Obituary of Matthew Peter May

Matthew (Matt) Peter May was called home by the Lord, early in the morning of March 15, 2023- his death was peaceful.

He had just recently returned from a three-month period at the Strathroy Hospital and he was anxious to again see his roommates Peter and Ron, in their shared Gilzean co-op unit.

Matt was born, December 22, 1944, in London and was predeceased by his parents Janette R May, James Owen Meyers, brother William Southern and sister Ellen Southern.

He is survived by his soulmate Bonnie Munroe, his cousin Gary May (Judy) and aunt Joanne May

Matt’s early years had not been easy. He experienced significant birth related issues and did not have a stable and supportive home life. As a result, Matt lived in institutional settings for much of his adolescent and young adult years, eventually moving to Strathroy where he was supported by Middlesex Community Living.

Matt was a truly amazing person with an insatiable joy of life and an ability to bring a smile to the face of everyone he met. To share time with Matt was to experience a celebration, be it a meal at Amy’s- his favourite restaurant, one of his famous birthday parties or a simple coffee at Tim’s- Matt knew how to have a good time and he drew everyone into the celebration.

He was deeply compassionate and curious about his friends lives, always expressing gratitude for the kindness and support he received and he was very generous in giving gifts- that was just who Matt was. Phone calls were a frequent way for Matt to stay in touch with his friends and he typically started with   “I have something to tell you” This ‘something’ was frequently how deeply he cared for Bonnie Munro and that they had shared rings together- Bonnie played a big part in Matt’s life.

Matt was a very busy guy. He travelled to the Grand Old Opry, attended The Price is Right, fished on his cousin’s boat, saw Shania Twain sing- he liked her, sang in choirs at the Strathroy United Church, volunteered at The Bethel Baptist Church’s Clothesline program and attended the Day Program at the  VON.

Oh, and Matt liked to sing, whether it was a spontaneous singing of the Lord’s Prayer at Amy’s restaurant or yodeling at the Strathroy Hospital or home. Then there was Matt’s contagious laughing- he was fun to be around.

Memorial services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Strathroy on  Thursday March 30^th at 11 AM

The cremation has occurred and Matt’s remains will be buried at Woodland Cemetery (London) at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to VON Strathroy

Matt will be truly missed