The world lost a gentle soul when our Matty Gow passed away. Matthew Walker McGinley Gow, son of James Gow and Moira McGinley, brother to Emily (Shua) and Adam, grandson to Evelyn Gow, will be profoundly missed by his family. He was a special son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, teammate, and a big buddy to anybody under four feet.
Matthew believed he lived a privileged life. His large close-knit family and his circle of life long friends loved him absolutely and unconditionally. 
It gave him the strength and the power to endure his tougher moments and always gave him hope for kinder tomorrows. Never judging, wise, honest, loyal and loving, we are all so very grateful for what he taught us. As his friends would tell you, Matt’s sense of humour never took a day off, no matter what.
Matthew attended Willows Elementary and Oak Bay High. He was a talented athlete who spent his youth playing Minor Hockey at the VRCMHA, Minor Lacrosse with Saanich, baseball at American Little League, Intermediate and Junior Lacrosse with the Victoria Shamrocks, and five years of Junior Hockey in the BCJHL. The past ten years Matthew worked in the local Victoria painting community.
Today, our hearts are broken. But tomorrow, as we remember Matty Gow, we will laugh easily and often. That is what he would want us to do.
We sincerely thank all the extraordinary people within the mental health community that helped and cared for Matthew – especially Dr. Bosley, Dr. Blasco, and Matthew’s exceptional counsellor Darryl Jackson. Matthew was grateful. He felt you were all so wise.
Please consider making a donation to the Archie Courtnall Center in Matthew’s honour.
www.victoriahf.ca/our-hospitals/mental-health/
There will be a Celebration of Life for Matthew on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 1pm at McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Casual attire, and bling highly recommended – Matt loved glitter. Bring your stories…clothing optional.
Like the Fire – Be Alive
Like the Earth – Be in Balance
Like the Air – Be Free
Like the Water – Be at Peace.
We love you 
Matty Gow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Chris Hardie (Hillis)
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Ann Doll Moira, Jim, Emily and Adam,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. May you find comfort today and in the days ahead being together with family and friends. Also Praying that in the midst of your sorrow you will find some peace. The Peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Love Gordy and Ann Doll.
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Dawn McKay Jim, Moira, Emily and Adam,
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you today June 3 as you celebrate Matt’s life- precious son and brother. We have many fond memories of fun times centered around where our universe touched Matt’s – lacrosse practices and games, camping, get togethers with the teams and the Devlin family. We are thankful to have spent these times with you, friends and family, may Matt rest in peace.
Dawn, George and Cam McKay
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Mike Kinch Moira, Jim, Emily and Adam, my heart is heavy as I write these words. Your family was like our second family in many ways with lots of shared memories and holidays when all the kids were little munchkins. Those times were always livened by Matt teasing Adam and his willingness to do just about anything.
I can’t imagine what you are going through, my thoughts and wishes are with you. Mike Kinch
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Margaret O' Kane, Patrick Mc Aleer, Kathleen Mc Cartan and families, Omagh, County Tyrone, Ireland Sorry for your loss, Emily and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Gillian Batey My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time.
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Cam Norris-Jones Terribly saddened to hear the news. I fondly remember the times we shared as teenagers, all great memories. I was always impressed by Matt, in every way. Funny, kind, caring. I felt lucky to know him.
Rest easy, Matt. You had a profound impact on so many people in such a short time.
Cam and Lisa Norris-Jones
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Barrie Goddard Words can’t express our feelings at a time like this . Out thoughts are with you all. Take care love a Barrie,Sandy & Scott Goddard
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Ric Bains Jim, Moira, Emily and Adam;
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of Matt. I have so many fond memories of Matt and the boys growing up playing lacrosse, all the tournaments, Provincials and their successes. I know Matt was having some struggles but hopefully he has found peace and is in a better place now. Words cannot describe how difficult this must be, but my thoughts are with you. My condolences to your family.Ric
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Peter & Zelda Gow So sorry to hear about Matt. Our sincere condolences to Jim, Moira, Adam and Emily. Also to Evelyn in Peterborough, and all of the Gow family around the globe. Rest in peace Matt….
