To this day I still can’t believe that Matt is gone. My heart sunk when I heard of his death and as he was a great friend. My partner and I had the pleasure of living with Matt in Belfast. Matthew was the kindest and friendliest person I have ever met and we had some great times together with him.I think of Matt alot as it is hard to reconcile his passing but my memory of Matt is seeing him glide through Belfast on his racer.Matt was an amazing human being a talented artist and a true friend and we will always miss him.Our deepest condolences lie with Matts family and his friends of which he had many.

Rob and Cathy

A random series of events led me to Matt’s obituary, and it has saddened me to the core. My deepest condolences to Mark and the entire Bourree family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, much love

Matt,

It was an honour and pleasure to cross your paths so many times, from student to fellow artist. You will be in my heart until we meet again. Love to all, family and friends, who are also keeping you in their hearts.

Mark was an amazing individual who was very giving and supportive. I will cherish having had the opportunity to hang with him and get to know him a little. Sending love and support to his family and close friends at this time.

Sincerest condolences to all for your loss.

I knew Matt from the MFA in Belfast. He was my friend. We talked about art and life and our families. He was so talented and so generous with his time and ideas. His subtle suggestions inspired my work and pushed me in new and interesting directions. I just loved Matt. My heart goes out to him and all his family and friends. You are all being remembered today in Lourdes, France.

I was the year below Matt on the MFA in Ulster Uni. I was proud to call him my friend and we would drink and discuss the folly of the art world. I’m so sorry for his family and friend group. He was an eccentric and funny man, with a genuinely creative mind. I shall miss him and think of him often.

My thoughts are with you the family of Matt. I am very sad to learn of his passing. I studied on the MFA course with Matt in Belfast 2015-2017. We became good friends during this time both artistically and socially. He was always interesting, engaging and encouraging. He spoke very fondly to me of his family and was very proud of his family links to Ireland through his Grandad. He always greeted me with a smile, chat and a handshake. He was my muscle power when I needed to move heavy sculpture around the studio. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed but never forgotten. photo: 12 june 2017 shows some of our class celebrating our fine art masters degree

I am unbelievably saddened to hear of Matthew’s passing and send along my love to his family as I know he adored you so much.

Matthew was among the most gentle and kind people I have ever met. A hardworking bear who was always up for fun and adventure. An artist in the truest sense of the word, Matthew envisioned a better world and wasn’t afraid to try to make it a reality. He was someone I cared for and respected so much.

The two of us met online and planned for an impromptu date in Red Deer (the mid way point as I live in Edmonton). We went for walk outside on -25 day, ate french fries at a local fast food place and went to a movie. I was instantly smitten with his openness, smile, and laugh.

I met Matt as a filmmaker in residence at Wreck City this summer and it was an immense pleasure getting to know Matt and seeing him in his element, supporting and encouraging artists. I would like to offer my condolences to Matt’s family and friends, he is a memorable and wonderful person.

Sweet boy. I will always remember you. Love auntie

Calgary just doesn’t feel the same without Matt. While his passing will leave a hole in the fabric of the arts community, more importantly a hole your family also. While I didn’t know him well, I certainly knew his legendary contribution to the arts community and he will be sincerely missed. My sincerest condolences for your loss, but know that Matt has touched many lives and you should feel very proud of what he accomplished while he was here!

A domani il mi amore

I feel so troubled and confused by Matthew’s passing. How can such a truly talented and well liked young man go so soon? My thoughts are with his family. Words cannot express.

I think his passing is such a significant reminder to reach out and tell someone that you love them. These are difficult and uncertain times and even those who appear to need very little may actually need a lot. Thanks so much for your contribution to art and life as an artist Matthew. Your work and contribution will not be forgotten.

I went to ACAD with Matt but only knew him peripherally. It wasn’t until the summer before he went to Ireland that we officially met and became instant friends. We crammed a lot of hanging out into a few months, as there was a sense of urgency to get to know each other before he left. His self aware humour kept me laughing and we made up comedy skits parodying the art world – of which we were our only audience. We bought pool noodles for lake swimming, and had multiple picnics on the banks of the Elbow River. He told me of his old life as a milkman and how one summer as a teen he had sank his dads new motor boat. He insisted we call my friend who owned a Chowchow puppy – so we could take the dog for walks and I would indulge Matthew’s obsession with the breed. He was the first person I’d ever met who could match my ability to talk about ‘Colour’ ad nauseam. He painted a vivid picture of his small but important family. “My mom is a retired school teacher and has converted a room in her home into a classroom for my Nephew Patrick…he’s learning his phone number and address” – he was so proud. I’m so glad I got to know Matthew at warp speed, but I am heartbroken to learn he left just as fast. I’m keeping the Bourree family in my heart.

