Journal Staff
Sarnia has lost a builder who left an indelible imprint on the community.
Ivan Mater was 96.
“He not only served his country as a veteran, he served his city well. He contributed a lot,” said friend and city Coun. Dave Boushy, a fellow member at Central Baptist Church.
Mater crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the Royal Canadian Navy 30 times between 1941 and 1945, and after the war trained to become a carpenter.
After moving to Sarnia he went on to build or develop homes and apartment buildings, commercial buildings and industrial parks.
He built the city’s first major motel, The Holiday, and oversaw construction of a new wing at Sarnia General Hospital.
He was a member of the Shriners Temple, cemetery board, committee of adjustment, and until last year drove his own car around town and attended regular meetings of the Golden “K” Kiwanis Club, of which he was a founding member.
Mater was also responsible for the naming of seven city streets including Vanier, Michener and Hillary.
Despite his considerable success, Mater remained an unassuming person, Boushy said.
“He was kind. He was very humble.”