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
49 Responses
This is very beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss him terribly.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
This is beautiful.
Love.
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.
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
Emily and family really thinking of you through this time praying for healing of all your hearts. Love laura and Rowan