I was thinking about Matthew recently.  I was in a conversation with a group of people and everyone went around telling the name of a teacher they had really liked.  One young man said 'Mr Howe'.  I immediately thought it had to be Matthew and so when I could ask him later, he confirmed what an impact Matthew had on his life.  He so appreciated how Matthew helped him and encouraged him.  His legacy lives on in the lives of people he invested in - friends, family, students and colleagues.  He is still missed.  But, the memories are very precious.

Matthew, 
 I came across an old cassette tape of music you made for me long ago when I was going through a rough patch. It helped to heal my heart so long ago. Listening to it now, just brings tears to my eyes. Your voice was so beautiful & your message was even more powerful. I am sure many here still miss  your laughter, your wittiness & talent, but most of all, your music. I know the angles sing a little louder with a little more pizazz. Miss you💕

Matthew Howe was the most influential teacher I have had in my life which I think would hold true with several of his students. There was something about the passion and intent in which he lived his life that was unique and empowering. He held everyone to a high standard sometimes with his words but mostly through his actions in which he upheld contagious dedication and accountability. Not only did he make a harder worker but he made me a more sensitive and compassionate man, empowering me to express myself through music and acting. Whether it be performing the Black Orpheus drum solo or playing in A Chorus Line or just enduring 7am practice grind these band moments will always be some of my most fond memories of life and I am so glad I got to experience them with Matthew Howe. 

Mr. Howe was my band teacher and jazz band teacher for grade 7-10. I left PCS for about a 2 month period and I’ll never forget coming back and Mr. Howe stormed into my class so ecstatic about me being back. 

He had a grace and a godly character about him that proves to me he was for life throughout each of his days on this earth. He taught me to push through my life and become the best version of myself. He was a one of a kind teacher and one of God’s guiding lights.

I will never forget him and he will be in my heart always until the day I come up and personally see him in heaven.

- Lex Iwan

I am saddened to learn of Matthew Howe’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family. I first saw/ heard Matthew playing trumpet at First United Church in the 1970s. I was blessed to have Matthew as a student teacher at Mount Doug High School in the early 1980s for band class with Len Michaux. He always had a smile and was happy to be teaching. You are missed Matthew. 

Matthew had an energy and a force like no other person I have ever met. He lived life with vibrancy and enthusiasm. He had so much spirit within him that he was able to deeply touch the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself. I am forever grateful to Matthew for shining his light on us. Thank you, Mr. Howe. I will miss you so much.

It is always such a joy to see someone so successful in their own home town. Matthew's contribution to our musical life is way beyond success. We only knew each other professionally and had some interpretive differences but with honesty and trust the result was success. Again what is that word when we all celebrated the excitement he brought to every show. I was a bit disappointed to not see more of my instrumentalist colleagues at his memorial today. I'm sure though after covid is well gone we will all wonder how lucky we were to have him.

I am completely heartbroken.
We just spoke a few short weeks ago, hoping for our next Palm Springs reunion. A Matt & Carl cook-off. So much love! 
The last time I saw you we sang karaoke, because…Palm Springs and I will cherish these memories forever. 
I’m so grateful we got to exchange Christmas gifts one last time. You made the best cookies. 
You are the most generous and talented person I have ever known. 
You were such a special ray of sunshine in my life, more than a teacher, mentor, and dear friend. 
Your presence simply made me a better actor, singer, and human being.  
You made the world a better place and anyone who was lucky enough to know you is forever changed. 
I miss you.  
Love always xoxoxo

Matthew you were like a father to me. You helped me navigate the waters of my youth when I didn’t have any confidence in myself you were my friend. I remember the countless lunches and free blocks we spent chatting about life, music, plays and art. One of my favourite memories is spending time reading “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” reading each line as different characters, finding the nuances, discovering new things in every word. And really that’s what you did with people. At any moment you would drop what you are doing and spend some time discovering who ever was across from you who they really were. Finding the nuances in our character. I want to thank you for the music, thank you for the friendship, thank you for the mentorship and most of thank you for being the role model I needed in a time of my life  that I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through.  I truly don’t know where I would be without your presence in my life. 

- Chad Clarke aka The old Jew sitting on the bench, aka your friend Sue. 

