Stephan (Steve) Frank Matusch, age 52, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, March 11, 2020 in Sudbury, Ontario. Born November 18, 1967, Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 1991, and an MBA from Wilfred Laurier University in 1992. While attending the University of Waterloo, Steve met his best friend and future wife, Christina. Upon graduation, Steve began his career at Linamar and quickly moved up the ranks. Steve and Christina moved back to his hometown of Sudbury in 1995. Within two years, he started Vismat Systems, which quickly led to Ionic Engineering, and the Ionic Technology Group, which employs more than 120 people in Sudbury, Cambridge, and Chile. There were many sleepless nights, but also many fun and interesting projects. Steve’s passion and creativity were key to the companies’ success. Steve was very intelligent, enthusiastic, and energetic. He was passionate about science and technology and had a lifelong love for learning. He was an early adopter of technology, and he could often be found in his garage building a wide variety of contraptions.
Steve was an adrenaline junkie who thrived on downhill skiing, whitewater kayaking, hang gliding, skydiving, flying planes, motorcycles, long-distance bike trips, marathons, and triathlons (including an Ironman in 2004). Steve founded the Sudbury Rocks! Marathon in 2005, and worked tirelessly with others to turn it into the successful community event that it is today. He was an entrepreneur, an athlete, and a traveler, but above all, he was a loving husband and father. Steve’s greatest joy was his children. He actively supported their many passions, including science fair, dance, and music. He spent hours and hours going for walks and pondering the universe with Brendon; he relished the moments he spent with “his sunshine”, Annika. His greatest regret was that he wouldn’t see his children grow into adulthood.
Steve developed primary sclerosing cholangitis, which led to a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer in 2018. Thanks to the wonderful team at UHN in Toronto, and his awesome brother-in-law and donor, Monty Gillard, Steve was fortunate to receive a liver transplant in September 2019. Sadly, the cancer returned in late 2019 and spread quickly. Steve’s life was much shorter than we would have liked, but he lived it fully.
Steve was the beloved husband and best friend of Christina Visser; adored father of Brendon and Annika Matusch; devoted son of Peter and Rena Matusch; cherished brother of Tammy Gillard (Monty), and Ryan Matusch (Christine Adornato). He will be fondly remembered by Christina’s parents Tony and Erma Visser, and her siblings Pat Visser (Suzanne Zehr), Cindy Visser, and Linda Visser (Jerome Bishop). He was also the goofy uncle of Alex, Andrew, Piper, Petra, Sam, Crosby and Felicity. Steve will be sadly missed by many wonderful friends, relatives, and cherished colleagues.
Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Northern Cancer Foundation and the Health Sciences North MRI Campaign would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stephan Matusch Wednesday March 11th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario