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
Moira, my sincere condolences to you & your entire family. My thoughts are with you.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
Tremendously sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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
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
Jim Moira Emily Adam, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, so tragic,my thoughts and prayers are with you.