Mathew Daryl was born at Saugeen Memorial Hospital in Southampton on Friday, February 13, 1981. His arrival was greeted with enthusiasm by his parents, Raymond and Anna (Gelyk) Hodge, along with older siblings Andrew (1970), Michael (1972) and Corinna (1973). Mathew and his family lived on River Street in Tara.
As soon as he was old enough, Mathew could often be found fishing across the street on the banks of the Sauble River. He was a voracious reader from an early age and these activities early in life continued throughout. Sitting peacefully, enjoying a book or fishing were a few of the things he enjoyed the most. Mathew attended Arran-Tara Elementary School. He enjoyed swimming, playing soccer as a child as well as curling. He also had fond memories of scouting and especially enjoyed the camping trips to Big Bay and winter camping in Harrison Park. Among other things, he did volunteer work with the women’s institute craft and hobby fair, helping with everything from marking floors to cleaning-up.
In high school, his love for computers was ignited when he had the chance to do a co-op program at local computer shops in Chesley. Mathew was accepted to Humber College in Toronto and completed a semester and a half in computer programming. He ultimately came home to Tara for a short while and worked at some odd jobs such as roofing and pest control. During that time, he was also able to truly enjoy being an uncle to Justin and Samantha. When the chance to work with his brother Mike at Cappco in Smithville came along, he went for it like a shot. He stayed at Mike’s for a while and had more time to spend with his other nephew, Cole. Mat then took the opportunities that were offered to him and became a ticketed welder and he stayed at Cappco until they closed in 2019.
He enjoyed his time off, until he found a new job at an Amazon fulfillment centre in Hamilton. This was a job that Mathew truly thrived at, even though he worked from 6 in the evening to 4 in the morning. The three-day weekends suited him just fine though. Throughout the years, he helped all of us in many ways, with computers, home improvements, rides. If you needed him, he was the first to say “will do” or “yep, I’ll be there.”
During the years when he was home with just his parents, Mathew and Ray liked to spend a lot of time watching the Leafs on TV. When hockey season was over, they went back to Saturday Night at the Movies on TVO (which Mom was grateful for because it was much quieter) They also enjoyed building Mat’s collections of comic books, and baseball and hockey cards.
Many people will remember Mat for many other things, but some things were pretty constant. He always wore a ball cap, almost always had a coffee in hand and would never say no to seconds. We never had pie leftover for too long or anything else for that matter. He used to say he would eat it to save it. He had an infectious laugh that no one could resist joining in with.
Mathew’s personality can be summed up in a quote from Rudyard Kipling
“I am the cat that walks by himself, and all places are alike to me. I will not come.”
It is with utmost sadness that we say goodbye to Mathew. He passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 3,2024, having just turned 43. He was the beloved son of Anna Hodge of Port Elgin, Loving brother of Andrew, Michael (Brenda Armes), all of Caistor Centre, and Corinna Hodge (Brad Clark) of Dobbinton. Mathew was the cherished uncle of Cole, Justin and Samantha and will be dearly missed by the entire Hodge and Gelyk families. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond (2017), infant niece, Stefanie Clark (1995), grandparents Joseph and Lillian “Florence” (Herbert) Hodge and Frank and Anne Gelyk.
An informal, celebration of Mathew’s life will be held at Tara Legion on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Interment in Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Port Elgin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank or The Kidney Foundation of Canada as an expression of sympathy.
So sorry to hear of your sons passing Keep his memories no one can take them away
My deepest sympathy to Mathew’s family members.
I am grateful to have had the privilege of being a friend of Mathew, and having the opportunity to work with him at Amazon. It was always great to have him as part of our team. His contribution was significant.
Everyone at Amazon respected Mathew very highly, and he is dearly missed by all of us.
He was a genuinely nice man, very polite, very friendly, and an excellent hard worker. I wish him the very best on his new journey, and I hope we meet again.
Such a heartbreaking time, Anna. Thinking of you and your family, who will be missing your son Mat so much.
Anna, Our sincere sympathy to you & family, at this difficult time.
I worked with this man for a bit. He always had a nod and a cap tip for everyone. He was extremely polite and always had a warm word. He will be missed at Amazon, condolences to the family.
Our deepest sympathy our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dear Aunt Anna and family,
Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Matthew’s passing. Extending our heartfelt condolences and sending you much love, prayers, and strength during this very difficult time.
Teresa & Steve
The Hodge and Gelyk families have another Angel looking out for us. Mat will be missed by all of us.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. wishing you peace and comfort.
To the Hodge family. Our deepest sympathy of the passing of Mathew, it hit us very hard here, we will miss him, he was always here and had a smile on his face and a coffee in his hand! He will most definitely be missed by his peers here at Amazon. Your in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mathew. He was a kind , hard working co worker. Amazon was truly blessed to know him.
Receive will not be the same without him
Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all….
It is hard to find words to describe feelings of losing a family member who held a very dear spot in your heart. My nephew Mathew will never be forgotten by his Aunt Carleen for his many kind ways & love of laughter ! Rest In Peace now Mathew in the arms of our Lord . You planted a seed of love in our hearts when you were born that will never ever be forgotten. Sending much love to Anna & all the family. Xo
Anna and Family
Sending my condolences. You are in my thoughts.
So sorry to hear of Mathew’s sudden passing.Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Anna, Andrew and family. Please accept my sincere
condolences in the passing of your beloved son and brother Matthew.
So sorry to hear of Mathew’s untimely passing. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
So sorry for your loss Anna and family. Was very shocked when Brad told me of his passing, way too young! Matt was such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. ♥️
Anna and family, we are so sorry for your loss, Mathew was much too young. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Carol and Jack Patterson
We’re so sorry to hear of Mathew’s passing!
Think of the family at this sad time.
Keep your memories of Mathew close to your hearts and he’ll never be far away!
Guy Helwig and Tracey Bookham-Smith
My sincerest condolences.
brenda ,Joanne, and norm .Are so very sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing .Our condolences to Aunt anna and Andy, Michael,and corrina
Our family is so sorry to hear of Mathew passing and extend our deepest sympathy to all. He will be deeply missed.
Dear Anna and family, our sincere sympathy in the passing of your son, Matt.
Our Deepest Condolences to the Gelyk & Hodge families.
I knew Mat many years ago here in Chesley when he was still in high school. We had some good times but sadly lost touch over a “disagreement” . I always missed him and I am sad to hear of his passing. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends especially Corrina…Corrina, I knew your brother in the days of his really long hair, he used to let me brush it loi. May his soul be at peace and peace to all who knew him. Thank you for the good times Hodge……May you rest in peace..
So sorry for your families loss, sending thoughts and prayers