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Jenna To Matthew’s family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of this dear man.
Look back with happy memories on the time you shared with him. Each loving memory will live in your heart forever. I hope
those memories will be a source of comfort for you at this
difficult time. Prayer to God for comfort will also help you to cope with the loss of Matthew. God promises to give us help
when we need it. Now is the time to pray to him
because God wants you to trust in him for comfort.
2Corinthians 1:3,4
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Kevin Sinclair It was quite a blow to hear this news.
Simply put, Matt was my favourite cousin and we grew up very close.
Just a year apart and very similar and many ways, both being serious athletes, class clowns, rebellious, I could go on and on about the stories of me and Matt.
Here’s a few that make me laugh on a consistent basis.
We were riding bikes in Whistler in our late teens. I was riding some questionable-at-best “bicycle” we found somewhere, while Matt was riding a deluxe, new mountain bike. I was super uncomfortable and complaining, so Matt finally agreed to trade bikes with me so I would survive the trip back to the cabin. Matty looked at me as he sat on the bike, not happy about my complaining, and in a very cocky fashion, said, “whatever Kev, I kick-ass on this bike anyways.” He took about two strides full speed and the bike buckled and he flew over the handle bars and completed the most impressive bike bail I’ve ever witnessed.
To this day, I don’t know that I’ve laughed that hard ever again in my life than when he made that sweet move in WHistler, then looked up at me while tangled up in that old bike, embarrassed and confused.
I remember Matt always doing whatever it took to make the boys laugh. I remember going out for a night on the town with Matt, Devlin, Lapointe, Holland and a few guys. Just to “get the party started” (so to speak), Matt slicked his hair back and wore sweat pants, a Hawaiian shirt, Jim’s old high school varsity jacket and a pair of old flip flops.
Just a beauty, he was.
I’m having a very hard time putting my feelings about this sad sad situation into words. He was such a kind and gentle soul.
As I said, Matty and I were very very close as kids growing up. I loved the holidays when I was growing up and the thing I always looked forward to most was seeing Matt in Kamloops at Christmas time. Man did we tear it up. Too many great times to count.
I remember playing Super Mario Bros for original Nintendo for the first time with Matt when I was 5 and he was 4 (and wearing a pajama onesie). We couldn’t believe our eyes. It was too much awesome to comprehend.
And I’ll echo what LaPointe said, Jim Carrey was Gowzers A-game. His impressions were bang on and plentiful.
I remember watching him play hockey at the Victoria Racket Club. The guy was a phenomenal hockey player and a beautiful skater.
I’ve tried contacting Matty over the last few years from time to time and have spoken with him and could tell that things weren’t the greatest.
I regret not reaching out more.
I don’t know where we go when we’re no around, but I hope my lil’ cuz Matt is at peace now.
RIP Matt Gow.
To all my family, I love you all and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other soon.
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Sharon Van Troyen Moira, Jim, and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. As you hold Matt in your hearts, I firmly believe that he is enfolded in the loving arms of his grandparents. Moira, I ended every card and letter to your parents with ‘You are often in my thoughts, and always in my heart’. Although it has been many years since we have been together, cousin, I will always feel the same toward your entire family. Sadly, I cannot be with you on June 3rd, but I will be thinking of you all, and I hope you feel my love.
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Ruth Cameron Moira and Family,
With heartfelt condolences – the love of your dear boy and for each other will be your strength and comfort – you are in my thoughts and prayers,
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Ann Chateauvert Dear Moira and Jim
I met your beautiful boy only once, and was struck by his grace and charm. Please accept Loretta’s and my condolences for your profound loss.
Ann & Loretta
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Devin Moore Will always remember Gowser as an incredibly fun guy to be around. So many great memories from rugby and high school. Sending love and condolences to Moira, Jim, Emily and Adam
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Nancy Ralph Moira, Jim & Family
Hard to put in words but wanted to let you know we are thinking about you all and are deeply saddened and so sorry for your loss.
