Mathew Elzby

It is with tremendous grief and heartache that we announce on June 10, 2023, the sudden passing of our beloved son Mathew Elzby of Victoria BC, formerly of Burk’s Falls, ON. Age 30. Mathew’s passing is a shock to family and his many friends far and wide. Survived by his mother, Heather (nee Cairns) and stepfather Lewis Hodgson of Nova Scotia and brother Dana Hodgson of North Bay, ON. We would also like to acknowledge his father Christopher Elzby of Kitchener, and half-sister Michelle Robinson, also of Kitchener. Mathew will be remembered for his big heart, infectious smile, generosity and kindness, his talented heavy metal music vocals, skateboarding and his passion for life.
Mathew was deeply loved by many and touched so many hearts. He always made time to support his friends and would go beyond measure to help out. Examples of his reputation for being a caring friend are shown in the hundreds of loving comments and condolences on social media. He was truly loved.
Mathew spent his youth amongst friends riding skateboards, snowboarding, playing video games, fishing, camping out and bicycling throughout the Almaguin Highlands region near his hometown of Burk’s Falls, Ontario.
His boisterous laughter and engaged focus could be heard throughout the household while he, his brother, Dana and stepdad, Lewis played video games and bonded over their comradery and joy of “beating the boss”.
A keen go-getter, Mathew had his first job when he was thirteen years old. Mathew grabbed a bucket and a shammy cloth and marched up and down the main street offering to wash windows for local business storefronts. This entrepreneurial spirit lead him into a number of jobs over the years. Mathew worked all through high school and after his first year of college, made the adventurous leap to move out west to British Columbia.
Mathew’s ambitious spirit carried him even further with careers in the Hotel industry, Bartending, Restaurant service, Skateboard shops, construction, landscaping and even as a “dinosaur bone cleaner” and tour guide at the local dinosaur museum near his home in Victoria, BC. After which, Mathew went back to work in the bar industry at a local nightclub where he made even more friends and connections.
Mathew’s lifelong passion for heavy metal and “death metal” music will forever mark our memories. As he often practiced his “Scream and Fry” vocals in his room at home growing up. This practice later paid off as he became well known and respected in that music industry in Victoria, BC. Where Mathew sang in a few bands, recorded several songs, and was often added as a guest singer at local concerts. Some of the music that was recorded can be heard on mainstream media.
Mathew had made tremendous strides in healing from many personal issues, but one that is worth sharing is how he overcame his struggles with alcohol and lived for the past year and a half sober without it. Although Mathew struggled with difficult emotions and mental health, he braved the world passionately and will always be remembered for his big heart and beautiful soul.
The family will receive visitors at the Opatovsky Funeral Home-Dempster Chapel, 210 Ontario Street in Burk’s Falls on Saturday July 1, 2023 from 3 to 5pm.
In lieu of flowers donations to your local Mental Health Association will be appreciated.