May 17, 1979 - August 16, 2024
Sunrise: May 17, 1979
Sunset: August 16, 2024
Mathew died suddenly on August 16, 2024 in Victoria, BC. He was born on May 17, 1979 in Nakusp where he grew up. He is survived by his parents Colin and Sherri; his sisters Colleen and Mary; his brothers Jules, Andrew and Ryan; and pre-deceased by his brother Caspar. He adored nieces Alli and Laura and great niece Lux. He admired nephews Jacob, Brandon, Adam, Nicolas and Thomas; and his great nephew Finn.
Mathew attended Glenbank Elementary up to grade 7; Nakusp Secondary to Grade 9; and graduated from U-Hill Secondary in Vancouver having completed grades 10, 11 and 12. His post-secondary education followed. Mathew attended Vancouver Film School where received his diploma in Computer Animation. His Animation Short won him a scholarship to increase his animation skill set. He went on to attend UBC to become a Certified Multi-Media Artist.
While attending school to make ends meet Mathew worked in restaurants to become an adept cook. He turned down an offer to attend chef training and moved to Duncan. He found computer work on single contracts to be very lonely so he enrolled in Vancouver Island University to become a carpenter. That way he could work on construction crews working different projects on south Vancouver Island. Mathew was a multi-skilled and multi-talented person, in both his artwork and carpentry.
Mathew's heritage on his father Colin's side is essentially Scottish, French and English, in that order. His mother Sharon is Shuswap Indigenous from Simpcw and Tsq'escen' te Secwepemc. What Mathew gained from both sides of his family was an intense love of Mother Earth and all the gifts nature gives to us from the earth, skies, mountains, oceans, rivers, streams, flora and fauna.
Mathew was a very endearing person. He was loving, kind, gentle, generous and peaceful. He was brilliant, artistic, creative and fun loving which his family and friends can attest to. He loved hiking, cycling, skiing and camping.
A private service for Mathew was held at Sands Funeral Parlor in Victoria, BC. His Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in Nakusp on May 17, 2025 at the Nakusp Seniors Hall from 10:00 to 12:00 Noon. Refreshments will be served. Please RRSP to Colleen (1-250- 265-1798; Mary (1-778-580-5172); or Sherri 1(604-240-0987)
Any donations in memory of Mathew McNeill may be made to: (A) Arrow Lakes Environment Stewardship Society; c/o Richard Johnson, 411 Derosa Drive, New Denver, BC V0G 1S1 All proceeds will go toward stewardship in all this region of the Arrow Lakes including Nakusp Creek which flows through the farm where Mathew spent his happiest childhood days. Or please donate to (B) Nakusp and Area Youth Society, Box 1025, Nakusp, BC, V0G 1R0. This will help youth find resilience to overcome loneliness and bullying to enable them to strive forward and forge strong relationships that build optimal choices for their future.