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
Very sad to hear of Matt’s passing. Shared some good times with him in our youth. Many good memories remain.
Matt was a kind, thoughtful, full of life person with a calming and confident disposition. He was always a pleasure to have in your presence and around you. May his spirit carry his family through this time of sorrow and grief.
To Matt’s family, and to Shannon and the children.
Please accept out most heart felt condolences. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We sincerely hope that the pain you are feeling with be tempered by the amount of love that is pouring out to you from Matt’s many close and long time friends.
Mike Kynaston and Hanna Bendtsen and families.
Matt was a kind, thoughtful, full of life person with a calming and confident disposition. He was always a pleasure to have in your presence and around you. May his spirit carry his family through this time of sorrow and grief.
Positive healing energy being sent to Shannon and family. I hope you find peace in the wonderful memories.
Shannon,
There are no words to offer, but please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Esquimalt High Family
Dear Rosemary, Jim and Isobel,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Words fail me in expressing my deep sorrow of your loss. I shall always remember Matt as a gentle giant with a happy gleam in his eye. Lars enjoyed so many happy times in your home playing with Matt and Isobel.
With love and understanding,
Hanne
Dear Isobel, Jim and Rosemarie,
We are all so saddened to hear of Mathews untimely passing.
I can not imagine the pain you are going through.
You are in my prayers tonight and every night henceforth
Yvonne
Dear Jim – deepest sympathies to you & your whole family at this time of sorrow. I still remember being your student 25 years ago, and you being one of the only teachers who ever spoke with such authenticity about your love for your wife, children and the joys of family life. Prayers are with you all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. It has been many years since we lived on St. Patrick Street, but we remember Matthew’s warm smile. God bless you all. Valerie Creighton, Hugh Creighton, Eleanor McNamara, Patrick McNamara.