Matthew James Hines
Matthew James Hines
August 22, 1986 – October 29, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dearest Matthew. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and was given the best of care by the compassionate staff at Sunnybrook Hospital.
Matthew was a notorious trickster, a lover of food, a hilarious storyteller, a Christina Aguilera aficionado, and a generous host. At times he was soft-spoken, but, for the most part, he was the life of the party. He had an infectious perfect smile and a laugh that simmered quietly before exploding for all to hear. He housed a sense of whimsy, a delightful charm, and a sharp wit that provided everyone he met with instant joy.
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 22, 1986, Matthew spent his childhood in the Quispamsis area where he explored music and theatre through local community groups Kidsing, Rotary Boys Choir, and the KV Players. He developed a passion for the arts and continued his post-secondary education at St. Thomas University with an emphasis on theatre. While in Fredericton, Matthew created a close inner circle of life-long friends, castmates, and collaborators who would follow each other to Ontario.
Matthew moved to Toronto to pursue acting at George Brown Theatre School. He discovered a talent for directing and began producing independent plays written and performed by Maritime artists. For four years, Matthew worked at Canada’s National Ballet School where he discovered a path of education and youth work. He further explored this work at the Blythe Academy, Toronto, where he was a beloved and popular guidance counsellor and teacher. He was considering attaining a Masters in Education.
Matthew bloomed into a gentleman. He ingrained himself in Toronto’s yoga community and the Toronto Spartan Volleyball League. He was passionate about baking. He hunted for treasure in local flea markets. He travelled to Portugal, Scotland, London, New York, Spain, and Mexico with more trips on the horizon. He created a life for himself that was ever expanding and full of infinite adventures.
Matthew was a charismatic bright light in the lives of all. The news of his death has reverberated throughout the many communities he traversed and is a testament to the positive and loving effect he had on others. Matthew navigated his life with a sense of ease, even in the most challenging of circumstances. He never got weighed down by the world, and had an inner landscape that was always “twenty-three degrees and sunny.”
He was joy.
Matthew leaves his father, James Hines (Diane); sister Amanda Hines (Eric) and nephew Evan; step-sister Becca Finlay; step-brother Brad Finlay, nephew Cooper and niece Averie; grandmother, Barbara Hines; and his beloved cat, Stevie Joanne. Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Silvana Hines (née Bursich); grandfather, Howard Hines; grandmother, Amelia Bursich, and grandfather, Peter Bursich. He will be greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Hines family wishes to express their gratitude and support towards Matthew’s Toronto family and community during this time, especially to Tomas and Shawn.
In honour of Matthew, there will be a celebration of his life Friday, November 9th at the Shadow Lawn Inn from 3-7pm. 3180 Rothesay Rd, Rothesay NB.
Lindsay Dow (Sylvester)
My condolences to Matt’s wonderful family.
I first met Matt in Elementary school where we ran the woods and would frequently discuss if his love of Celine was of equal value to my love of Reba. He kept me laughing through middle and high school. Such a genuine person who will be greatly missed.
Caet Moir
My sincere thoughts and love to Matt’s family, friends and inner circle. I knew Matt from high school, a smiling face that was always present at some point during the lunch hour at the “music room hall”, just outside the backstage doors. In fact, I am pretty sure I have a photo of that amazing smile somewhere – his face will always be part of my happy memories from that time.
Caitlin Cumming (Harrison)
My sincere condolences to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember the time I spent in musical theatre with Matt at KV and his infectious smile and laugh.
Daccia Bloomfield
Matt will shine in my memory as a person who understood that life was for living as brightly and joyfully as possible. That’s the lesson I’m trying to hold onto as I reconcile all of this. I want to extend love and support to everyone whose life was beautified by this sparkling person. My love to his wonderful family, communities and connections, near and far.
Amanda Knudson
This is so sad to hear. I am very sorry your loss. I remember Matt as a very kind and happy fellow student at KVHS.
kym
Tony and I are heart broken to hear of your tragic loss of Matt. Please know you are all in our thoughts at this sad time.
Lovingly,
Kym Hellingwerf, and Tony Kleyn-Molekamp
Lars Woodhouse
Matt was an amazing fellow student in Quispamsis. He lit up every room he entered. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Cindy Townsend
My very deepest condolence for this great loss… no words could possibly express the love and and support that I truly hope that you all can feel from me and so many, whether near or far.
Wendy and Jennifer Brothers
To the Hines family,
Please know that you all have been in our thoughts. The words of Matt’s obituary are a wonderful tribute to him; so beautifully written. Though we did not have the privilege of knowing Matt, it is so very evident the light he shone on those that were a part of his life. Wishing you love, support for each other and peaceful thoughts.
To Amanda, we love you; we are so deeply saddened by the loss of your brother and offer prayers. xo
Wendy and Jen Brothers (Melissa’s mom and sister)
Carolyn and Lorie Demmings
What a beautiful testimony for your son, Jim. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Juliet Manning
I met Matt in high school – he had such an unforgettable presence. When he was around, fun was guaranteed. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and extend my deep condolences to his family.
Tara Scott
Thinking of Matthew’s family during this difficult time. He was a kind, funny, and talented guy that will be missed by many.
Christins Varner
So sorry for your loss. I knew Matt through friends in high school. He was always fun to hang around with.
Kim Place
Although it’s been many years since Matt, Julie, Joseph, and I have ran, biked, puddle-jumped, and tree-climbed our way through Summer Court, those days will forever be imbedded on my heart. People shape you and teach you and Matthew has taught me so much about embracing life to the fullest. He was truly a beautiful person with a pure heart and will be missed.
CMN
I couldn’t be more honoured to say that I somewhat followed in Matthew’s shoes from the theatre in Quispamsis to the black box theatre in Fredericton. He was so self assured in everything that he did that it in turn fed your strength, too. Everything he participated in he fulfilled with humour, professionalism, confidence….. He will be a forever influence on me. Rest easy.
Jane (Fleiger) Southworth
Dear Hines Family, please accept my deepest sincere condolences. May all of the many fantastic memories of Matt bring some comfort during your times of grief and healing. My prayers to all of you.
Erin McLaughlin (nee Goodey)
Jim and Diane,
Thinking of both of you at this terribly difficult time. Matthew was a kind, beautiful soul who brought so much light into everyone’s life. I lived with Matt for three years at STU, and the impact he had on my life will be with me forever. My deepest, heartfelt condolences to you both, your families and Matthew’s friends.
Sonja Seiler
I worked with Matt during his years at NBS and have so much fondness for him and the time we spent together. I used to sneak him extra date squares from the cafeteria (our favourite) and we laughed together often. Recently, I ran into his roommate Bonnie by chance on the street and she invited me back to their place to celebrate Matt’s birthday and it was truly a delightful time to reconnect after a few years out of touch. We blasted Christina and ate chips and laughed like old times and stayed up into the wee hours. I am deeply sad and my heart goes out to all who love him.
Hilary Ready
I knew Matt from having been in a theatrical production with him as a high school student. I remember him as a warm, clever and talented person and as I read these beautiful words about him, I marvel at the life he went on to lead following his move to Toronto. What a remarkable person he was. My sympathies go to all who were close to him – I’m very sorry for your loss.
Robert Duchene
I had the honour of meeting Matthew in TSVL, he was always an uplifting spirit. The last time I saw him was a random meeting as he was walking to volleyball. It was cool out and he was wearing a cap, I didn’t recognize him but he called my name, ran up to me and we continued a conversation we had the last time we chatted. That was always the way with Matthew, making sure he acknowledge you, included you and remembered what you last chatted about. I will miss his warm, smiling face.
Death belongs to life as birth does, the walk is in the raising of the foot and the laying of it down.
Matthew had a beautiful walk, I wish it could have been longer…
Jill and Art Howarth
Sending condolences to his family and friends. I never met Matt but he left too early in his life and will be missed by many.
Alexandre
I had the honour of meeting Matthew through playing volleyball in Toronto. I will miss his infectious smile and crazy sense of humour. He was an amazing person and will be missed by many. My sincere condolence to his family and friends.
