Matthew was admitted to Stratford General Hospital on April 9th with a serious arm infection. He quickly developed sepsis and, sadly, died later that afternoon. We are grateful for the professional and compassionate care he received there. Matt’s parents, Ron and Wendy, and his sister, Lindsay and her partner Aaron, are left to mourn his passing.
Matt is predeceased by his grandparents, Burns and Verna Blackler, and Gertrude and Alex Aitken. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins will share in the mourning.
As a child and youth, Matt excelled at sports and found great joy playing baseball, hockey, soccer, and basketball. He loved the water, and achieved his lifeguard qualifications.
He was an incredibly patient fisher, who loved spending the day trout fishing in Holstein with his grandfather or fishing for bass on the Thames.
Matt was a kind, sensitive, and generous person who loved animals, especially our dogs. We are grateful for these precious memories.
Starting in his teenage years, Matt’s life was a series of ups and downs, fluctuating between periods of addiction and recovery. Years later he explained that alcohol made him feel normal and less anxious. Sadly, however, that was the beginning of a long and torturous downfall.
After suffering a painful injury, he was prescribed oxycodone. At the time, it was considered a miracle pain treatment. This treatment led to a spiralling descent into fentanyl addiction. Matt tried numerous times to get out of it. As recently as two weeks ago he began a cessation programme.
Addiction is an insidious, complex, and often misunderstood disease that brings immeasurable suffering to the person afflicted and those who love him. Matt did not choose to maintain this lifestyle. He suffered shame and always wanted better for himself.
As expressions of sympathy please hug a family member today. You may choose to make a donation to any health or mental health facility.
Anyone wishing to pay their respects, please come to St. James Parish Hall, 65 Church St. South, St. Marys, on Sunday, April 19, 2 - 4 pm.
Wendy wishes to acknowledge the continued support of the Al Anon family group.