Tom, Nancy, Mike & Lindsay Ralph
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Sheila McGinley Moira, Jim, Emily, and Adam, Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and stories that have told the story of Matt. Please know that my heart is with all of you during these difficult days, and although I cannot be with you all on June 3rd, I will be sure to wear ‘Bling’ in honor of his life. <3
Sheila (Joe)McGinley
Sunset Point AB
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Dustin Honing My condolences to the Gow family. Matt was one of the funniest and kindest people I’ve ever met. It’s been many years since we played together in the BCHL, but I have several fond memories of him and was absolutely shocked to hear this news. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by everyone.
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Michael and Dianne Gotto Dear Moira
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Matthew. Our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time for you and the rest of your family. May your memories of happier times with Matthew sustain you in the future.
Michael and Dianne Gotto
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Daniel LaPointe Gowser.
Growing up together I always knew I had a friend that would make me laugh, get into mischief with me, make amazing plays that helped our team win championships, 3 in fact, whether it be hockey or Lacrosse, but most of all you were just so fun to be around. When we went down to Disneyland with Rhonda, caught the Angels game, sat in the sun in 120 degree weather the seats were burning lol, trips in Jimbos beauty station wagon with all the mad dog stickers (in the end I made my business logo after these stickers), throwing lacrosse balls with our championship lacrosse team signatures off the ferry (twice), provincial hockey championship, countless memories of the bunker at your parents house (I remember watching the movie IT in the bunker as a young boy I was scared for weeks to go around a drain lol), I also remember learning how to do a beer bong or two or three in the bunker, wildcat the beer of choice lol. Meeting up in Prince George when we both played junior up there. Oh and who could forget when Jim Carey was making his funny movies, before his movies weren’t funny anymore, we re-enacted that stuff so much, drove our parents crazy I’m sure! The other really neat thing was the admiration you had for my father Rick LaPointe, it was truly special, he loved you too buddy, it was pretty cool growing up knowing you looked up to him. I don’t know how many trips we all did together probably 100, wow did we ever have great parents and teammates. I could go on and on, the memories will always be there, and I’m so lucky for that…
In this time of sadness I want to celebrate you Matthew Gow, you are in many ways a hero of mine, and I will always spread great word of you. To Jim, Moira, Emily, Adam thanks for everything and be strong!
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Jake Morissette My condolences to all of Matt’s family and friends. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt as a great person and teammate. My thoughts are with you.
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jo vipond Moira,
I am so sorry for your loss. The obituary of him was wonderfully written and showed what a lovely person he was. Jo
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Anne Linton (QRT) Moira and Jim and family, what a huge loss for you all. Sending my strength and thoughts to climb this huge hill. Fond memories of Matt, he sounds like a lovely son and brother.
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Karen Hamblett Jim,
We are thinking of you at this heartbreaking time.
Our condolences to all Matthew’s family and friends.Karen and Mark Hamblett
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Dabney Allingham Moira, Jim and family.
What a heart breaking loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincere sympathy.
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Nikita Allison and family My most sincere condolences to the Gows, and all his friends and family. Matt was a great guy, and he will be remembered of fondly.
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Isobel Kimpton Dear Moira, Jim, Emily, Adam and your extended family
My deep sympathy and thoughts are with all of you.
Love Isobel
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Sue & Shane Moira, Jim, Adam and Emily…Matt’s passing has affected us, and others, so deeply. The obituary is such a beautifully written story about a much loved young man. Our thoughts are with you.
Sue & Shane
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Mary Emerson Moira, my sincere condolences to you & your entire family. My thoughts are with you.
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Peter Rushton Jim, Moira, Emily, Adam,
Was very saddenned to hear of Matt’s passing.
Hadn’t seen Matt for years but have nothing but fond memories of Matt as a teenager involved in hockey and lacrosse.
You have my deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Peter Rushton
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Marcel Bruinsma My condolences to the Gow family. Even though it has been many years since we played together in Williams Lake, I have no problems remembering my time sitting in the stall next to Matt. I can still hear him laughing. He was a great teammate and I have many great memories of Matt. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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The McFarlane Family We are all so saddened to hear of the loss of Matt. We send you and all your family our sincere sympathies and please know we will be thinking of you in the tough days ahead.
