Obituary for Kai Michael Matthews
Kai Matthews
2002-2021
With broken hearts, we sadly announce that Kai Matthews passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. He was only 19 years old. There are no words to express our grief and disbelief that this amazing young man is gone too soon.
Kai was an all-in player no matter what game he played in life. He was well-known in the community both for his strength and skills as a soccer player with Halifax County United, and for his swagger and style as a freestyle snowboarder with Nova Scotia Snowboard. In 2019, Kai proudly represented Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Winter Games. His laid-back confidence attracted friends and established his position as a gentle, inspiring leader. One of his soccer coaches described him best by calling Kai the most ‘even keeled’ athlete he had ever coached. He was the winger that you wanted on your team and the wingman that you wanted as a friend.
Kai was fortunate to have experienced and accomplished more in his 19 years of life than most people do in a lifetime. His round-the-world year of travel at age 12 brought him to over 52 countries, giving him a broader view of the world and an appreciation for home.
Kai had such a gentle, welcoming, and non-judgmental presence which put everyone at ease. Around Kai, you would feel calm even during the craziest of situations. He was an extroverted introvert: under the right circumstances he could either be the rowdy life of the party, or a quiet and reserved gentleman with a bashful but illuminating smile. He gave the best and most comforting hugs. On his birthdays, we think Kai loved giving the hugs as much as receiving the presents.
Kai loved his time at Sir John A hanging with ‘the boys’ (shout out to the Tant X Timbo!) and this is where he also found his soulmate and true love of three years — Paige.
He was studying Kinesiology at Acadia University and had just finished his first year. He was so excited to start his second year in the fall and share an apartment with his group of friends. He had a bright future ahead of him. There is no doubt.
Kai is survived by his Mom Kari, his Dad Norrie, his Sister Vea, Mamor Unni and Christer, and his Grandma Beth. Aunts and Uncles: Beth and Tony, Geir and Laura, and Nicole. Cousins: Brennan and Courtney, Malia and Matt, Jaida, Espen, Annika and many cherished extended family and friends in Canada and Norway. We like to think that Kai is now one with Grandpa John (DJG), Bestefar Ragnar, Nana Carole & Uncle Mike.
Think of Kai whenever you see a Lupin blooming on June 1st.
“Gone too soon, gone too soon. Left with the waning moon.”
- Catherine MacLellan, Gone Too Soon
A memorial fund in Kai’s name has been set up with two sporting organizations which Kai loved and actively participated in: Halifax County United Soccer http://www.hcusoccer.ca and Nova Scotia Snowboard http://www.nssnowboard.ca
Details for memorial donations can be found on both websites.
A celebration of life for Kai will be held in the summer when all friends and family are able to gather again.
2002-2021
With broken hearts, we sadly announce that Kai Matthews passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. He was only 19 years old. There are no words to express our grief and disbelief that this amazing young man is gone too soon.
Kai was an all-in player no matter what game he played in life. He was well-known in the community both for his strength and skills as a soccer player with Halifax County United, and for his swagger and style as a freestyle snowboarder with Nova Scotia Snowboard. In 2019, Kai proudly represented Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Winter Games. His laid-back confidence attracted friends and established his position as a gentle, inspiring leader. One of his soccer coaches described him best by calling Kai the most ‘even keeled’ athlete he had ever coached. He was the winger that you wanted on your team and the wingman that you wanted as a friend.
Kai was fortunate to have experienced and accomplished more in his 19 years of life than most people do in a lifetime. His round-the-world year of travel at age 12 brought him to over 52 countries, giving him a broader view of the world and an appreciation for home.
Kai had such a gentle, welcoming, and non-judgmental presence which put everyone at ease. Around Kai, you would feel calm even during the craziest of situations. He was an extroverted introvert: under the right circumstances he could either be the rowdy life of the party, or a quiet and reserved gentleman with a bashful but illuminating smile. He gave the best and most comforting hugs. On his birthdays, we think Kai loved giving the hugs as much as receiving the presents.
Kai loved his time at Sir John A hanging with ‘the boys’ (shout out to the Tant X Timbo!) and this is where he also found his soulmate and true love of three years — Paige.
He was studying Kinesiology at Acadia University and had just finished his first year. He was so excited to start his second year in the fall and share an apartment with his group of friends. He had a bright future ahead of him. There is no doubt.
Kai is survived by his Mom Kari, his Dad Norrie, his Sister Vea, Mamor Unni and Christer, and his Grandma Beth. Aunts and Uncles: Beth and Tony, Geir and Laura, and Nicole. Cousins: Brennan and Courtney, Malia and Matt, Jaida, Espen, Annika and many cherished extended family and friends in Canada and Norway. We like to think that Kai is now one with Grandpa John (DJG), Bestefar Ragnar, Nana Carole & Uncle Mike.
Think of Kai whenever you see a Lupin blooming on June 1st.
“Gone too soon, gone too soon. Left with the waning moon.”
- Catherine MacLellan, Gone Too Soon
A memorial fund in Kai’s name has been set up with two sporting organizations which Kai loved and actively participated in: Halifax County United Soccer http://www.hcusoccer.ca and Nova Scotia Snowboard http://www.nssnowboard.ca
Details for memorial donations can be found on both websites.
A celebration of life for Kai will be held in the summer when all friends and family are able to gather again.