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
Dear Moira
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Matthew. Our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time for you and the rest of your family. May your memories of happier times with Matthew sustain you in the future.
Michael and Dianne Gotto
Gowser.
Growing up together I always knew I had a friend that would make me laugh, get into mischief with me, make amazing plays that helped our team win championships, 3 in fact, whether it be hockey or Lacrosse, but most of all you were just so fun to be around. When we went down to Disneyland with Rhonda, caught the Angels game, sat in the sun in 120 degree weather the seats were burning lol, trips in Jimbos beauty station wagon with all the mad dog stickers (in the end I made my business logo after these stickers), throwing lacrosse balls with our championship lacrosse team signatures off the ferry (twice), provincial hockey championship, countless memories of the bunker at your parents house (I remember watching the movie IT in the bunker as a young boy I was scared for weeks to go around a drain lol), I also remember learning how to do a beer bong or two or three in the bunker, wildcat the beer of choice lol. Meeting up in Prince George when we both played junior up there. Oh and who could forget when Jim Carey was making his funny movies, before his movies weren’t funny anymore, we re-enacted that stuff so much, drove our parents crazy I’m sure! The other really neat thing was the admiration you had for my father Rick LaPointe, it was truly special, he loved you too buddy, it was pretty cool growing up knowing you looked up to him. I don’t know how many trips we all did together probably 100, wow did we ever have great parents and teammates. I could go on and on, the memories will always be there, and I’m so lucky for that…
In this time of sadness I want to celebrate you Matthew Gow, you are in many ways a hero of mine, and I will always spread great word of you. To Jim, Moira, Emily, Adam thanks for everything and be strong!
My condolences to all of Matt’s family and friends. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt as a great person and teammate. My thoughts are with you.
Moira,
I am so sorry for your loss. The obituary of him was wonderfully written and showed what a lovely person he was. Jo
Moira and Jim and family, what a huge loss for you all. Sending my strength and thoughts to climb this huge hill. Fond memories of Matt, he sounds like a lovely son and brother.
Jim,
We are thinking of you at this heartbreaking time.
Our condolences to all Matthew’s family and friends.
Karen and Mark Hamblett
Moira, Jim and family.
What a heart breaking loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincere sympathy.
My most sincere condolences to the Gows, and all his friends and family. Matt was a great guy, and he will be remembered of fondly.
Dear Moira, Jim, Emily, Adam and your extended family
My deep sympathy and thoughts are with all of you.
Love Isobel
Moira, Jim, Adam and Emily…Matt’s passing has affected us, and others, so deeply. The obituary is such a beautifully written story about a much loved young man. Our thoughts are with you.
Sue & Shane