Sandy and Louisa McFarlane, Nanaimo
Wes and Leah McFarlane ( lacrosse player and friend of Matt)
Jillian and Scott Ranger ( Wes’s sister and husband who played lacrosse in Victoria as well)
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Krys Galbraith My family had the privilege of being one of Matts billet families while he played in Chilliwack. From day one he was a treat to have live with us and fit right in, with his off the wall, zany humor often leaving our faces sore from days of continuous laughter. One of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve had to pleasure to meet in my life. This news is heart breaking. He will be missed by everyone who had the chance to meet him. Prayers and thoughts go from my family to his during this difficult time.
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Chris Blackmon My prayers go out to his family and I will be thinking of all you through such a difficult time. Matt was the best teammate and just all around person. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him.
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Doug Kernohan Tremendously sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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Lynn Martin Our hearts are with you, Moira, Jim, Emily and Adam. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and stories of Matt this past week. We have been thinking of you all.
Lynn & Steve – Sunset Point, AB
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Cam Janzen Matty was always a treat to be around during his time with the Chilliwack Chiefs. He made the road trips and the dressings rooms a fun place to be.
My condolences to all the family and friends .
Go lace em up and go for a burn
Rest easy Gowzer
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Norm Bucsis Jim Moira Emily Adam, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, so tragic,my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Darryl Jackson This is very beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss him terribly.
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Barry Douglas Matt was a pleasure to deal with, in his time with the Chilliwack Chiefs. He was a great ambassador for our team and every time I think of him I see a smile on his face. Thank you Matt for being such a good person to me and my son.
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Britt Moira, Jim, Em, and Adam,
My thoughts and condolences are with you all. Matts passing has brought heartache and sadness to all those who knew him.
Matt was genuine, caring, and someone who easily made others feel comfortable.
Matts silly-light-hearted humour catered for any child he interacted with, and on the other side he had this ability to engage with any adult in the room with his smart-witted humour.
I will always cherish the many memories of Matt in the Gow backyard, at a young age entertaining the numerous children there, making up games, double bouncing scruff and I off the trampoline, and as we grew older sitting in the patio chairs visiting, and chatting with Mona and Moira.
Matt will forever live in our hearts and please know you are all surrounded by love and support.
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Russ,Darlene Ricketts and family Moira, Jim and family, our hearts broke when we heard of Matty’s passing,we are so saddened by your loss. We remember Matt fondly and with many smiles and unbridled laughter from those crazy hockey years. All of our kids playing with joy and enthusiasm ;forging a strong friendship bond and team camaraderie . Matty had such a quick wit,wicked smile and was a truly sincere gentle soul, you couldn’t help but love him. We are at a loss for words , however have wonderful memories of your Matty and know he is at peace as his journey is complete. Thinking of you all in this time of support.
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Patty Mason What a beautiful obituary for a beautiful man! I only met Matt a few times at his Mom’s home but he left a big impression! A kind sweet soul! Sending my love to the family, Patty Mason
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Colleen McClure Thank you for this beautiful tribute to your son and brother Matthew. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Colleen, Bob, Rob and Ellen McClure
St. Albert, Alberta
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Lonely-Amanda This is beautiful.
Love.
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Poppy Sending my condolences to the Gows and all the people who loved Matt and called him a friend. I will remember him as a sweet, charming, and kind teenager/young man who always made me feel welcome.
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Diane I am heartbroken. Your kindness, loving and thoughtfulness will always be cherished. So many memories Matty, Drew will “pop” his ear for you. Love you, Di
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Laura Emily and family really thinking of you through this time praying for healing of all your hearts. Love laura and Rowan
To Jim, Moira and family,
I was so saddened to see the news that Matt had passed away. I will always remember Matt and his infectious smile. He was an amazing athlete and always kind and a handsome boy. My thoughts are with you, a life taken way too soon.
With sympathy, Chris Hardie (Hillis)