With broken hearts, we say goodbye to a loving husband, fantastic father, beloved son and brother, and everyone’s friend. Matt died doing what he loved, spending time with his family and being active outdoors. All his life, he wanted to be a farmer and his happiest times were on his John Deere tractor, with his family along for the ride. Matt was always smiling, always seeing the sunny side of life. Whether working out, lifting weights, playing soccer, working in the fields or the garden, or running around with the kids, he was always active and always outside. He was a farmer, a builder, a fixer; whether it was for the farm or with Lego, Matt loved to create new ways of doing things. Even while battling cancer, Matt was a perpetual optimist, telling those around him not to worry. He battled like a champion, being declared cancer-free last fall. Throughout that challenging time, he was an example of faith, strength and optimism. His deep faith was an important part of his life and we find comfort knowing he’s in heaven, watching out for his family. Matt will be deeply missed by his dear soulmate, Leona, and their four beautiful children, Lila, Jack, Seth and Cara. They were the light of his life and his reason for being. He was the amazing son of John and Marlene Ottens; beloved brother of Amanda and Shane Stege, Kirk Ottens and Emily Lupton, and Marisa Ottens and Ezra Branderhorst; and such a fun-loving uncle of Luke, Chloe and Brock Stege. Wonderful son-in-law of Ray and Elizabeth Kuper; and brother-in-law of Holly Kuper and Brad Alton, and William Kuper. Loving grandson of Grace Zoer and the late Hank Zoer, and Janna Ottens and the late John Ottens Sr.; grandson-in-law of Leona Rowley and Gerda Kuper. He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many amazing friends. A private service will be held on the farm for immediate family and close friends. There will be a celebration of this amazing man on Saturday, Aug. 14 in the sunflower field, details to be announced. Donations in Matt’s memory can be made to Lymphoma Canada or to the education fund for his children. Even better, just live your life as Matt and Leona did: “Live loud and love wide!”
www.heritagefuneralhomes.ca