Matthew,
The message I tried to leave was too long. Haha. I knew you’d appreciate that. So I’ve edited myself… for once. 
The void you have left is absolutely unmeasurable but I want to try not focus on the void. I want to focus on the gifts you gave this world every day you were here. 
For starters, I’ve never met a soul who could match your energy. You filled a room with fierce fire and you inspired and encouraged and pushed your friends, your colleagues and your students to take giant leaps and risks. You pushed me and I witnessed you do this to dozens of others. Your humour and your observations on the absurdity of human nature was a joy to witness. You loved to laugh and I LOVED to laugh with you. We will all miss the laughter you created
Your passion for theatre, for storytelling, for music drove you every day. Even in some of the hardest early stages of this fight you still refused to not find the energy for the arts. It was astounding. 
You just put on those bright coloured short shorts and runners and said, “Let’s do this! And a 5 6 7 8!” 
We had so much in common, but the biggest bond we shared was the respect and awe and friendship we had with our parents. We would often share how lucky we both were. How we “hit the jackpot in the parental unit lottery”
My heart has been aching for them since you left us. It has been aching for you because I know the last thing you would have wanted was to leave them. But, please know that we are here for them and they are surrounded by this massive group of humans that loved you dearly ,and in turn, love them deeply. 
 I want you to know that because of you and FOR you we will continue to fight for the best way to tell a story, that we will keep laughing til we pee our pants and we will keep telling grand stories with lots of big arms and big facial expressions about our friend, the one and only. Matthew Howe. Love you Bucky. 
The planet spins and the world goes round… 
Sara-Jeanne 

Matthew, I adored you so much. It has been many years since we sang together in a gospel group at Emmanuel Baptist Church, we were both so young. Your smile and wonderful petsonality were infectious. You were funny and kind and just beautiful. I am glad to have known you dear friend, We will sing together when I join you in heaven. 

I am so sorry to hear of Mathews passing. I was fortunate to be able to hire this incredible man at Claremont Secondary School. Not only was he an incredible teacher, but he and his colleague Sylvia Hosie were the inspiration to build the Ridge Playhouse. Mathew was outstanding in all of the arts. He could dance, sing, act and play numerous instruments along with having the ability to teach all of them. However, watching that creative brain think was electric. I could go on and on with larger-than-life Mathew Howe stories. Here are a few:
One time when we were with students in New York, as we turned a street corner Mathew said to one student “step out on the street, now dance a little. You’re dancing on Broadway”.
One time we were at Sardi’s on New Year’s Eve, when Mathew got up with his small coral group and started to perform to the celebrity studded crowd. It so impressed Vince Sardi that he paid for all of our meals, which made headlines from as far away as Germany.
One time he and his little coral group got caught singing on Seventh Avenue by the late Silver Friedman. On the spot we were invited into the New York Comedy Club and his group closed out the evening show.
Of all the incredible shows Mathew did at the Ridge Playhouse, the one that I remember the most was Will Rogers Follies. I saw the production on Broadway and Mark Coneys saw it in London, and we both thought Mathew’s production was as good or better. Somehow Mathew managed to find the real Will Roger’s great niece in Washington State and invite her to the performance, where she cried through the whole thing.
Mathew was larger than life itself, but he also had a strong moral compass and passed that to his students. 
Mathew Howe was a great man, and the world will miss him.
John Pringle

I am sad to read of Matthew’s passing. I had the honour to cover for him at PCS three years ago as he took medical leave. He was beloved and respected by his students and he will be greatly missed. 
Laura A

Mathew was my high school drama teacher at Claremont High in the early 90’s. Drama and art class were places I felt I belonged. As a teenager there were few places that felt welcoming let alone joyful, challenging, inclusive, and interesting. Mathew’s joy was infectious and while his classes were fun they also provided opportunities for me to stretch beyond my understandings of myself in the world through performance. How thankful I am to have had these times and carry these memories. With condolences to the family for their loss, Sincerely, Cheryl (Clegg) Cameron

Mathew was an amazing friend , and was a great  inspiración for me and my sister Nicole.
We worked together with him for. many summers at Butchard  Gardens.
Such happy  memories❤️
So many people loved him.
He touched  the lives of so many of  us.
Sending love to his amazing parents.
Thinking of you 🌸
Kim Martin 
.