Chloe Repka
My sincere condolences to Matthews family
He was a great joy who helped me to settle into Blyth and also he also enjoyed seeing my service dog Charlotte who always made his day. Matthew always made me smile and was there for me. He also helped me to work with Toronto elections this year. I’m so sorry for the loss.
Delanie Prasek (Cooper Naday)
Matthew’s gentle persistence and encouragement truly made a difference in our daughter’s life as she attends Blyth. We will always be grateful to have met such a wonderful, kind, caring and happy person. Sincere condolences.
George Rutherford
I knew Matthew only briefly through our work together at Blyth Academy. During my visits to his school at Yorkville, I witnessed him in action with students and faculty alike. Matthew was approachable, sincere and empathetic – ideal qualities for a teacher and guidance counselor. He was at ease with himself, his colleagues and with his students. Matthew was one on whom his Principal could rely to get the job done.
We are all grateful that Matthew was a part of our lives. We are the better for it.
Nick Forret
My condolences to Matt’s family and friends. I met Matt in elementary school where we became fast friends. I can’t count how many sleepovers we had or how many times we watched Titanic. He seemed so full of limitless energy and happiness. It was infectious how big his heart was. I didn’t know him as an adult, but I’m positive those traits continued unrelentingly. He will be greatly missed.
Tony
Our hearts ache. Matt will be missed especially in our TSVL volleyball family. Another beautiful angel watching over us.
Jo-Anne Paddon
Amanda Family and friends please accept my deepest condolences, may you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you during this very difficult time
My heart goes out to you
Nancy and Blain Adams
Amanda and Family … we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Anna Steen ( Mavrogiannakis)
So sad to hear of Matt’s Passing ❤️ I met Matt while attending Kvhs and his bright smile is one that will surely live on in the hearts of so many. He was a beautiful and kind soul. My condolences to his family and inner circle, may you find peace in this hard time.
Ryan Estabrooks (Hughes)
I am so sorry to hear of Matts passing. I have many fond memories of his bright smile during KVHS productions. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Ashley Lackie
So very sad to hear of Matt’s passing . He always had a smile on his face and was making someone laugh while walking through the kvhs halls . Thinking of your family at this very difficult time and sending my sincere condolences.
Kyle Stoddard
Though I hadn’t seen Matt in many years, I’m not surprised to hear that he remained a bright light through to his adult life. I remember him as a kind hearted, sharp witted and passionate person. I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss.
Kate
My deepest sympathies to Matthew’s family. I went to STU with Matt and then moved to Toronto at the same time and attended GBC as well. Matt was always so loving and even though I was never in shows, I loved theatre, and Matt was always welcoming me into his home or the group. His wit was one that I could not match but loved watching the few who could go head to head and keep up with Matt. It made for fabulous conversation and wonderful entertainment. Matt was a huge sweetheart and he will be missed by so many. I am so so sorry for your loss, I count myself as lucky to have known Matt for the short time that I did.
Chris Hopkins
Jimmy, Diane, Amanda and family,
I cannot imagine what you are going through. Matt was an great friend when I was growing up. Jimmy family meant so much to me. I can still vividly remember spending days on summer court with Matt. Matt was the friend I could always count on. Usually we were causing some kind of trouble but I will never forget spending that time with him. We were so blessed to have him in our lives Unfortunately, I could not make it home but Please accept my warmest condolences. I wish you all of the best in this tough time. Hopefully we cross paths soon.
Mary Blenkhorn
Sincere condolences to the family and friends that had the honour of knowing and loving this beautiful man. xx
Ian and Linda Hitchins
Our condolence for the loss of Matt, he was gentle and talented man and will be greatly missed by everyone. All our best to the family. Ian and Linda Hitchins.
Mary Blenkhorn
Sincere condolences to the Hines family and many friends that had the honour of loving and knowing this beautiful man.
Krista and Bill Nugent
Jim and Diane,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. What a beautiful tribute, he clearly was an amazing person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.