In the summer of 2017 I had visited St. Patricks Island and overheard a small boy remark “Oh Dad, aren’t these benches beautiful”. I messaged Matt to extend the long distance compliment on his work and tell him “you are still making an impact even though you aren’t here”. I think that sentiment is as true today as it was then.

Mark, Katherine, Jennifer, Rick and Patrick, we are at a loss in our hearts to hear about Matthew, and the unimaginable sadness in your family at this time. Please accept our sincerest sympathy.

Thinking of you,

Ian and Pamela Hall

Sincere condolences to those who loved Matt. I worked with Matt on a few public art projects and thoroughly enjoyed him as a person and artist. I am so grateful for having crossed paths with him, and for the wonders he created for us. Blessings.

I am so saddened to hear this news. My heartfelt condolences sent to his family, his many friends and the art world, as his talents will be missed.

I’m glad to have met Matt while at ACAD and have a few witty and sly conversations with that mischievous looking gent. My condolences to his loved ones.

Sincerest condolences to the family and all my friends and pals from ACAD. We were so lucky to have known and learned from Matt.

Our condolences on your loss

Matt has touched so many people far and wide. Such a spark, such a ready laugh, such an unstoppable force. My condolences to you all.

Missing our capable, humble, wild friend. Still in utter disbelief. Feeling deep sadness for the Bourree family, and all of us who loved Matt.

I was lucky enough to be at ACAD at the same time as Matt. He was one of just a handful of artists that left an indelible mark upon me, reshaping the way I investigate and consider any body of work.

He was a man with a playful air that followed him around. It’s nice when all your memories of someone bring a smile to your face.

I just saw you and talked for nearly an hour in a Home Depot, of all places. We could have gone on talking for another hour at least, so we just said goodbye… goodbye Matt… smooth sailing, Sailor. Pick me up if you see me floating out there, will you… we will talk about things… again. Blake

Goodbye, Matt.

Matt! I remember sitting in your NYC apartment with Bree and Smalik, after you found yourself home from Coney Island beaches with sand still on your jeans after an epic, while the girls and I made a shoe box apartment for a mouse trap to be kind to the wee beast before turf’n it out in the streets – not at the exact same time however same space – and then made way for your unconventional and silent living room Skype visit across the country while you and your watching partner viewed the same film on TV ( It had never been done before then I’m sure of it – revolutionary ). I just saw your face pop up on Facebook a week ago and wondered after ya , thinking what a gent. So sad to see you go. A pleasure to share the same space and time with you for a time. Spiritual high fives, hugs and elbow grabbing handshakes ~

Mark, Katherine, Jennifer and family,

We feel so privileged to have met Matthew and seen his work at an exhibition in Dublin recently. He was talented, funny and warm.

Our hearts are broken for you. We will treasure the time we spent with Matthew, as I know you will too. Holding our loved ones close and thinking of you all.

Your family in Ireland,

Deirdre Grant

Bourree family

My condolences to you all. I have hundreds of great memories with Matt and his spirit will always be within us. He was a great friend, and a good person to all. I’m going to miss him dearly. He was like a brother to me.

My Deepest Condolences To My Dearest Family! My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All.

I believe the spirit lives on in a new form once we leave this world.

And I believe Starla was there to take Matthew’s to guide him in the new existence.

I believe in Guardian Angels, mine was my great grandmother, now I believe Patrick too has someone looking out for him. To pull him back from crossing a street when it isn’t safe. To ease hi stress and support his spirit.

Mark, Catherine, Jennifer, Rick and all the family – my deepest heartfelt love goes out to you! Love is painful in times of loss. Yet love is our treasure when a person passes. Love yourself through this, love your family forever, wherever they may be.

Sincere Sympathy to you and all your family. My thoughts are with you all.

Words can’t express how very sorry we are for your loss. Please know that we are with you in spirit. All our love from your family in Montreal.

Mark, Katherine and family,

Ron and I are so sorry to hear about your son, Matt. We have taken your advice and held our children close this week, and have discussed Matt with them. Thinking of you and your family and sending you warm wishes and gentle healing.

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I remember Matt as a classmate in elementary school and he was such a sweet, smart kid, mature beyond his years.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s family and friends as they deal with the tough road ahead. RIP

Our deepest sympathies to all the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind. May you find solace in the beautiful memories and art that Matthew has left for you to cherish.

We are sending you our deepest and sincerest of condolences. Our heart goes out to you.

Thinking of you and sending our love to you,

Josée & Mario, Joanie-Claire & Elyse LeBouthillier. xo