My husband, Jason Hobson, and I learned of Mathew’s passing earlier this week. We are so saddened by his sudden passing and feel the loss deeply. We both attended Claremont and met through the shows that Mathew so wonderfully orchestrated at the Ridge Theatre. I performed in a handful of plays (Beau Jest, Lost in Yonkers, Steel Magnolias) and musicals and Jason was the pianist for several shows (Guys and Dolls, Roger’s Follies) during our time there. Dennis and I spent many hours building sets together. We fondly remember those times and are grateful for them. 
Personally, Mathew taught me a lot while I was at Claremont through the drama classes and the amazing experiences, he so painstakingly choreographed and directed. He taught me dedication and hard work through the endless hours of practice; he instilled confidence and taught me how to get on the stage and perform; and how to work together as a team. These are skills that have carried me through my career; although, not in theatre. Life skills. Mathew was a perfectionist and demanded excellence. His personality and the light it gave was larger than life and could fill up a room. He had endless energy and time for everyone and anyone. I will always affectionately remember him zipping around the school in his shorts no matter the time of year.  
Just a month ago, we were in New York watching a show on Broadway. We were reminiscing about Mathew and what he gave to us, the other students and families, and the faculty at Claremont. He created a community and a sense of belonging. We hope that our three daughters will be so lucky to share some of those same experiences once they enter high school. 
Mathew, I am so sorry we did not keep in touch over the years. I wish I could have told you in person the impact you had on our lives. I hope by sharing this, Dennis and Helen will be reminded again how wonderful you were and how missed you will be. We will remember you always. Love, Kamini Hitkari 

I have already submitted a tribute to Matthew, but I just wanted to add some photos of him singing & dancing with the students at Claremont High School.  Helen & Dennis have likely never seen them before now.


I feel so lucky to have had Matthew as a teacher, mentor and director. His passion for the theatre was contagious and he created an atmosphere that was joyful and fun but at the same time focused and respectful of the work. He believed in us even when we didn't believe in ourselves and pushed us to achieve more than we ever could have imagined. As I work towards becoming a teacher myself I know I will always be asking myself "What would Matthew do?" 

Thank you Matthew, for everything. 

I  would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the wonderful parents of Matthew, Uncle Dennis and Auntie Helen for their loss.
On the only few times I have been in their  company I was taken by the outpouring of love and happiness shown by them towards Matthew along with their very proud feelings of the many fantastic accomplishments during his life. He was taken away all too soon however I know you both will have many great memories to comfort you in the future.
All our love and best wishes
Barry and Lorie  Scott


Matthew had that rare gift of making one feel they were a better person, just by virtue of being in his presence.  His wit, easy smile, passion and love of all things theatrical are an inspiration to so many.  I remember Butchart Gardens and other times spent together with great fondness.  He made me laugh!  I haven’t seen him in many years, but you never forget a spirit like his.  

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Howe - I'm sitting in my hotel room in India on a mission trip, but I so wish I was there to give you a hug. I don't know if you have access to Facebook, but I posted a few thoughts there yesterday. You know know how important Matt was to me, and even though it has been many years since we were all together, I treasure every memory. Praying for you in these difficult days and sending all the love I can on behalf of myself, Becky, and the girls.



This man. I am still at a loss for words. I have known and loved Matthew since the early 80’s when we both worked summer jobs with the government. Every day at lunch Matthew would read us the beautiful note his mom had slipped into his lunch bag, and we all wished we had a mom just like her! Matthew’s parents were everything to him, and I know it was mutual. A true house of love. I was blessed to work with him many other times over the years as a teaching and performing colleague.
I find it hard to imagine the world going on without his bright light shining to guide our way. Over the weekend I read so many wonderful, heartfelt messages of how Matthew touched so many, and changed their lives for the better, and I realize his light continues to shine in all of us who have had the good fortune to be his friend, student or colleague. I know Matthew’s deep and abiding Faith informed who he was, and how he lived his life. If there is such a thing as an angel choir, he will have them singing like they have never sung before. Rest well, dear friend. Your passion, love, integrity and humour live on.❤️

Matthew is one of those people that you only come across once in your lifetime.  His enthusiasm for life hit you in the face at your first meeting.  One of my favorite memories was singing with him at a Valentine’s banquet at TFC.  His creativity was enough for the both of us and his generosity of all types made everything fun. I am sure that our Savior met him with a hearty “Well done!”.

Like everyone else, I’m reeling at the news of Matthew’s passing. The beautiful tributes pouring in are such a testament to how far Matthew’s influence reached … students, colleagues and friends all greatly touched and inspired by him. 

An artistic genius, brilliant educator and lovely soul, I will always cherish our friendship.

