Obituary of Matthew James Watson

February 8, 1990 – Calgary, Alberta

June 2, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

In Loving Memory of an Extraordinary Life: Celebrating the Timeless Spirit of Matthew Watson.

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, grandson, brother, uncle, fur-dad, and friend Matt Watson. On Friday, June 2, 2023, he departed this world, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories and an everlasting imprint on the lives he touched. While our grief is immeasurable, we find solace in reflecting upon the remarkable journey he embarked upon and the extraordinary person he became.

Matt was born in Calgary, AB on February 8, 1990, to proud parents Phil and Wendy Watson. He was deeply loved by all who knew him. Matt approached everything in life with dedication, loyalty, hard work, and shared all his passions with his loved ones. He was always eager to play a round of golf or poker with friends and enjoyed spending a quiet Saturday morning at Home Depot. Matt loved the outdoors and was always ready for an adventure, whether that meant packing up for a camping trip, going 4x4ing in his favourite truck “Stella” or driving to the Yukon in his 1987 renovated trailer.

Matt was a beacon of light, radiating warmth, compassion, and a zest for life that was contagious. From the moment he took his first breath, it was evident that he possessed a rare spirit, one that effortlessly forged connections with everyone he encountered. His magnetic personality, combined with his genuine kindness, made him a cherished friend, a confidant, and a beacon of support in the lives of many.

Throughout his life, Matt passionately pursued his dreams, carving a path of success and fulfillment that inspired all who knew him. His talent and dedication to woodwork was unparalleled, and his achievements stood as a testament to his commitment to excellence. In both his personal and professional endeavors, he left an unforgettable mark, forever changing the lives of those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

While Matt’s accomplishments were remarkable, his greatest joy and source of pride was his beautiful wife Kayla, his family and friends, and most recently, his rambunctious dog Molly. He epitomized love and devotion, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the happiness and well-being of those he held dear.

Although Matt often displayed a humble personality, he was quick to light up the room with a witty joke and will be remembered for his compassion and generosity. He touched the lives of so many people in such a short amount of time and was able to accomplish so much before his untimely passing. His infectious smile could light up the darkest of days, a reminder that even in the face of life’s challenges, there is always a reason to find joy.

Matt loved his family dearly and his relationships with his friends were cherished. He was an amazing husband, son, brother, “sister” (to his best friend Quinton), uncle, colleague, and friend. He will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.

As we bid farewell to Matt, we find solace in knowing that his spirit will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we carry forward the lessons he taught us – to embrace life with unyielding passion, to love unconditionally, and to approach each day with a lightheartedness that makes the world a brighter place.

A Celebration of Matt’s Life will be held McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. where we will gather to share memories and pay tribute to Matt.   If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial tributes in Matt’s honour, be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Though our hearts ache with the weight of this loss, let us remember that Matt’s spirit lives on through us, forever guiding us towards a life of love, laughter, and purpose. In his memory, let us strive to make the world a better place, just as he did, one beautiful day at a time.

In living memory of Matthew Watson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.