Mathew Zachariah

Dr. Mathew Zachariah made a substantial difference in my life. I had left Argentina, taken refuge in Peru, and come to Canada. It was 1977. Dr. Zachariah helped me to be admitted in the Ph.D. program. He was the Head of the old Department of Educational Foundations.Thanks to his understanding and generosity I was able to go back to academic life. I ended being Dean of the Faculty of Education at Queen's University (2000-2010). He was an outstanding scholar. Thank you, Matthew for what you did for me and my family.If there is a heaven, he is there. My condolences to Saro and the family. With great sadness, Rosa Bruno-Jofre

Dr. Zachariah was a wonderful teacher and mentor. And even though I was never formally one of his students I benefited from his wisdom and insight in many ways. I appreciated all of the interest he took in my career especially early on and the advice he was always ready to help with when called on. I continue to be inspired by the example he set and the amazing body of scholarship he left us. He was a great person. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Zachariah and the rest of the family.

My dear Saro! Men are known by their deeds and Mathew was a man of many good deeds. I met him during my last visit to Calgary in November . He was as gracious as always and looked very healthy after the kidney replacement. Mathew will be missed by all whom he met. He was a true academic as well as an excellent teacher and mentor to many. He was a friend of all and foe of none.
I cherished his friendship.

May he have a special place in heaven with his maker since he helped so many who needed help in different ways.

I treasure my memory of Mathew as a colleague and friend. He was, in his own person, everything that he wanted for mankind: gentleness, caring, and acceptance.

For Saro and Family,


For Saro and Family
Matthew was a wonderful person and an inspiration to me both as a student and as a colleague. Some people live on in our hearts and minds after their departure and he is one of the bright lights -

Mathew was an inspiration to all who struggled for social, economic and political justice. He was a true scholar.
Don Ray

Mathew was a kind, gentle and noble man. I was amazed by his quiet strength when he took action to support those who were more vulnerable in our Faculty. His legacy is apparent by the list of honours and awards he received, but most importantly, in the memories of all those he supported, for he changed the way they viewed the world.

When I joined the University of Calgary I was very pleased to discover Mathew -- a fellow sociologist (albeit hidden away in the Faculty of Education) with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and participatory democracy. Mathew was a long-time supporter of the Alberta NDP and stood as the party's candidate against Premier Klein in Calgary Elbow in the 2001 provincial election. Mathew was an invaluable contributor to the early decades of the University of Calgary, and epitomized the decency and civic mindedness of the first generation of professors.

I treasured my relationship with Mathew as a mentor and then a colleague. I will miss his laughter, his gentle manner, and his academic generosity. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dr Zachariah or Mr Zack as we knew him in Bishop Cotton School, Simla was a cherished teacher and friend to me. You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on his passing

Jai Joshi MD
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He was a greater teacher and I feel proud in my life I had chance to study under him in Bishop Cotton School,Simla, India. May God give him heavenly peace.

Mathew was a significant contributor to the social development community in Calgary. I will always remember him from the early Arusha days.

Our hearts are sad at the passing on of Mathew but the service today was uplifting and a great tribute to a wonderful person. I hope we can all move forward and teach another to continue Mathew's legacy.

I can't attend the service to pay my respect, but I would like to let the family know that my heart is with them during this difficult time. Mathew was an inspiration and early mentor to me in my career and while I had lost touch with him, he remains an important influence on my life and this is an enormous loss to our community. All my love and with deep respect, safe journeys my friend.

Matthew was a fine scholar and mentor to many students. I remember him as an ethical, thoughtful and respected colleague. He leaves a legacy through his work, family and friendships. Many have benefited from this great man.

Dear Saro and family, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the death of your wonderful husband. So many incredible memories of him and so thankful when he took over my PWRDF position. I am so sorry that I will not be able to be with you tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at that time here in Kimberley. Hope to see all of my St Andrews family soon. Gods Peace. Jackie

Loved working for Mathew, many wonderful and warm hearted memories. Sending love.

From California, we send our love and heartfelt sympathy to Saro and family at the loss of dear Mathew. Mathew will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a devoted Christian, a beloved member of St. Andrews Anglican Church and a very kind man. May he rest in Peace with Jesus.