Rest In Peace, Matthew 💜 You made a difference and will never be forgotten.

Love Heidi Benetti (Vanden-Bulck)

What an incredible human being. So much passion and talent and kindness. I feel so lucky for having known Matthew in so many different facets. Watching him perform, learning from him as a drama teacher, an aerobics instructor and just his kindness made me a better person. His passionate spirit, his guidance, his love…so many lessons he taught every single person he interacted with. And always with love. Thank you for always bringing out the best in people.
“Good night, sweet Prince and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” You will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pia

No words can describe how the friends, colleagues & students are feeling over the loss of this inspiring, fun loving, creative, hugely talented man.  When he entered a room, Matthew Howe brought with him shining light, positive energy, joy, enthusiasm & humor.  Working with him over many years, I watched him motivate students & adults to truly develop a passion for the theatre & the arts; to love life and live it to the fullest; and to always give it more than 100%. 
Farewell, dear friend - Sylvia Hosie  

Matthew is a HUGE part of me!  I’m SO grateful for having him in my life!
I will NEVER forget him - for his love, camaraderie, motivational skills as an educator, his mega and unbelievable talent, love of his wonderful Parents, Denis and Helen; JUST HIM and our bond…
Whether at Music Education class at UVIC, during our many shows there; Fitness excursions and classes at Fitco and Club Phoenix; his teaching at BroadStreet Dance; “Stepping Out”; teaching together at CCPA; our shared love of suntanning; and everything Broadway; and, of course, Helen and Denis! ❤️
Matthew was ‘one in a hundred thousand million!!! ‘
As Dale MacIntosh once said when we were grading our ‘first-year student’, Matthew Howe,  “Matthew is the only one in the room WITHOUT a handicap!”
We were devoted friends, and I loved him!❤️ 
RIP ‘Matthew Howe’, rest awhile now…before the ‘kickline finale in Heaven…
Much love, 
Sherry (Black) and Tom and Nicole

While I have not lived in Victoria for some decades, the talent and graciousness of Matthew has  stayed with me for a lifetime. He was an inspirational individual and, while I am saddened to hear of his early passing, I am deeply grateful for the interaction I had with him in the late 1970’s. . With interest I watched his outstanding career. My condolences to his family. 

I met Mr.Howe in my grade 11’s music class. I was inspired by his passion toward music. He was a kind, wise and lovey person. You will be missed.

Matthew brought so much joy to our family and his passion for music, teaching, and theatre forever changed the lives of my children and my family.  He will never be forgotten, and we will always cherish the memories he's been a part of.  Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and those he leaves behind.  Cindy, Daniela, and Roko Sr. and Jr. Nikolic.  

Helen and Dennis,
I was fortunate enough to have met Matthew years ago through Sandy Webster Worthy when we were involved in Four Season’s musicals. After we worked together, my parents arranged for him to sing at my sister’s wedding. He was a UVic student at the time, and I was 17. He became a family friend quickly and my family followed his various escapades over the years. I remember how happy we were in the dance community when we heard he was returning to Victoria after spending some time away. Sherry Black, who I taught for at the time, was over the moon! The last musical I performed in was The Will Roger’s Follies with VOS. He was my director/choreographer. I was 40 and he called me “seasoned”.  We had many laughs…
He was a beautiful human. I am grateful to have known him. He taught me many things - too many to list! Most importantly, he honoured hard work, family, friendships and truth. He gave the people he worked with his entire self. He brought out talents in people they didn’t even know they had. He was a master at understanding text and had a knack for driving home what needed to be said. He did everything with class. He was a lovely, lovely person and I will miss him, like so many. 
Thank you for gifting us such a truly wonderful man. 
Sending much love and healing to you both,
Lynn Stevens xo

Matthew would come into the office every morning and would sing my name in various musical styles. His smile, his joy, his dedication to to his students and the love he felt for his parents was something to behold. He will be missed.
Maureen Bothwell, England

Matthew Howe,

What can one say about such an amazing man. Matthew left a remarkable impression on everyone who met along his journey. There was so much energy, love, knowledge, challenge, wisdom, & so much more he channelled into all who crossed paths with him. It seems quite evident among his many gifts, that he had the ability to see the raw potential in his students & develop that into something amazing. Anyone whom he taught in the arts, gravitated to him and pushed themselves through his guidance into new & exciting heights. His energy, passion, & enthusiasm were contagious. His vision, his attention to detail, & God given ability to be the maestro with  calm & precision. He valued the effort needed to get the results, you had to put the work in. He knew how to challenge & motivate his students to be their best. He was a great man, a loving person, a kind soul, a teacher, and so much more to many. May his memory be eternal. Rest In Peace Matthew Howe, love Dimitri adamopoulos

