Matthew Allen James Dey
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful but sudden passing of Matthew Allen James Dey on Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at his home, in his 52nd year.
Matt was born on January 10, 1972 to Alex Dey (Sr), the Head of a Toronto high school English department, and Patricia Dey (nee Fraser), a dedicated mental health professional. He grew up in the Credit Woodlands area of Mississauga, Ontario being entertained by his brothers Alex and Innes, later attending the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, where he earned a teaching degree.
After spending some time living in Muskoka, Ontario, Matt moved cross-country to Sturgeon County, Alberta where he lived, worked, and built a strong network of friends and colleagues. A constant presence throughout his journey was a deep love of the outdoors, a passion he inherited from his father which flourished in the mountains of the West and the stark beauty of the North. His favourite place in the world was the family cottage in Bala, Muskoka where he spent as much time as possible enjoying sunsets and fires on the beach with family and friends.
Matt was the loving brother of Alex (Marlene) Dey and Innes (Liane) Dey. He was adored and will be missed by his nieces Alyssa (Jon), Jillian (Owen), Ainsley and Maddy and his nephew Liam; as well as many other family and friends across Canada and the United States.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Matt’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 1-4pm at the Waterside Inn in Port Credit, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Glenn and Jan Bullock express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Matt. Matt’s love of life and nature as well as a good laugh was always a source of a smile. It was a pleasure to know Matt.
Slainte
The Coulmans of Valmarie are very sad to hear this news. We have all the Deys in our thoughts and wish you peace at this heartbreaking time.
I was so very sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He was a great person gone much too soon.
I worked with Matt at a school in Bracebridge and got to know him well when he would play paintball at our business.
Matt was kind, funny, loyal and community minded.
The world lost a special person.
My deepest condolences to all of the family, I have very fond memories of Matt and his big heart ♥️
My deepest condolences, Matt and I went to Woodlands together, however lost touch over the years. Matt was an amazing person, So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to Matt’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Matt going back to our time together in nursery school. Fly on Matt, you will be missed.
So many of us from the Woodlands have such great Matt memories. I am sure Springfield too. Kind, funny, THE best parties (probably too good) – my deepest condolences to the Dey family – I can only imagine Matt’s impact through life and other people based on his impact on all of us from the Woodlands.
We moved to across the street about six months after Matt was born. Watched him grow up, get educated, teach at at local school, move to Muskoka and then to Alberta.
A very good guy. A son for which any parent would be proud. Good natured to a fault. Always willing to lend a hand. He made this world a better place.
Very sincere condolences to his brothers, Alex and Innes and their families.
I was so lucky to have been able to work with Matt while he was teaching in Gravenhurst. He was a good teacher and a great colleague. I’m grateful to have a lot of great memories with Matt. We sure did share a good number of laughs together. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
We were broken hearted to hear of Matt’s passing. We spent many wonderful visits with him here at Skeleton Lake and we will miss him dearly. God Bless Matt and keep him in your loving care.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim and Jan Davidson
Alex and Innes
: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew. Don and I lived on Ibbetson Cresc. and knew yout Mom and Dad well . My oldest son George played with you both and Geoff was born shortly after Mathew.
Thinking of you both at this very sad time .
Sue Summers Green
My mother and I were heartbroken to learn of the passing of my cousin Matthew. My mother Margaret, the older sister of Matt’s father Alex, Sr., has fond memories of Matt sitting and talking with her on our last visit to Canada.
I have warm childhood memories of playing at the cottage with Alex, Innes and Matt. And although we moved to California and saw little of our Canadian cousins, my memories as a child have always made me smile. God bless my cousins and their families during this sad time.
My deepest condolences to the Dey family.
I remember Matt as always being so kind and sweet.
As the character Gordie LaChance writes in the film “Stand By Me”
” I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Alex, Innes and families,
My sincere condolences to all of you. I was so sad to hear about Matt. I will always remember him as being such a sweet, friendly, down-to-earth and genuine person.
I’m so sorry for your loss, he will be missed.
Thinking of you all.
Like many others, I have so many fond memories of Matt from high school (The Woodlands). From hanging out in the school cafeteria to laughing together at the many, many, weekend parties, I will always remember Matt’s contagious smile and witty sense of humour. My sincerest condolences to Matt’s family and loving friends.
I knew Matt from the time he was a teenager through his mom and knew how much she loved her fun loving son. He reminded me so much of his dad. Lovable , funny and so down to earth.Alex ,Innes and families my heart goes out to you. You should never have to see your baby brother die. Hugs
We were very sad to hear of Matthew’s passing.
We knew him and his parents very well over the years through Scouting, sports , Springfield and Woodlands schools and his friendship with our son Geoffrey .
Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time
Peter and Dell Langham
Wow….like many of you here, my memories of Matt go waaaay back to scouting, woodlands h.s and Springfield elementary. It’s a very sad thing to learn a person you’ve known all your life is suddenly gone.
Deepest condolences to the Dey family
We will remember Matt as a kind and gentle soul who always had time for everyone. HIs joy for life and thoughtfulness will be missed. Our prayers and sympathies are with the Dey family and to all those he touched.
I went to high school with Matt. He was a year older than me and in a different grade, so I didn’t know him that well. I remember him being cool but also kind – a genuine nice guy. I remember one night, we stayed at school all night to register for a Vermont ski trip, which was first come first serve. Matt took the initiative to number our hands with magic marker, in the order we arrived. He was a leader and a gentleman. I am rather shaken that he is gone so soon. No doubt, he led a great life and had a lasting impact on the lives of others. RIP.
Matt, I feel honored to have been at your celebration of life today. To see your brothers and a glimmer of you in both of them… along with many of the Dey family. You were loved more than you know. You have influenced so many people. I am so sad to have you gone, friend. RIP.
Peace buddy✌️
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Matt. I had the pleasure of meeting Matt years ago and keeping in periodic contact ever since. I will miss your annual visit my friend. My thoughts have been with the family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Matt was a phenomenal individual & touched the lives of many. Rest in peace my friend.
I have just learned of Matt’s passing. I am so very sorry. I lived on Valmarie and knew Matt from high school. Sending warm thoughts.
Hey Matty,
Thinking about you today with much love xx