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
Shannon, We have never met you or the children but feel we know you in a small way through him when he came down to AZ cycling with the guys. He talked about you and the children often and was ever conscience to make sure he got the perfect homecoming gift for all of you on his return. Am at a loss of words in many ways but want you to know that we send you our thoughts and prayers in your loss of a husband, best friend, and father. Brenda Murphy
My heart goes out to Matt’s family and closest friends at this sad and difficult time. I was so close to this myself only months ago and the impact and reality is absolutely overwhelming. I have so many fond, happy and hilarious memories of Matt at Monterey, St. Patrick’s St. and Oak Bay High. My sincerest condolences to Matt’s parents, siblings, wife and children.
Our hearts go out to you all. Like so many others, we have such wonderful memories of Matthew, and that is an amazing legacy. Our deepest sympathy and abiding love as always.
The Murphy’s
I remember Matt as always being cheerful and happy; whistling a merry tune or humming a song; discussing things over a cup of chai and biscuits; or telling me of exciting weekends with his family. He was such a wonderful person to be around and I will truly miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.
The entire Oak Bay High School family and community is saddened by the loss and shares sincere condolences to Shannon, Aiden and Nuala and the extended family.
We were so sorry to hear this. Our condolences to your lovely family. Our very best wishes are with you at this time,
Ken & Kathryn
Dear Rosie and Jim and Family: We were so saddened to learn today about the loss of Matt. We have so many fond memories of our times together on St. Patrick St. Matt was well loved. Our deepest sympathy to you and yours and we hope very much that you find comfort in the love and support of your family and many friends. You are in our thoughts. Love to you.
Cairine and Fred
To Rosemary, Jim, Isobel and Paul.
We are so sad to hear of Mathews untimely passing. He has been such a joy to your family all these years.
We are thinking of you and saying a prayer too.
God bless you all,
Toas and Eileen
You are my cousin Matthew but I had never had the pleasure of meeting you. I am so very sorry for everyone’s loss. You are in our thoughts here in Cork. Xx
My heart goes out to his mother and father, and his wife Shannon, and their two children. My memories of Matt, begin when he was a wee boy, playing with my son, Leon Bradshaw, a teenager partying on St. Patrick Street, and a married man living just up the road in Fernwood. So sad to lose a son, a husband and a father. My love to you all.