When I heard the news on Friday of Matthew’s passing, I was sad beyond words for myself, for him & his parents. My first thought, “Why...why this good man Lord?” I know Gods purpose is not always clear, but selfishly, I wanted answers,  
I spent my weekend looking through old photo albums. So many  good memories shared with Matthew & his parents (New York, birthday, plays, & life in general).
 I am beyond blessed to have known Matthew.  I’d like to thank his parents for raising such a wonderful human being. He was ray of sunshine in a sometimes very dark world. When I think of Matthew, the words that come to mind are fun, adventurous, laughter, love, kindest & faith. 
To say he’ll be missed, is an understatement. 
The world will never be the same because of the beautiful difference one life, Matthew’s  life, has made. 
If we close our eyes, & listen carefully, we will hear the angles in Heaven  singing with a little more love as their new choir director has arrived. 

So many wonderful memories! As my heart breaks I try to think of all of the wonderful memories and happy times. Your smile always lit up a room. Everything you touched turned to gold. To say you were multi-talented is such an understatement. 
Thank you for being my long-time friend, colleague, confidante, and amazing role model in life, and such a beautiful human. 

Heaven gained a beautiful angel. xox
 Lots of love, Kindra 
xoxo

So sorry to hear of Matthew's sudden passing. So much talent and knowledge gone in an instant. I haven't seen "Mr. Howe" since being a student of his over 20 years ago at Claremont Secondary, but the awesome memories of the shows we did together will last a lifetime. As a director he got the best out of everyone. As a performer he was an elite "triple threat" who could sing, dance and act. An amazing piano player too! All the more impressive considering his disability. I've included a photo of a blurb he wrote for a Guys and Dolls show we did at Claremont in 1994, which sold out it's entire run! Rest in Peace Matthew, wish we could have done one more!

I was so very sorry to hear this news about Matthew. He was a true ray of light leading us all on to better things. Our three years together singing and dancing at the Butchart Gardens remain some of my fondest memories. And then we teamed up for a moment in hopes of being a singing duo! The farthest we got though was the Miss North Vancouver Island Beauty Pageant! But we were good!! He made me understand what it was to truly shine on stage! And we also were bouncers at the Alhambra Club on Govt. St. for a summer.... and he did get me up doing aerobics for my one and only time! We had many adventures together in those early days. Dance on Matthew. You will be missed very much. And sending deep condolences to the Howe family. 

 Matthew was a profound inspiration to decades of young musicians and to anyone who knew him even a little bit. It was so life affirming to be around Matthew. I fondly remember aerobics classes in (I guess it was) the late 80’s with him as the inexhaustable, dynamic teacher. He lifted the spirits of many: he had that rare gift that you could just think about him and be cheered, uplifted. Matthew has made a difference upon this earth. Deep condolences to all of the Howe family.

Matthew has left an incredible impact on my life and every student he encountered. His genuine, kind soul made you feel safe, seen, heard and expressed. He saw the greatness in his students when they didn’t see it in themselves. He will forever hold the most special place in my heart. Grateful to have known him. 

Dear Howe Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Howe was my drama/musical theatre teacher in Claremont Secondary School from 1995-1998. Many of my fond memories of high school involved him.  I remember trying out for the Christmas musical in 1998. I was so scared and I did a terrible job of singing because I was so nervous. He could tell from my face how much I wanted this and he let me join the ensemble. It was the highlight of my year and greatly increased my confidence. I will always be grateful to him for giving me that chance and to help shape me for the future.   I am thankful for the joy and incredible memories he brought to my high school years. Thank you Mr Howe, your wonderful smile,  incredible ability to inspire confidence and endless energetic personality will be greatly missed.


With deepest sympathy,

Sharon Armstrong

Matthew was a wonderful teacher... He taught me Choir and Musical Theatre at Oak Bay High from 1985-1988.
I will always have fond memories of his energy and creativity... As it was boundless. Such an amazing talent and mentor. 

OBITUARY

Matthew Dennis Howe

September 17, 1961 – June 2, 2022

First Memorial Funeral Services & Garden of Memories

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