Obituary of Matthew McKenzie Fraser
Matthew, beloved son of Stephen and Deanna Fraser of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the age of 26 years.
Matt was born in Calgary on September 29, 1994.
Matthew is survived by his soulmate Selena Smith. Selena’s mother Pamela Smith (Shawn); Selena’s grandparents, Wilfred and Gloria Smith; Selena’s brothers EJ who was especially loved by Matt, Roland (Tiannah) Smith; nephews Alistair, Zayden and niece Haisley.
Matt had many hopes and dreams for his future with Selena. They looked forward to marriage and a happy future with children they would take on camping trips and having many family pets. Matt had beautiful potential and deeply loving qualities that made his life rich and full.
As one of Matt’s friends for over 20 years wrote in expressing her sympathy, “Death is truly an enemy. God hates it. How God longs to do away with death forever. How he yearns to bring your handsome boy back to life again. God remembers every single detail about Matthew. Matthew, that adorable kid with the rosy cheeks and shy smile. He was so sweet and kind to others. And he grew up into a dashing young man with a big heart.”
We trust those wise words based on the most unchangeable fact in the universe, “it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm,” Hebrews 6:18,19; 1 Corinthians 15:26,55-57; Job 14:14,15; Job 33:25
Matt loved any sport with a board: snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, skateboarding; as well as mountain biking, swimming, roller coasters, hockey, football, kayaking, and camping and hiking. At home in nature, the outdoors was where he wanted to be, befriending animals especially birds and dogs.
Matt’s most memorable vacation was when he went on several of the top rollercoasters in the world in Florida with his Great Auntie Sandy and in Idaho with indulgent friends Frank and Athalia, as well as surfing the Pacific with friends in San Diego and horseback riding the Arizona desert with his dear grandpa. It was quite the year!
He will be most remembered for his gentle nature, insight into people, and genuine caring for the most broken souls, most of all. In this way, Matthew reflected the true nature of God who always sees the best in everyone and who promises at Psalm 137:3, “He heals the broken-hearted; He binds up their wounds.”
We trust that the kind of love Matthew showed to others is a beautiful unfailing force for good. Please take this opportunity to reach out to someone who is hurting and comfort them, the way Matt still would if he could. Hold your dear ones extra close and remember him together as the youthful, vibrant man he will be forever. Live up to your potential as Matt would have encouraged you to do.
Matthew leaves to grieve his parents and his sister Kayla White and her family. Grandparents Les & Lynne McKenzie and Mary Quinney. Cousins Logan and Tyson, Kaley, Nathan, Jacob, Andrew, Peter, Jamie, Jesse, Acacia, and Kohen. Matt loved family time and will be missed by many aunts, uncles, second cousins, and great aunties and uncles, nieces and nephews. Friends too numerous for us to count, all of whom we look forward to getting to know in the future.
Matthew was predeceased by his great grandparents, Norman (Happy) McKenzie, Alma Martin (McKenzie), Nathan & Bessie Ellithorpe, and grandfather Edwin Quinney.
At the request of the family there will be no public service.
Matthew will be laid to rest at The Olds Cemetery located just south of Olds, Alberta on the west side of Highway 2A. Feel free to visit Matthew’s grave when you are able to.
Please contact the family if you would like to be included in a future commemoration of Matthew’s life.
A trust fund will be set up for Selena.