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Mati Sulev Obituary
(Mus.Bac.)
February 26, 1941-May 10, 2017
Passed away in Scarborough, Ontario. Mati will be dearly missed by his wife Judy (née Gordon), sons Erik (Monica) and Martin (Myeong-Jung), grandson David Jun, brother Ants (Koidu) and nephew Tarmo. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, to Erna Sergo and Prits Sulev, Mati immigrated to Toronto in 1948 with his mother and brother via Sweden. Mati grew up in the Beach, excelling in athletics and music at Malvern CI, becoming an accomplished violinist and trombonist. He returned to Malvern to teach instrumental music under the mentorship of his former teacher, George McRae. Mati later became Head of Music at Riverdale CI, until he retired in 1996. Mati enjoyed his retirement, but declining health curtailed many of his activities limiting his ability to play the instruments he loved. Following Mati's wishes, cremation and a private family service will take place. If desired, donations to the Toronto Wildlife Centre (torontowildlifecentre.com) would be greatly appreciated. To enjoy photos of Mati's life, please link to his Instagram page via his web obituary at
www.pauloconnor.ca
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Memories and Condolences
for Mati Sulev
19 Entries
Kenny Kirkwood
June 5, 2017
My condolences to Judy, Eric and Martin. Mati greatly influenced my life as a professional musician and an educator. His good nature and inner smile had a great affect on many of us, not to mention his great patience introducing each new year of 'niners" to music at RCI! Such a dedicated, inspiring and fun-loving teacher and gentleman, it was an honour to have been his student and band president in 1985. Peace through music.
David Roe
May 24, 2017
I was at U of T when Mati was there although he was a year or two ahead of me. I played trombone with him in the Conservatory Band. I also knew George McCrea. I always liked Mati who I am sure was a good music teacher at Malvern and Riverdale. My condolences to Mati's family.
8mm movie frame (submitted by Kalev(Kal) Raudoja
May 24, 2017
Terry & Lynda Burke
May 22, 2017
Saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Mati. We shared many fun family times cross country skiing with our families. Who could forget that memorable New Year's Eve playing Auld Lang Syne at midnight in the Sulev's
front yard on a motley group of brass instruments.
Love to Judy and to Eric & Martin and their families.
We will miss you, Mati.
Kalev(Kal) Raudoja
May 22, 2017
City
May 22, 2017
Outdoor lunch prior to big party night!
May 22, 2017
So sorry to read about Mati's passing. I have very fond memories from the Estonian
childrens' camp Jöekääru in Udora when I was a camper and Mati was our councillor in
1957. Under Mati's leadership we had an action-packed and memorable summer. We built an
amazing communal fort where and we slept overnight, went on interesting hikes, played our
"luure mängud" ("war" games) at night in the dark forests, trained for our Intermediate
Red Cross Swimming Certificate etc. etc. Also, danced to the great music of his trio
with brother Ants(accordian), friend Eero Verret(drums) and Mati with his amazing trombone
during our party nights (co-ed camp)!
I've enclosed some screen grabs from an 8mm Kodachrome movie film that another councillor
had shot in 1958. Puhka Rahus.
John Chapin
May 22, 2017
I, like Ralph below, was in Mati's class during his first year of teaching at Malvern. When I look at my old trumpet I think of Mati, George McRae and those years of enjoyment these 2 gentlemen brought to our lives via music.
Ralph Timpson
May 20, 2017
I appreciated Mati's approach He treated us as musicians. I was in his first year of teaching at Malvern He was close to our age I will always have fond memories of him
Sorry for your loss
George Kyraleos
May 18, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Sulev's passing. He was my teacher at RCI for 5 years in the late 80s and such an inspiration to me that my children now play the trumpet and clarinet in their school bands 30 years later. Our annual band trips to a US city in our senior years were one of the highlights of high school for me and I so appreciate Mr. Sulev's efforts to educate us in music and beyond on these trips. Thank you Mr. Sulev, rest in peace, and my condolences to your family.
Ivy Hobe Marciniak
May 18, 2017
Condolences to Mati Sulev's Wife Judy, His family and his brother Ants and family. Mati was my teacher Mentor and encourager in Music. A fellow Estonian and Beacher and a great Musician. His Mother a dear family friend. Mati changed the direction of my Life and continued to encourage me long after our years at Malvern CI. Our heartfelt sympathies from the Hobe and Mann families. RIP Mati.
Allan Meiusi
May 17, 2017
One of the greatest men I ever met in my life. Could even teach some of the worst players to carry a tune. Puhka Rahus Mati!
Athena Menelaou
May 17, 2017
May your Memory be Eternal! Awesome teacher! Thank you for teaching me the trumpet and been very patient!!!
Susan Yewchuk
May 17, 2017
I've always held fond memories of Mr. Sulev and band class at RCI. He was a gentle man, good natured, kind and so patient. A wonderful teacher. Sincere condolences to his family.
Ed Wilson
May 17, 2017
Music at MCI was excellent due to Mr Sulev and Mr MacRae. Not only did they teach us to be musicians but good people. Music was the best at that Breakfast Club institution.
Lee Oliver
May 17, 2017
Mati was one of my favourite teachers at RCI. Even though I was a horrible student with zero musical talent, he still managed to keep me interested and motivated (and mostly out of trouble). He was a truly fine person.
Carol Traill
May 17, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Mati at Malvern CI in the mid 60's. He was a highly respective staff member and always a devoted, involved and dedicated teacher. I was so saddened to read of his too soon passing. My thoughts and prayers with Judy, his sons and extended family. How lucky you are to have been such a loving part of his life. Mourn his passing with sadness but remember him always with love and joy in your hearts.
May 17, 2017
Mati was my associate teacher at Riverdale. As a student teacher I remember his kindness and his advise. Our condolences Dan and |Mary Ann Moir
Kim Wakabayashi
May 17, 2017
My deepest condolences. Mr Sulev was my favorite teacher at Riverdale. He helped me to excel in my music and enjoyed playing in the concert band with him conducting. A great loss. Will keep his memory in my heart. Kim Wakabayashi
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