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JESSE GABRIEL MATTIES
Born: Feb 15, 1991
Date of Passing: Dec 19, 2022
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JESSE GABRIEL MATTIES
February 15, 1991 - December 19, 2022
With deep sadness, and with gratitude for the life of a beautiful, loving partner, son, brother, and friend, we mourn the death of Jesse Gabriel Matties. Jesse was born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1991 and died in Ottawa on December 19, 2022. In his short 31 years, Jesse was bigger than life in almost every way. He was a loving, gentle, generous, and compassionate young man. His inventive and creative spirit kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Jesse reflected the kind heart of Jesus with everyone he met.
Jesse grew up in Winnipeg and attended Glenelm Elementary School and Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, from where he graduated in 2009. He attended Canadian Mennonite University for a year and the University of Waterloo for two years. He ran his own roofing business for a few years before discovering his love for the electrician's craft. He was working toward becoming a licensed electrician at Mohawk College and was apprenticing at GEM Electric.
Jesse met Reyna Abigail Peters in high school band class, where they both played French horn. He married Reyna on August 26, 2012. Their lovely son Rhye Nelson was born on September 29, 2022. Since 2010 Jesse and Reyna have lived in Hamilton, Ontario.
Jesse and Reyna loved exploring the outdoors and hiking and canoeing with their dog Tula. Their special places included the Niagara escarpment, Killarney Provincial Park, and the Hamilton waterfront.
Jesse's beloved family members include Reyna, their son Rhye Nelson, his parents, Gordon and Lorraine (Nix) Matties, sister Zoe Matties (Tim Cruickshank), his parents-in-law, Darryl and Shirley (Dyck) Peters, siblings-in-law, Cyprian Peters (Jessica) and niece Noa, Leah Peters, and grandparents-in-law, Ernie and Elfrieda (Engbrecht) Peters. He was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Henry and Mary (Reimer) Matties, Nelson and Amy (Beeching) Nix, and Abe and Helena (Hildebrand) Dyck.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care Jesse received at the Juravinski Cancer Centre (Hamilton), and the General and Civic Hospitals in Ottawa.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2022
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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My heart is broken. I have never met a soul quite like Jesse. I treasure my memories of leading a cabin with him and going to LIT together. His kindness was unmatched and his energy seemed unbounded. He seemed to understand the chaotic nature of my mind like few others at camp and it seemed enough that our inside jokes were exclusive to us, even when it frustrated the trip coordinator in the debrief (and probably other staff). It hurts to see a light so bright leave. Zoe and Reyna, my heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you. - Posted by: Brendan Wakeman (Co-Leader from Camp) on: Jan 02, 2023
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I met Jesse and Reyna at the meeting house church. They were one of our favorite couples to hang out with, and I'm very sad to hear of Jesse's passing. Annie and I give our condolences and are thinking of you Reyna. - Posted by: Andrew Roth (friend) on: Dec 30, 2022
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I was so sad to hear of Jesse’s passing. I went to Glenelm with Jesse for a few years and although I have not seen him since then, I recall his kindhearted spirit well. Prayers to all of you as you celebrate his life and grieve at this time. - Posted by: Serena Traa (Smith) (Elementary School Friend ) on: Dec 30, 2022
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I met Jesse when we were both working at Green Venture as education staff. Both of us cycled to work, and lived in the same part of Hamilton. One day he asked if we could bike home together, and I said sure...what a difference in fitness levels! A few years later our roof needed re-shingling, so we hired him to do that (and of course he hauled the debris away with his bicycle trailer!). So many lovely conversations about family, finding happiness, and loving the Earth. I remember him telling me how much he loved that Hamilton had “shoulder” seasons; apparently Winnipeg is either too hot or too cold?! Unbearable to think that he is no longer here, loving life. - Posted by: Susan Neudorf (Former co-worker) on: Dec 27, 2022
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Very sad and extremely shocked to hear the passing of Jesse. Him and I went to high school together at MBCI. He was always very kind and a super funny guy. My thoughts and prayers go to his family Rest in peace Jesse you will be missed😔🙏🏾 - Posted by: Patricia Kumbakisaka (Friend from high school ) on: Dec 26, 2022
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I am so sorry to learn of Jesse’s passing. I can’t even imagine losing my only son, brother, or husband. In the three years he was in my class at Glenelm Elementary School I’m sure he taught me more than I ever taught him, both academically and socially. Jesse was truly a very special person. I will never forget the day I was trying to explain the difference between 2D and 3D objects. I pointed to the chalkboard and said, “This is a three dimensional object because it has height, width and depth”. I quickly drew something on the chalkboard and said, “That picture is only two dimensional because it has height and width, but no depth.” He politely corrected me saying, “Actually, Mrs. Coish, it’s three dimensional because the chalk has a tiny bit of depth.” Jesse was a very bright inquisitive learner. His questions sometimes surpassed the understanding of most classmates, never mind the explanations. Rather than spending time trying to answer him and lose the others’ attention I had to start an after school math club. Whenever he asked a question beyond the curriculum standards I would refer to the math club saying, “That’s a good Monday question”. Jesse will be sorely missed, but always remembered by anyone who knew him. - Posted by: Helen Coish (Teacher) on: Dec 24, 2022