Obituary of Matthew Christopher David Walker

May 24, 1993 - January 25, 2025

Matthew: Hebrew meaning "Gift of God." 

Known as Matt and Mattey to his friends but always "Matthew" to his family.

It is with profound heartbreak and sadness that Heather Walker (nee Burrows) announces the untimely death of her precious, firstborn son, Matthew, age 31 years, on Saturday, January 25th., at 09:49 in the "ICU, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital," during a courageous and valiant 26-day battle while waiting for an organ transplant. 

Our ray of sunshine, Matthew, was born on Monday, May 24, 1993 at 07:29 at "Florida Hospital Altamonte (Orlando)" to Heather and Sam Walker. He is survived by his mother, Heather and by his only, younger brother, David Walker. He was the very loved grandson of Wilma and Chip Burrows (deceased), Bill Lee (deceased,) and Beverly and Sam Walker (deceased.) 

Due to "IBM" moves, Matthew was educated in Longwood, Florida, Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and in Canada at "St. James the Greater," Smiths Falls, "St. John's Catholic High School," Perth and "Trent University," Peterborough.

Matthew was an avid runner, excellent skater and excelled at basketball. He played ice hockey in Austin, TX.,  Kennesaw, Duluth and Atlanta, GA.,  and briefly in Smiths Falls but basketball was his true passion and he excelled at the game, winning many medals, trophies, MVP and selected for the all-star team. While at "Trent," he was on the dean's honour roll for his academics.

Matthew loved aviation and hearing all of the W.W.2 war stories told to his mother by her late father who served with the R.C.A.F. Stationed in Yorkshire, England his grandfather was a rear air gunner in the famous W.W.2 "Lancaster" bomber, flying night missions over Germany. Mom was sure to display her fathers' war medals to both of her sons. Chip always wanted a little boy so he would have doted over his 2 little grandsons!

While in Smiths Falls one of his mentors was 3-star General Dave O'Blenis (deceased) who taught Matthew how to fly and many valuable life lessons such as remaining humble , honest, the value of integrity and to always be a true gentleman. He also looked up to Paul Howard and hoped to complete his degree in law and later articulate in Pauls' law office. Like Paul, they both had basketball in common plus both attended "St. John's Anglican Church." 

My dear Matthew will always be treasured for his great care and deep love for his family. Following his mother's major spinal surgery in NYC, it was Matthew who would come into her bedroom throughout the night and turn her every 2 hours, put her elastic , tight anti-emboli stockings on and off, etc., then later get up and attend a full day of grade 9,  followed by basketball practice and games after school with some practices prior to morning classes commencing. 

Matthew later became his maternal grandmothers' 24-hour caregiver after she was formally diagnosed with dementia. Such a selfless person; he put his university studies on hold to look after his "Nanny" right up until the morning that she passed away. Nobody forced him to do this. It was what he wanted to do and he never regretted doing so as he truly loved his grandmother. He was simply that guy; always humble, always giving and never once complained. Being a caregiver was never a burden to Matthew. He did it out of pure love and desire.

When his younger brother, David, continued with his post-secondary studies, it was Matthew driving with Mom, David and sometimes Nanny, while we looked at various schools until one was chosen. It was the very same with looking for accommodations. Matthew was sure to drive David and his belongings to his apartments, help him unload and later pack up his contents while  attending school in Toronto.

When his maternal grandmother passed away, once again Matthew stepped up to the plate and helped his mother with the arrangements, business  and eventually helped pack up her contents and sell her home. Matthew so reminded me of my late father, "Chip."

We will forever mourn this very tragic and untimely passing of such a kind and gentle soul. I prayed so very hard that it would be God's will to pull Matthew through this crisis, receive his transplant and return home where I could continue to be both his mother and his nurse as he made a full recovery but for some reason, unbeknown to us, that was not to be. Unfortunately, we will not have an answer in this world as to why God chose to take Matthew home now. That has yet to be revealed and it is very hard to take this on faith but somehow, we must. 

Your loss, Matthew, is truly unbearable and only God's strength will carry us through your terrible loss. I shall love you forever my precious angel. It was, is and always shall be a great honour to be your mother. We had a bond that the sting of death will never destroy. 

Family and friends may pay their respects at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls on Thursday February 20th  from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Requiem Eucharist for Matthew will follow at 1:30 p.m. at "St. John's Anglican Church," 2 George Street, South in Smiths Falls followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery where Heather will fulfill her beloved Matthew's wishes with Matthew being laid to rest beside his much loved "Nanny" and his grandfather. This will mark the most sad and difficult day yet in having to turn and walk away. I pray that God gives me his strength.  I love you forever, Matthew.  A reception will follow back at "Blair and Son Funeral Home " 112 Beckwith Street, North, Smiths Falls. This date also marks what would have been the 100th., birthday of Matthews' maternal grandfather , W.W. 2 (R.C.A.F.) veteran, Chip Burrows. 

Rest eternal grant unto thy servant, Matthew, O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon him. - Amen

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Until we meet again.

Donations in memory of Matthew to the organ transplant foundation of your choice or to St. John's Anglican Church.