Matthew "Matt" Wake

He was surrounded by the team on the T-Wing (Transitional Unit) who had cared for him (and about him) since he moved there earlier this year. The team at St. Luke’s Place – Rebecca, Vanessa and Deedra shared that Matthew was loved by all the staff on the transition unit and was always willing to share a laugh and smile with staff and residents.

Matthew was born in Sunderland England on February 4, 1935, son of Elizabeth (Betty) and Matthew and had a brother Douglas (now deceased) who was 4 years younger. For most of his childhood the family lived in Gillingham, Kent in England. Matthew was a talented boy soprano (tenor) in his childhood and sang to navy wardrooms (troops) in wartime England, including to King George on one occasion, and he also sang at Westminster Abbey on 23rd October 1948 at a festival service for choirboys. He loved to play the piano and his daughters have memories of him playing his favourite piece ‘Moonlight Sonata’ and also ‘the Dream of Olwen’ on the piano at their grandparents’ house.

As a keen soccer player Matt had trials for West Ham, but his father didn’t allow him to continue as he had to take up his apprenticeship at Chatham Dockyard, deferring his national service until he had completed this. He attended a gymnastics club where he met his first wife Dinah, who he married on 16th June 1956 before starting his national service in September 1956, coming home for weekends on his lambretta!

He was the proud father of two daughters, Melanie and Tina, both who reside in England with their families. His first wife Dinah remembers him carrying each baby up the High Street in Gillingham showing them off to everyone out shopping. Matt took over the family business selling coal when Dinah’s father passed away with Dinah’s brother Patrick until Patrick and his wife emigrated to New Zealand in 1962, when he had a shop selling paint and wallpaper for a short time, and then trained to be a prison officer working at Rochester Borstal. Mel has memories of playing badminton together in the borstal gymnasium where Matt beat her – it was always a standing joke that Matt never got the Mars Bar they wagered!

Matthew’s first marriage ended in 1972 and he married Josephine (deceased Dec. 16, 2020) later that year on 26th September. They emigrated to Canada in 1974, settling in Cambridge, Ontario and enjoyed travelling around Canada and exploring their new home. They spent several years in North Carolina with their boat and made numerous lifelong friends there, who all miss them both dearly. They returned to Kitchener, Ontario where they remained. Mel and Tina both came to Florida in the 1980’s and 90’s where the families met up on a few occasions for some memorable times and they also spent some time at Matt and Jo’s house in North Carolina.

Matt was always athletic and kept in top form, whether it was soccer, gymnastics, scuba diving, bowling, or golf; the active and healthy life always held a special place for him. Matt and Jo were actively engaged in numerous bowling leagues over the years – a Monday night League at Playfair Bowl in Cambridge, and later the Golden Age Bowling Club. They also joined a travelling league and a senior league where they continued to bowl until their health challenges became too great. The friendships they made with the other players lasted the rest of their lives.

Matt is remembered for his powerful love for his family, his amazing sense of humour, his kind and gentle soul as well as his ability and willingness to share laughter, stories, a good meal and a great glass of wine.

Matthew is survived by his two beloved daughters Melanie (Kevin) Kirk and Tina (Mike) Woodcock, his grandchildren James (Sam) Kirk, Gary (Vicky) Kirk, Tom (Emily) Woodcock, Ben (Louisa) Woodcock, and Beth (Tony) Heathfield, great grandchildren Logan Busby, Nieve Busby-Kirk, Cassie and Oliver Woodcock, nephews John, Tony, Mark and Carl and niece Dionne.

Matthew’s life was full of love and laughter, and even when Alzheimer’s tried to dampen his spirit, he was quick with his wit to the end. His love for Jo was undeniable even in his final moments.

As per Matt’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke’s Place T Wing, the World Wildlife Federation or your local animal shelter would be appreciated.

Go well Matt, you are loved.