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MATTHEW ERIC SEARLE

Born: Nov 05, 1961

Date of Passing: Nov 27, 2015

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MATTHEW ERIC SEARLE November 5, 1961 - November 27, 2015 After a brief illness, Matthew passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in Toronto. He is survived by his beloved partner of 23 years, Pierre-Eric Villeneuve, his sister Suzanne Searle (John Hoogstraten) and brothers Hart Searle (Brenda) and Paul Searle. Matthew was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Peggy Searle. Also left to mourn his tragic loss are his nieces and nephews, Rachael Hoogstraten Searle, Michael and Andrea Searle, and Miriam, Esther and Jonathan Searle. A native of Winnipeg, Matthew is a graduate of Kelvin High School and the University of Winnipeg (Urban Design). Moving to Toronto in 1984, Matthew became a pillar in the Canadian design community, combining his unique abilities and experience with a deep understanding of the confluence of the design, architecture and related manufacturing sectors. He truly believed in the power of design to effect change in the world and worked to demonstrate how creative approaches could have a positive impact on quality of life and the bottom line. Most recently, Matthew was President of Searle & Company in Toronto, a boutique marketing and business consultancy, and Chief Marketing Officer for the 2017 World Design Summit in Montreal. Previous to this, he was Marketing and Conference Director of IIDEX Canada. Matthew had a great love of travel, gardening, books and basset hounds, as well as his beautiful shared home with Pierre-Eric in Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval, Quebec. Matthew possessed a wonderful sense of humor and penchant for witticisms, which he landed with the skill and timing of an accomplished comic. He had an extensive community of friends in Toronto and Montreal and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. At Matthew's request, there will be no funeral. If desired, cards may be sent to Pierre-Eric Villeneuve at 100 rue du Grand-Fond, Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval, Quebec, G0A 3K0 and donations in Matthew's memory may be made to the Syrian Refugee Crisis at the Furniture Bank, a cause very dear to Matthew's heart. http://www.furniturebank.org/syrian-refugee-crisis/

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2015

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • I met Matthew when I was in design school, I was introduced by a mutual friend and we dated for a few months, he was always a lovely man and was kind and thoughtful. We did not stay in touch but I recently connected with that mutual friend, after 17 years or so, who informed me of Matthew's passing. My condolences to his partner and family, I'm sure he is greatly missed still. I will always remember his kindness and especially his sense of humour! - Posted by: David Hendricks (Friend) on: Jul 31, 2020

  • So sad to hear about this! My condolences to Pierre. he loved you very much! Matthew was so easy to talk to and had a great perspective on things. He left a mark on me for sure. - Posted by: Marybeth Ferguson (professional contact) on: Jan 22, 2016

  • Matthew was a wonderful friend to me. We both worked in the design world, met when he worked at Triede in Toronto, became good friends, and continued our friendship after I moved back to Vancouver in 1991. I spent time at his & Pierre's cottage in Quebec,La Bucolique, and saw why they loved it so much. Matthew came to Vancouver frequently while his parents were in the area, and we were able to visit often. We always laughed a lot, explored art & design events, shared our life news,and I will miss him more than I can say. - Posted by: Rosemary Sleigh (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2015

  • Very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Seymour Settler (Cousin) on: Dec 03, 2015

  • Matthew was the first good friend I made when I moved to Toronto from Winnipeg in 1986 to start my career as a professional interior designer. It’s funny that we never knew each other when we grew up in the same city and concurrently attended the same University with similar interests- but we had lots in common when we did finally meet :). I’m a rather shy person and he made the daunting transition to a big city a lot easier for me with his innate sense of humour,adventure,and joie de vivre. Matthew was also responsible for introducing me to many other lifetime friends in Toronto and in my present home of Vancouver, where I relocated in 1992. He made lifelong friendships and had the amazing gift of being able to connect his friends to each other. He was a good, kind & gentle person and he attracted the same. I offer Matthew's family my deepest condolences and hope to share my many stories and memories of Matthew in the future with them. I will continue to cherish him in my heart always. - Posted by: Debbie Day (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2015

  • I will always remember Matthew as my bright and funny younger cousin who had a great outlook on life. My heartfelt condolences to you Pierre-Eric and to all my cousins as well. Love, cousin Debbie - Posted by: Debbie (Cousin) on: Dec 03, 2015

  • I knew Matthew in his formative years when he was practising that dry acerbic wit on his family and friends. Even then he had something special and was special.I knew then that he would be a great contributor to the lives of all who knew him. I am very saddened by the loss and send my deepest condolences to Suzanne, Hart, Paul and families. - Posted by: Ron Postl (friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

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