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MATTHEW MICHAEL RYGIEL
Born: Sep 20, 1986
Date of Passing: Oct 25, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMATTHEW MICHAEL RYGIEL It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we are announcing the passing of Matthew Michael Rygiel. Our Matt (Tushi, Matty) has left us much too soon. Matthew passed away at home early Saturday morning, October 25, 2014, after battling skin cancer like a champion. Born September 20, 1986, Matthew was born with a rare genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa and even though every day activities were so painful, you wouldn't meet a more positive and outgoing person. Matthew first started to make people smile in Kindergarten at Florence Nightingale School, where he made lifelong friends. His favourite super hero was Spiderman and even as an adult, wore his Spiderman costume with sewn-in muscles. Matthew attended Junior High School at Andrew Mynarski and then high school at Sisler. School was difficult for Matthew but he tried so hard. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a major in English, from the University of Winnipeg and surprised us all by joining a fraternity, Delta Upsilon. His brothers from DU made him feel so accepted and welcome, he loved hanging out with them. Even with his very limited ability to use his hands, he was an accomplished origami master and even learned how to drive. He cruised around with his Mini Cooper all over Winnipeg. He was so popular, always willing to attend an event (sometimes even organizing them himself). He was an active member of Toastmasters and Young Professionals, as well as an accomplished public speaker and comedian. Under the stage name "Matty Rage" being a comedian was a lifelong dream for Matthew. He made people laugh in Winnipeg and Toronto. He loved to visit his sister Marge all over Canada and his most favourite place was Las Vegas. His last trip was to Vancouver where he sat on the beach with his nephew Robert, telling him the ways of life. Our last time together, before he got really sick, was at our family cottage in Kenora where Matthew helped Robert to learn how to walk. He was a good man, an extraordinary brother, a wonderful son and an awesome uncle. He was such a gentleman, generous and so very kind. He was hilarious, an absolute joy to be around. We miss him so much. Matthew is survived by his parents, Ewa and Krzysztof Rygiel, his brother Peter, his sister Margaret (Bryan Mathes), his nephew Robert, his grandmother Eugenia Tawkin, his uncle Josef Golinski (Jola) and children (Diana and Daniel), his uncle Zbyszek Golinski (Irena) and children (Michael and Bobby) and his uncles in Poland Czeslaw Rygiel (Irena) and children (Ania and Lukasz) and Roman Fudali (Krystyna) and children (Grzegorz, Rafal, Marta and Mateusz) and his grandmother in Poland Zosia Fudali and the entire Kolodziej family. Thank you to EMS and the firefighters who attended to Matthew, especially Chris Ducharme who was his childhood buddy. Thank you to the nursing staff on the 7th floor at the Health Sciences Centre, especially Jenette who sang "Bananas" when it was time for his medicine. Thank you to the Palliative Home Care program, especially Lisa, who helped us bring him home. Thank you to all of the teachers and teachers assistants who helped him along the way at school, especially Mrs. Wasson (Korchynski). Thank you to the staff at MDA for his medical supplies. Thank you to all of his friends, he had so many, he cherished every one of you. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue with cremation to follow. May you rest in peace Tushi, we hope you are healthy and happy in Heaven. We will always think of your big smile and beautiful eyes. You will be in our hearts forever. 204-586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2014
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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My deepest sympathy to the whole Family-keeping you all in our prayers and in our thoughts . Glebokie wyrazy wspolczucia -laczymy sie z Wami w modlitwach - Posted by: Krystyna Arndt (Acquintance of Rygiel Family) on: Nov 14, 2014
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My deepest condolences to the Rygiel family. Matthew has left us too soon but has enriched our lives with his passion for life and his determination to accomplish whatever he set his mind to. It was a privilege to be assigned as his helper (teaching assistant) when he was in grades 4-6. During this time I introduced him to the art of origami which evolved into a lifelong passion. I will always cherish the time that I got to know him. I attended the Tuesday evening prayers and it was evident that he touched many people in his 28 years. My thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's wonderful family. - Posted by: Paul Bourget (Friend and Matthew's former educational assistant) on: Oct 31, 2014
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I had the great privilege of having Matthew in several of my classes at the University of Winnipeg. I'm so sorry for your great loss. This is deeply saddening to us all. He will always remain one of my very favorite students; one of my very favorite people. I'm extremely lucky to have known him. - Posted by: Margaret Sweatman (Professor) on: Oct 30, 2014
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I always enjoyed Matthew's presence in the classroom. His good cheer and positive energy were always a delight in our English classes. My condolences to his family. Catherine Hunter (one of Matthew's UW professors). - Posted by: Catherine Hunter (UW teacher) on: Oct 29, 2014
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I know Matt through Toastmasters at the U of W. He was always pleasant and happy. In fact, he brought this happiness out in others. It is sad to think that he is gone so soon. He certainly lived his life well. RIP Matt - Posted by: Catriona Younger (acquaintance) on: Oct 29, 2014
