We are standing before you today to honour the life of our son Matthew. Words cannot describe the sorrow and loss that we are feeling, but we will try. Matthew Normand Robert Mondor was born on September 9, 1996 in Weyburn. He was the first born to proud parents Del and Sheila. From the moment we brought him home from the hospital he was the center of our lives. As he grew into a toddler, his idea of playing involved real life situations like dirt moving, building and woodworking. At two years old he came to his Papa's side while he was tiling the fireplace and asked "can I help". This began a lifetime of eagerness to help with any task. He was my constant helper, always by my side. In 1999 his sister Rebecca arrived. Her first word was not mom or dad but instead it was Matthew. Rebecca smiled for him and only him. They grew up together with Matthew as her best friend, protector and guide. When Rebecca needed to be pushed for encouragement, he pushed; when she needed to be nagged, he nagged; when she needed Matthew, he was there. At six years old Matthew decided it was time for Rebecca to ride her bike without her training wheels. He removed them himself and taught her to ride a two wheel bike. She trusted him and listened to him. We believe that Matthew will continue to protect and guide her. During his school years he participated in many team sports. He particularly enjoyed hockey and baseball in middle school. His dad was always there to coach and was his biggest cheerleader. In high school he took up MMA, boxing and hunting. Matthew was attending Weyburn Comprehensive High School where he was in Grade 12. He had plans to study business in either Moose Jaw or Regina. It was his dream to obtain a post secondary education and return to Weyburn. He believed that he would work with his dad at Aldon and have his own ranch as a hobby. His lifelong dream of living the farm life was realized for only a short time, but brought him so much joy. When we got our dog Chevy, he spent so much time and effort training him. Chevy was Matt's constant companion. You would often find Matt out in the shop doing little things just so he could hang out with Chevy. Our family loves this puppy and in these difficult days Chevy has brought us great comfort. Our large heated shop allowed Matt the space to tinker with his truck. Oh his truckneed I say more. There was even enough room in the shop to have a Man Cave, but Rebecca, Shenay and I had All-Access pass to the man cave. Matthew was an extremely loyal and true friend. When his buddies called for help or just to hang out he was there. His friends were important to him and at supper time each night he always had a humorous story about them to share with his family. These stories made us chuckle and brought us into his day. Matt would try anything that could be done outdoors, snowboarding, water sports, hunting, snowmobiling and motor cross. When he set out to do something he continued to work at it until he was good. This was evident by the hundreds of hours spent mastering anything that involved being pulled behind a boat. The intensity and determination that he took to each task was a source of pride to his parents. Matthew's current passion was fitness. He had spent the last 18 months sculpting his body. We heard all about the evils of sugar and the immense amount of protein in chicken. He had us all thinking about what we ate. His shaker cups for his workout meals were everywhere. It was so heartwarming to see him so happy with himself. He worked the last two summers at Aldon Oils and two things became evident. He had an inherited work ethic and love for the oil business. He carried this work ethic into all aspects of his life - school, work, sport and play. Matthew did have a special person in his life and that was Shenay, he loved her. As Matthew grew from a boy into a teenager, we could plainly see the man that he would become; strong, honest and kind. Todd Lawrence shared a story with us that showed what Matt was made of. In the flood in 2011 Todd was giving Matt a ride home. There had been a heavy rain and the water was really high by the Mondor house and they came upon an older couple at the side of the road in their car. Matt said, "stop those are our neighbours." We stopped and a 14 year old Matt rolled up his pant legs and went and escorted the couple from their car to the truck back seat. Their car had stalled and taken on water. Many people had passed by without stopping. Frankly they were scared and Matt came to their rescue. Without looking for a pat on the back or hero status Matt just did nice things. Matthew was adored by his family and friends and it is a testament to him how many of you are here today to honor our son. Not only was he a loving son and brother, he was a kind and giving friend. He was someone who was always a pleasure to be around. He did not need much to be happy and he could extract happiness from life itself. To have lost Matthew is heartbreaking - it has come as such a shock to us all. His life was far too brief. My family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who have given their support, compassion, and love throughout this very difficult time. I know in my heart that he would not want us to be grieving for too long. Rather, Matthew would want us all to remember the good times we all shared with him. You were our angel here on earth Matt and until we see you again please watch over us and guide us. We will carry you in our hearts forever. We love you Matt. Matthew will be lovingly remembered by his, parents, Del and Sheila Mondor of Weyburn; sister, Rebecca Mondor of Weyburn; grandparents, Normand and Shirley Mondor of Weyburn, and Larry and Lynne Gulash of Weyburn; Godparents, Dan and Carrie Gulash of Weyburn; aunts and uncles, Rachelle (Ken) Smith of Regina, Carla (David) Skinner of Pensacola, Florida, Twyla (Dave) Hay of Calgary, AB and Kerwin (Shannan) Mondor of Medicine Hat, AB as well as numerous cousins, relatives and many friends. Prayers were said on Monday, December 2 at 5:30 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, December 3 at 10:30 AM from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church with Father Gerry Bauche celebrating. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Donations in memory of Matt may be made to the The Matthew Mondor Scholarship Fund c/o the Weyburn Credit Union Box 1117, Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 2L3. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
