Olivia), Skylar, Kayla (Kalex), Ethan, and Emma; three great grandchildren Hudson, Annie Mae, and Elijah; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his infant son Jonathon.

Visitation will take place at Northumberland Funeral Home, on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11 am, from Boom Road Pentecostal Church, with Pastor Jody Holmes officiating. Interment will take place in Boom Road Cemetery at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Boom Road Pentecostal Church, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.