June 5, 1972 – July 7, 2014
Predeceased by infant brother Luke (1977) and by beloved grandparents Una O’Connell (2004), Victor (2011) and Alice (2013) McFarlane, Matthew leaves to cherish his memory spouse Shannon Bjarnason, children Aidan and Nuala, parents Jim and Rosemary, sister Isobel, brother Paul, grandfather Bill O’Connell (UK), father-in-law Rick Bjarnason, mother-in-law Judy Van Goor, sister-in-law Kristen Sanderson, along with extended family throughout England, Ireland, Wales and the US.
Matthew’s family was of paramount importance to him. The strength of the emotional bond between Aidan and Nuala and their “Momma” and “Poppa” – an emotional closeness often remarked on by others – grew from and was continually nourished by the warmth of the affection in which Matthew and Shannon bathed their children.
Matthew was a gregarious, hard-working man. His regard for and trust in his business partner, Alistair Whiteside, contributed significantly to the satisfaction he found in his working life. A graduate of Monterey Elementary and Oak Bay High Schools, Matthew leaves life-long friends throughout Vancouver Island. The family appreciates their warmth and kindness at this time.
There will be a private service of interment for family members on Friday July 18. In addition, at 3:00pm on Saturday July 19, there will be a celebration of Matthew’s life at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Society of St Vincent de Paul – long a part of Matthew’s business and family life – or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
35 Responses
I speak for my parents and my sisters when I say we considered Matt part of our family. He has been a mainstay in my life since we were children and will continue to be in my heart and my memories. As important as he always made me feel I know I am only one among many whom he made feel so special, supported and loved.
I am looking forward to celebrating his memory on Saturday and forever after.
Gord
RIP brother….. I’ll NEVER forget all our adventures on St. Patrick Street and you’re one of my first memories on earth when we first became close friends at the ripe ol’ age of 5 !!! 36 years of friendship and laughter which always came so easily !!
Those memories will ALWAYS make me smile, and some will make me laugh out loud till I join you !! My thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family and your sister, brother, Mum and Dad
Love you man, this world will miss you greatly………..
Matt was loved and respected by everyone who knew him….in his work and as a person. We will miss him greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time
My deepest condolences to the family. Matt was a superb individual, so fun to be with and always good for a chat. He will be greatly missed. xoxo
Thoughts are with you all x sending love from Wales, a friend of Isobel’s.
To everyone who loved Matt, especially Shannon, Nuala and Aiden, my heart breaks for your loss, pain and sadness. Matt was amazing. Miss you MOC.
Always a smile for everyone, always a good laugh and such heartfelt warmth … you will be missed, young sir!
Thoughts and prayers are with Matts family .I loved our chats he was a great guy and will be surely missed .see you on the other side Mate 🙂
I offer my sincere apologies to Matts family and friends. We went to school together and shared lots of wonderful memories. It deeply saddens me to think of him not being around. But, his memory will live on forever. Shanti.