Ian Matheson was the son of Milner dairy farmers, George and Caroline Matheson. He attended Langley High School, and loved football, badminton, baseball and softball. In May 1941 he signed up with the R.C.A.F. at age 19. The official evaluation described Ian as “confident, mature for his age and pleasant”; his intelligence was “quick” and “organized”. Prior to enlistment he was studying aviation and aircraft construction by correspondence course.
“A fine husky lad, brought up in the country on a farm. He is definitely superior type. Keen on aviation and wants to fly. Courteous, mentally alert, observant and very good pilot material. Strongly recommend as above average.”
By December 1941 Ian had earned his wings. He was commissioned as a pilot officer, and during his first day of training to be a flight instructor, his Harvard aircraft crashed near Aylmer, Ontario. Flying officer D. Palmer of Saskatoon also perished in the crash. It was suspected that the aircraft was sabotaged when sugar was added to the fuel tank.
At his funeral the United Church at Langley Prairie overflowed, with many standing outside. He is buried in the family plot at Murrayville Cemetery. Lest we forget. The Langley Heritage Society will lay wreaths at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Murrayville, Aldergrove, Langley City and Fort Langley.
