People liked to be around Mathew Matte. His infectious smile and positive outlook on life had a way of rubbing off on family members, friends and teammates.
Those same folks could benefit from one of Mathew's grins right now because they're trying to come to grips with his sudden and unexpected passing.
Mathew -- who was just 22 years old -- died in his sleep, at home, last Friday. He had diabetes but other than that was a healthy young man.
Growing up in Prince George, Mathew had a passion for hockey. He played at the rep level from childhood and had the same philosophy whether he was on the ice or off it -- go full speed ahead, help however you can, and enjoy every moment.
"He was a very dedicated, hard-working hockey player and very loyal to his teammates," said family friend Nevio Rossi, whose son, Jared, played with and against Mathew over the years. "He was a very honest player and always did the best he could."
Like most puck-chasing youngsters, Mathew loved playing on outdoor surfaces whenever he got the chance. The rink at the Rossi house was one of his favourite places.
"When Mathew and Brian -- his brother -- and all the other kids used to come to our house, Mathew was always the first one on the ice," Rossi said. "I remember that vividly. He would sometimes be out there by himself, waiting for the other kids, who were in his mind slowpokes. He'd be out there skating and playing. He was always the first one ready to go."
As he developed his game, Mathew became known as a guy who exhibited a blend of smarts, skill and grit. A year after Brian skated for the Prince George Cougars as a 20-year-old, Mathew earned the chance to crack the roster of the local WHL club in a rather unique way. He was one of six players who tried out for the 2009-10 Cats while the TV cameras were rolling for a six-part Rogers Sportsnet series called "The Rookies."
If not for a broken hand he suffered during the training camp, Mathew may well have ended up on the team.
Mathew attended Beaverly elementary school, spent his junior high years at John McInnis and graduated from Prince George secondary school. While at PGSS, he would often cross paths with teacher Renzo Berra, who was also a family friend and one of his hockey coaches when he was a kid.
"Mathew never changed," Berra said. "He was always the first to say hello to me in the hallways and there was never a day when his head was down or his shoulders were slumped. He was always looking at you straight in the eyes, and with that same old smile."
Family was hugely-important to Mathew, and not just his immediate family of mom Mandy, dad Harold, brother Brian and sisters Alyssa and Cathleen. He enjoyed hanging out and playing sports with his cousins, who were more like best friends. The list is long but it includes fellow Matte boys Nick, Jonathan, Brad and Jeremy, as well as Maryanne Irving, Eric Irving, Jari Erricson, Olin Erricson and Miguel DaSilva.
As if Mathew's passing isn't a big enough blow, it comes at a time when his family is also grieving the death of one of his cousins, Leanne Burchill. Twenty-year-old Leanne died at the scene of a highway crash near Quesnel on March 15. Her memorial service was held March 23 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, the same church that will be filled again on Monday for Mathew's funeral.
Monday was supposed to be a day filled with joy and laughter because it would have marked Mathew's 23rd birthday.
No doubt, there will still be some smiles as Mathew's loved ones share their stories about him. But tears will rule the day.
Among the mourners will be Mathew's godparents, Al and Catherine Erricson, who were impacted by him in a profound way.
"Having Mathew as a godson was one of the blessings that we had and it made us feel so good about wanting our own children," said Al Erricson, one of Mathew's uncles. "He was always everyone's friend. He was such a considerate and caring young man -- just easy to be with and enjoyable to be with."
Mathew was on the verge of taking his next steps into adulthood. He held a sciences diploma from the College of New Caledonia and was planning to become a chemical engineer.
He would have been a success in whatever he did. Of that, everyone who was close to him is sure.
"He would have been someone who contributed to society in many, many ways," Berra said. "To go at such an early age is just a tragedy."
Mathew's family and friends will do their best to carry on without him. If he had his say in the matter, he'd tell them to keep smiling, keep their heads high and keep living their lives with honour and integrity.
Even though Mathew was young, he already had the important things figured out.
