Richard Laurence Matte
July 24, 1942 – August 6, 2021
After a long and valiant battle with multiple cancers, Richard Laurence Matte passed peacefully on Friday, August 6th at Health Sciences North. He was 79. Born in Sudbury ON, Richard was pre-deceased by his parents, Ernest and Lucienne (Lalonde) Matte. Lovingly remembered by his brothers, Denis Matte (Eleanor) of Orangeville, Harold Matte (Julie) of Lakefield and sister Ann Matte of Sudbury. Cherished uncle to Christopher (Robin), Anthony (Amanda) and Barrie (Naomi), and Paul (Erin), Neil (Tracy) and Jennifer (Bill). He may have been an uncle on the family tree, but Richard took on the role of second father to David (Karen) and Stephanie. Beloved “Uncle Ricky” to their children, Jade (Justin) and baby Hudson, Riley, and his princesses, MacKenzy and Mikayla. A confirmed life-long bachelor, Richard was a true patriarch, who took great interest and pride in both his sibling’s accomplishments and his nieces and nephews’ various adventures. Whether it was sporting events, card games around the table, a picnic lunch, or a BBQ at his Long Lake camp, he was happiest when ‘holding court,’ surrounded by friends and family. An Inspector with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Richard enriched his working life with volunteerism, giving back to his community through the Sudbury Lion’s Club. Favourite activities were distributing Christmas gifts to area children and the annual Casino Night at the Caruso Club. His proudest moment came just last week when he was awarded a Life Membership with the International Association of Lions Clubs. Richard enjoyed curling and was a diehard Blue Jays fan. He never missed an opportunity to amuse his nieces and nephews, whether it was breaking into song in the middle of a shopping trip or ‘activating’ his collection of motion-activated singing toys. When his mother Lucienne became ill, Richard focused his attention on her, and was a loving, live-in caregiver for over 10 years. Fiercely independent (some would call it stubborn), Richard lived his life on his own terms. He faced his cancer battle head-on, buoyed by the love and support of his dear friends, Sylvie (‘thump thump’), Danny, Michael, Peter, and Daniel. The Matte family would like to thank the caring and compassionate health care workers involved in Richard’s care – PSWs Ryan and Chris, Nurse Stacey, and Drs. Witkowski, Faulk, Young, Linford and Saunders. As per Richard’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. Donations to the Sudbury Lion’s Club or Northern Cancer Foundation.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Richard Matte 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario