Kelly John Matiowsky

Kelly Matiowsky, aged 54, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, surrounded by love after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, on April 3, 1972, to Buck and Ann Matiowsky.

Kelly was a gentle soul with a kind and thoughtful heart. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and he carried that same warmth into every workplace and every relationship he built throughout his career in the hospitality industry. People were drawn to Kelly because he was genuine. The relationships he formed with customers often grew into lasting friendships. He was, quite simply, the ultimate example of a nice guy — the person who would notice when someone needed help and be the first to step forward.

Kelly was a man of character. He took great pride in his work and was someone others could always count on. Loyal, dependable and true to his word, he honoured his commitments even when doing so meant making personal sacrifices. He worked hard and gave generously of himself, but he also knew how to enjoy life and made time for the many activities and interests that brought him happiness.

Hockey was a lifelong passion. Kelly played throughout his life and, along the way, also enjoyed refereeing, coaching and managing teams. He loved being part of the game and the community that came with it. He treasured fishing trips, loved golf, and was an enthusiastic fan of many different sports. He followed league play and playoffs closely and seemed to have an endless supply of statistics, scores and facts at his fingertips. If there was a number to know, Kelly probably knew it.

Kelly met his wife, Iona, in Burnaby, British Columbia, through the Firefighter Club. They married in August 2014 and began building a life together filled with family, love and shared experiences. In 2019, they made the move to Langley, choosing to be closer to family because family was so important to them. His mother, Ann, and his brother Pat and sister-in-law Coral were especially delighted to have Kelly and Iona make their home in the same neighbourhood.

Kelly's career in hospitality began when he was just a teenager, working in the family business. His early years included the Gimli Training Centre, followed by increasing responsibilities with the Hnausa and CN Training Centres and the Aspen Lodge Banquet Hall. Even before the age of 20, Kelly had already developed the confidence, skills and calm presence of a seasoned manager.

In 1995, Kelly joined the Burnaby Firefighters Club as a Food & Beverage Manager. He quickly proved himself to be an outstanding addition to the organization and, in time, was promoted to General Manager. He took great pride in the role and in the people he worked alongside, leading the organization until 2021.

Kelly's next career chapter brought him to Match Eatery & Public House in Delta, British Columbia. Although the longer commute and the demands of raising his two children, Sophia and Xander, presented new challenges, Kelly was excited about the opportunity to join a larger organization. He embraced the chance to learn, grow and continue developing professionally, always approaching his work with the same dedication and enthusiasm that had defined his career from the beginning.

But for all of Kelly's accomplishments and interests, family was always the most important thing in his life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring son and brother, and a loyal friend. The people he loved knew they could count on him — not just in the good times, but whenever they needed someone by their side.

Kelly will be deeply missed by his wife, Iona; his daughter, Sophia; his son, Xander; his brother, Pat; his sister-in-law, Coral; and his extended family and many dear friends.

Those who knew Kelly will remember his kindness, his quiet strength, his loyalty and his genuine nature. They will remember his sense of responsibility, his love of sports, his passion for hockey and fishing, and the countless ways he showed up for the people around him. Most of all, they will remember a truly good man who made the lives of those around him a little better simply by being there.

We take comfort in knowing that Kelly left this life peacefully and was ready to rest when God called him home.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the teams at BC Cancer Care and Fraser Health Home & Community Care for the compassion, care and support they provided to Kelly and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kelly's memory are graciously suggested to the BC Cancer Foundation.

A viewing will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (20676 Fraser Hwy, Langley) on Saturday, August 29, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served in the church hall immediately following the service.

Kelly, you will be missed more than words can say, and you will be loved and remembered always.