Edward C. Matthews, MD, 85, of Nobleboro, died March 17 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta of a recently diagnosed cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Priscilla P. Matthews.
He was born March 11, 1926 in Passaic, N.J., of Canadian born parents, Dr. Leonard M. and Gertrude Timmis Matthews.
Dr. Matthews attended Montclair Kimberley Academy. He graduated with high honors from Dartmouth College and attended Dartmouth Medical School in 1946 and received his MD from McGill University Medical College in 1949.
Following medical school, he interned at Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, N.H. and then completed a Pediatric Residency and Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Matthews interrupted his training to serve as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1952. Upon his discharge, he commenced his medical career in Cincinnati, Ohio. After working as a Research Fellow in Pediatric Cardiology in Cincinnati, he moved to Portland to start a pediatric practice and at the same time, bringing pediatric cardiology services to Maine. In 1971 he was instrumental in starting the first pediatric group practice in Maine at the Pediatric Center. He practiced pediatrics and pediatric cardiology from 1958 until his retirement in 1989.
His career as a pediatrician and as the first certified pediatric cardiologist in Maine touched many lives. For 30 years, he ran a busy private practice as a pediatrician in addition to advancing pediatric cardiology at Maine Medical Center and delivering clinics throughout the state. He was esteemed by his many patients and the medical community for his keen clinical skills, his dedication to delivering the best medical care possible, his insights into complex cardiology issues, and serving as an instructor and mentor.
He leaves a legacy of outstanding pediatric cardiology in Maine that today ranks among the best in the country.
In 1950, he married M. Jane Mack with whom he had three children: Anne, Meredith and Meyric.
In 1974, he married Priscilla P. Kirkpatrick; after he retired, he and Priscilla settled in Nobleboro. Known fondly as “Doc” by friends and family, Dr. Matthews spent every summer since childhood at his beloved Little Island in Christmas Cove. Doc had a wide variety of interests and hobbies. He was an avid alpine skier until his death. Very few things made him happier than sailing before a good breeze in the 1936 gaff rig sloop he rebuilt with his son, Meyric. He enjoyed woodworking, boat building, rowing, writing, American history, taking classes on a diverse array of topics, music, and literature. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed a challenge.
He was a loyal supporter of the Damariscotta River Association for many years, serving on the Board of Directors, and volunteering as Captain of the water sampling boat.
In addition to his wife, Priscilla, he is survived by his children, Anne Sowles and husband Peter of Cumberland Foreside, Meredith Matthews and husband Larry Baker of Farmington, N.M. and Meyric Matthews and wife Carol Morrison of Union; stepdaughters, Rev. Martha Kirkpatrick of Lincolnville and Alice Kirkpatrick and husband Richard Connelly of Pownal; grandchildren, Lindsey and Payson Sowles, Bryden Baker and Gwen Matthews; sister, Marilyn (Mrs. Walter B.) Mohr of Christmas Cove, and her adult children Stewart Mohr, Wendy Parker and Stephen Mohr; brother-in-law, George M. Graham Jr. of Mattapoisett, Mass.; and nephews, Andrew and Dr. George Graham.
At Dr. Matthews’ request, there will be no public service. A private gathering will be held at a later date at Christmas Cove.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Damariscotta River Association, P.O. Box 333, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
