1985 - 2019 Matthew loved so many things:

ABOUT Matthew

He loved his Family & He never gave up.

He loves His wife MJ and kids Micayah and Marxen, nieces Adriana, Sophia and nephew Jakob, His mom and dad and his Sister Corinne , Taco Bell, Marvel comics, World of Warcraft, Funko Pops, heavy metal music, his Grandma, and a good joke. No matter the trial, he climbed over obstacles and just kept on going. His life was not without challenges but the memory of his continuing perseverance lives on. Matthew was born May 17, 1985 to his mother Thelma and father Leo, and his sister Corinne, who at 17 months old was not too sure what to think of him! He was a sweet baby that always knew when he was due for his next meal. He was a force to be reckoned with in his walker and loved the Jolly Jumper! As a toddler, he was a happy little guy that loved to smile. Matthew was a comedian with many friends. At Forest Green Elementary School, he was well liked by his classmates and teachers. He received many ‘Sense of Humor” end of the year awards, and was known to be bribed to complete his schoolwork by a wise teacher with ice cream. He spent many years in Kung Fu, and was the first in our kid’s class to receive a Black Belt at the age of 12. But he also enjoyed riding his bike with friends and family, and playing Nintendo. He liked to play Ninja Turtles meets Barbie’s with me (Corinne) and we spent hours making up games to play together. As he grew up, these things did not change. He made more friends in each school he attended, and seemed to be liked by every group in our high school, and graduated from Spruce Grove Composite High School in 2003. Matthew made some special friends along the way that he would keep for the rest of his life, Jason being one of them. Matthew met his wife, MJ, a few years after graduation. They started off as friends and then soon became much more, and were married in 2011. The birth of his daughter, Micayah, in 2008 and his son, Marxen, in 2010 were some of the brightest moments of his life; he truly lived for his children and wanted to be the best father he could be. In his early 20’s, he rescued a sweet German Shepherd named Honey Bunny, and she rescued him as well. Honey would stay by his side as he struggled and through all the major events of his life, good or bad. Eventually, he made the decision to become be a better person in 2014 at age 28, fueled by his love for his children and his family, and he remained positive for the rest of his life. It was at this time that he said: “I choose to live, not just exist!” In March of 2016 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. He soon began a gruelling period of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, doing whatever it took to beat it. Matthew spent countless days in the hospital, having surgery after surgery, and lengthy times at home recovering. Chemo was every two weeks. It seemed never ending. However, he kept going, until he could not. The toll that the treatments took on his mind and body became too much and he decided to withdraw treatment to concentrate on making memories with his children, and enjoying the time he had left. Matthew fought as hard as he could for as long as he could, but the cancer had spread too far, and he left this earth early in the morning on November 23, 2019. He was my first friend and my best friend; the first one I would call with any news (good or bad) throughout my whole life. He loved his children Micayah and Marxen fiercely and loved nothing more than spending time with them, and loved being Agoo to his nieces Adriana and Sophia, and nephew Jakob. He had an extra special bond with Adriana, as her birth gave him his first look at a better life. He wanted to be an amazing uncle, and he absolutely was. Matthew was also an understanding and empathetic caregiver to his son Marxen, who has autism spectrum disorder and requires substantial support, and gave just as much of himself to his daughter, Micayah.

MOTTO

I wouldn't say no!

Whether it was camping, tacos, a good concert, bowling or a round of pool, Matthew often said "I wouldn't say no!"

VIDEO

A journey of remembrance

A journey of remembrance

LIFE LIVED

Special Moments of Matthew's Life

Sharing memories of a great son, brother, father and Agoo (uncle)

PHOTOS

A journey of remembrance

Favourite moments in time from Matthew's life.

Matthew is loved by many people.

These are people that loved Matthew and we know there are so many more.

DID YOU KNOW

Camping and fishing

Finding out late in the journey that Matthew was so happy to fish and camp left us amazed. Most of his life nobody went camping. Hotel motel anything with a pool and room service was the normal. but he was very happy to have the quiet of nature every chance he could.

• Taco Bell

  From a very young age he loved Taco Bell, his mom and dad would reward or pay for the help of cleaning a commercial site with all the tacos you could eat. We had every hat, t-shirt or any promotional item that Taco Bell offered for eating tacos.

• Hanging out with Jason

  Many adventure were had when these 2 got together. started at a young age and continued to the end. Jason was his brother from another mother.

CAUSE

For Marxen's health and well being

Bringing special services specifically for children on the Autism Spectrum.

• Donate

  You can make a donation in her name to her Children's Autism Services Edmonton

• Learn More

  Visit Children's Autism Services Edmonton to learn more about this cause and why it was so dear to her.

SYMPATHY MESSAGE

Thank you for reading about Matthew's life!

I am honored to have been Matthew's sister for the 34 years of his life. I am happy to share a bit of his life with everyone using Message Forever, and I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to Dad for helping with the final product as this process is one of love and should be shared with loved ones.