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I didn't know Matty very well, but he was kind and fun to talk to. I never thought I meant much to him but after his passing I found out he had gone out of his way to support me as a performer on a few occasions. I was very moved to hear this and glad to read about what a great life he lead. I'll keep you all in my thoughts. - Posted by: Melanie D (friend) on: Oct 28, 2014
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I've taken several classes with Matt at the U of W, and wow. What a happy, genuine person, with a contagious energy. He always went out of his way to say hello and to ask how others around him were doing. I'm saddened by this news and I wish Matt's family my most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Kat (friend and classmate) on: Oct 28, 2014
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My condolences. So sorry for the family's loss. I was privileged to have Matty in three of my Communication Studies classes at the U of W. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was not only a favourite student of mine, but that he was also a favourite of the other students. A highlight, of course, was the time he wore his Spiderman costume for his in-class presentation (his presentation did not concern Spiderman, and I do not believe that it was Halloween). He was smart, and funny, and quick-witted. I was lucky, in a sense, to run in to him one last time at the airport while we were both waiting to get on a plane to Vancouver. We had never, in four years, discussed his health or his condition, but he let me know that it had been a struggle lately. The trip, which I believe was his last to Vancouver as mentioned above, was in part to go sailing with his family. He had always wanted to go sailing. Matty lived as hard as he could. I am glad to have learned from him. - Posted by: Wade Nelson (U of W Instructor) on: Oct 28, 2014
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I had the privilege of meeting Matty during my time at U of W. I can honestly say Matty was the most positive, optimistic and happy person I have met. He always walked around with the biggest smile, and would always crack jokes! It was a great pleasure to have met and be friends with Matty. He will be missed truly missed. - Posted by: rosh (friend) on: Oct 28, 2014
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Met Matty at Caravan some years ago, he was a good guy and encouraged me to go up on stage as well to perform, you will be missed bud -ChrisP - Posted by: Chris-P (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2014
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I met Matty in 2012 at the DEBRA International Congress. From the moment I met him, I could see he was so full of life and optimism. For the next two years, Matty became a great friend to Zack and I. He would come visit us in Toronto and we would enjoy our evenings watching Matty perform stand up. Matty once told me that "the best medicine in life is laughter, smiling and never giving up". His sense of humour and strength will never be forgotten. I hope he is making everyone laugh on the other side. - Posted by: Chala Speciale (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2014
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I had the honor of teaching Matty piano. He was so dedicated and worked so hard to be able to achieve whatever he wanted. One and a half months of lessons and he played "The Swan" by Saint-Saens at the music school recital. After that, he learned "Great Balls of Fire" and I will forever remember him when I hear "Clocks". He was funny and inspirational and he will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Sarah Perrier (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2014
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I am just one of the many friends Matty made during his time at The University of Winnipeg. I still have the origami frog he made for me. The first time I met him, it took only a second to realize what a unique and lovely man he was. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Cathleen Hjalmarson (University friend) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Matthew was a wonderful person, talented and loving, and I know that your family sauce red a great loss. Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dać Panie - Posted by: Grazyna Galezowski (Driver instructor ) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Our deepest symphathies to the Rygiel family. We have great memories of Matthew singing dancing he was always so happy... RIP Matthew GOD gain another angel.forever in our hearts - Posted by: Analia,John, Maria Sousa, Ashley,and Janessa (friends ) on: Oct 27, 2014
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I am very sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. I met Matthew only 3 or 4 times at Origami demonstrations at the Japanese Cultural Centre with our mutual friend Brian Cox. I found Matthew very out going, friendly and talented. He will be missed. - Posted by: Robert Frayer (Aquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Our condolences to the Rygiel family, may Matthew rest in peace. - Posted by: Annie & Fernando Sousa (Friends of the Family) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Krzysiu, Ewunia and kids. Sincere condolences on behalf of myself, my girls Colleen and Katie Wtorek. Our hearts go out to you all in this difficult time. Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie. - Posted by: Krystyna Zielinska (Friend ) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the Rygiel family. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Matthew was a wonderful guy and I loved to joke around with him, especially when I would say "Tudo bem" . We are so sad and will remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Carlos and Cari Goncalves (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2014
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Matthew was a great guy who made an impact on everyone he met. He was always positive and looking to take on new experiences and challenges (such as learning to play the piano) with a zest and enthusiasm. He will be missed. - Posted by: Carol Zimmerman (friend) on: Oct 27, 2014
