MATTHEW CHRISTIAN

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Matthew lived in the small university town of Sackville until he was six. In 1979, his family moved to Guelph. He was a fine student, in French Immersion. Although skipping a grade in public school, he got straight A's through high school as well. He was editor of his high school literary magazine, co-editor of the yearbook, and he earned his school letter in track and field. From the age of six, he played organized hockey, and at one point was the League MVP. Baseball was also a passion, and he played actively as an adult. After high school, he turned down a large scholarship to fulfill his dream: study at Trinity College, University of Toronto. It was a wise choice. His education was excellent. More important, he made deep and loyal friends, many of whom were at his bedside thirty years later. Archaeology was his passion as a child, and he earned a BA in the subject at the University of Toronto and an MA at the University of York (England). He was particularly fascinated by the Saxon period in England. A middle distance runner in his 20s and 30s, he later became engrossed in cycling, both to do and to watch. He rode regularly with the Guelph Cycling Club and watched all the major (and many minor) professional races. He had an affectionate attachment to York City Football Club, but Newcastle was "his team." Matthew's entire working life was with Pearson (Canada), a publisher of textbooks. Starting at the bottom as a copy-editor, he ended up as Director of Sales and Marketing. Beyond anything, he loved his children. He spent many years taking Grace to horse shows with her beloved "Elo" and was thrilled when she won ribbons at the provincial level. With James, he passed endless hours playing Dungeons and Dragons, taking him to play rehearsals, or just kicking a football. They miss him most, but his loss leaves a great hole in the hearts of his mother, Barbara; his father, William; his younger brother, Adam; Elizabeth Ridley, his former wife, the mother of his children; and his many, many friends. He was scarily bright, with a quirky sense of humour, and broad intellectual interests. Matthew was a gourmet cook and, in later years, an avid gardener. He was a warm, kind, loving man. The care he received at Hamilton General Hospital from Dr. Ainsworth, Dr. Whitlock and their dedicated and compassionate team of doctors and nurses was extraordinary. We will be eternally grateful. The funeral will be held on November 1st at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, corner of Henderson and Smith Streets, Elora, followed by a reception at the nearby Elora Legion. Matthew volunteered as Director of Marketing for the Sutton Hoo's Ships Company, who are building a faithful replication of the 7th century ship. This project was dear to him and donations in his name would be very appropriate (saxonship.org/the-project). Arrangements entrusted to Graham Giddy Funeral Home (519-843-3100, 280 St. David St. S., Fergus, ON). Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Matthew's memorial.