Donald Charles Matthews joined the Canadian Aberdeen Angus Association in 1935 when he was just 17-years-old. He directed his energies to the breeding of Aberdeen Angus cattle resulting in one of the finest breeding herds in Canada.

Mr. Matthews gave unstintingly of his time and expertise on many committees and in many associations. His strong leadership abilities were felt in many segments of the agricultural community, as well as the business and academic communities. He was president or chairman of the Canadian Limousin Association, the Canadian 4-H Foundation, the Canadian Joint Beef Breeds Association, the Canadian and Alberta Aberdeen Angus associations, the Alberta Cattle Commission, the Alberta Cattle Breeders’ Association and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He also was a director of Canadian Pacific; and was appointed to the board of governors of the University of Calgary in 1977 after having been elected to the university's Senate in 1974.

Throughout his career Don was an active member of the Western Stock Growers’ Association, the Canadian Society of Animal Production, the American Society of Animal Production, the American Genetics Association and the beef cattle committee of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In 1967 he was awarded the Centennial Medal in recognition of his many services to the industry.

Don, his wife Jean, their son Robert, and his wife Patty, continue to operate Highland Stock Farms Ltd., in the Primez Creek area west of Calgary. This family operation has one of the largest purebred Aberdeen Angus herds in Canada and Highland breeding stock are to be found in herds throughout North America.