Mr. Lyle Matte

Dedicated to the person and memory of LYLE MATTE

October 12, 1966 - October 14, 2006

Lyle Matte had so many remarkable qualities. The first obvious one was his size. At well over six feet he towered over just about everyone, had to squeeze into cars, trucks and airplane, duck under doors and make all sorts of accomodation, which he did gladly. That tall stuatured man met an untimely end last week. In the weird reckoning of fate, the work of God or some supreme power - whatever we call it when we cannot explain irrational earthly events - the force and person of Lyle Matte was taken far, far too soon. The future he could have enjoyed with those he loved was coldly snatched away. Those who could have had the pleasure of his friendship will never know who he was. There was no justice in this, no defensible explanation and certainly, nearly no words that could even presume to be comforting. This simply isn't the way any life is supposed to go. Period.

In his life however, Lyle was big in countless unforgettable ways. He was a physically large person by birth but a massively wonderful person by nature. One could go on with the regular platitudes about how he was a dedicated husband, wonderful son, caring brother, faithful friend - and that's all entirely true and earnestly meant - but like those airplane seats, these descriptions are simply too insufficient and don't capture the grandeur and degree of Lyle's plentiful outstanding attributes.

For instance, Lyle had a gleaming, fast and unconditional smile. His generosity was large and legend. Those who knew Lyle would agree that it was very difficult to leave his home hungry. His colossal sense of hospitality and welcoming nature knew no bounds. Although he had no children of his own, he readily took a huge interest in the children of his extended family and friends, providing them with guidance, support and just plain fun. Lyle unselfishly wanted the best for others, in fact, he readily nurtured and facilitated it. Like all humans, Lyle did have some things in extremely short supply; things like envy, false pride and malice.

He just loved his work and cared tremendously about the quality of it. He was, in every sense, a man - a very monumentally consequential man - a person with a super-sized heart full of tender compassion; an over-sized hand always extended in kindness and ready to lend to those who needed it; his sense of fidelity to his high principles and those he cared about was unwavering and monstrous. To say they don't make them like Lyle anymore is really too mistaken. There is, was and always will be, only one. One irreplaceable Lyle Matte.

His absence leaves a wide-open emptiness for many. For some, an inconsolable sadness will be omnipresent for all time. In every way, Lyle was huge: a person of expansive empathy, abundant good character and voluminous, untiring love and open affection for the special people in his life.

Since the dark randomness of loss is familiar to many, some of you who may be reading this may not have known Lyle. But do know this, he was in every marvelous way the biggest person anyone could know.

In loving gratitude for Lyle's friendship - Joanne and Jerry van Kleef

MATTE, Lyle

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Lyle Matte, at the Greater Niagara General Hospital, on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at the age of 40. Cherished husband of Heather nee Copeland, for 12 years, devoted son of Wally and Kay , Niagara Falls, brother of Brian, St. Ann’s , dear brother-in-law of Ross Copeland, Niagara Falls, Linda Kenny (James) Bathurst, NB, Mark Copeland, Toronto, Lt. (N) Comm. Glenn Copeland (Lauren), Fall River, NS, and Robin Copeland, Hamilton, uncle of Heather Kenny, Bathurst, NB, Faye Kenny, Fredericton, NB, Haley and Emma Copeland, Fall River, NS, special nephew of Mel McGirr, Prince George, BC. and loving Godfather of Haley Copeland and Joshua Canali. Fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation to take place. The family will receive friends at Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel, 5176 Victoria Ave.,on Thursday, October 19, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will take place at Christ Church, 4750 Zimmerman Avenue, on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 2 p.m.. Private family interment will follow at a later date in Fairview Cemetery. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to Tender Wishes.