Matthew Whale, of Hanover, passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. He was 59 years old.
Loved son of the late Joan (nee Bennett) and Harry Whale. Dear brother of Jason (Alyona) Whale of British Columbia and their children Varvara, Ivanka and Xander, and special grandpa to Kali.
Matthew will be remembered as a great musician, often mastering any instrument he touched. From guitars to keyboards, he could play them all. Music was his life and his soul.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service held at Mighton Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 1pm. Cremation has taken place with private family inurnment in Hanover Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family and can be made by visiting www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
VIDEO: Live Stream of Memorial Service
Hello Whale family
I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I admired his musical talents and his zest for life. I pray you find comfort knowing he lived life to the fullest his way!
Sincerely
Suzan Dawe
In remembrance of Matthiew Whale from Griffin Estabrooks, I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. May his legacy of kindness and warmth endure, bringing solace to those who knew and cherished him. Let his spirit be a guiding light, illuminating the memories shared and the love that forever resides in the hearts of those he touched. In this time of loss, may his family and friends find strength in each other's embrace, and may they be surrounded by love and support as they navigate through this journey of grief. Matthiew's presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to resonate, shaping the lives of those he touched for years to come.
- Griffin EstabrooksSincerely sorry for your loss Jason & family.
- Tom DaweSending condolences to Matt's Family and all the friends that knew him. He was a great man with an amazing talent. We will all miss him.
Rest in Peace Mathew Whale.
☮️💟🙏🕊️
Deepest sympathies and condolences - so shocking, tragic, and unfortunate for such a great guy and a great keyboard player. The other "Benny" - wish I could have got to know him better. He was always so nice, funny and kind to everyone. RIP
- Ewan FenieMatt was truly one of a kind. Such a kind hearted soul. He was talented beyond measure, witty and smart as a whip. His “one-liners” always had me in stitches! I will miss sharing the stage with you Matty, but most of all I will miss all the time off stage on the road together and the serious belly laughs. Cheers my friend, no more pain. See you again someday xx
- Kristal JacksonHe was a welcoming kind-hearted soul, and will be missed greatly by his friends at Malones.
- Leslie BrownMatt was much loved and will be truly missed by all those he touched with his friendship, musical gift, and tremendous wit. Godspeed my friend.
It is with a very sad Heart, my Condolences go out to you and your in this tough time. I still can not believe it is true, but a part of my heart, Matt will always hold. We had a long history the memories will live on.
Donna
Matt was a dear friend and musical comrade. We shared some triumphs, and we shared some losses.
So sorry you are gone, my friend.
Matt will be truly missed he was a fun loving person always willing to help those in need and a good all round human being He was talent and gifted especially when it came to music, keyboards was his main instrument but had no problem playing any others as well. You will be missed.
RIP! 🙏
Jason and family,
We were so sad to hear of Matt's passing. High school feels like it was just a heartbeat away and immediately there are so many memories of Matt, and you. He always seemed bigger than life as he entered the room for band rehearsal and lit up the room with his abundant personality and musicality. So much time on the ski hill too and laughter and antics in the lodge.
We are sorry for your loss. We imagine Matt making music and turning heads in the sweet ever after.
Hugs from Kelly and Kerry (we used to be McKays)
Deepest sympathies to Matt's family.
- Tim BeckerAnother good man down. See you on the other side old friend.
- Andrew SimpsonPlease accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I only met Matt once, in Barrie. He was playing keyboards at my cousins gig, and this fine gentleman made sure he walked me to my car safely. He regularly helped my cousin with her musical gear, played with her skillfully and generously, and was a kind friend. I nicknamed him Hanover that night, and we laughed that we had bruce county, my cousin, and a love of live music in common. I hope he has met a group of fine musicians on the other side. He told me a bit about his musical journey and I will always be glad that I didn't respond with, gee what are you doing in this bar? I said with genuine admiration, "wow, they are so lucky to have you play here too". And i meant it. Sincerely, CB
- Cynthia buckJason, I'm sorry for your loss. I've not seen Matt since high school days (just like you, I guess). I hope that fond memories will ease your sorrow at this time. Sending condolences to your family.
- Katherine ButsonOur sincere condolences to the family and friends of Matt met at the legion playing darts great guy to talk loved his music. If I walked to darts and had my queen shirt on he would say going to win tonight rest in peace Matt. Tim and Vicki
- Timothy CaughyCondolences to Matt's family & friends.
I very much enjoyed gigging with Matt.
He was a naturally talented musician.
Matt is missed.
RIP old friend.
- Shawn Maurice FidlerMy deepest and sincerest condolences to Matt's family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Matt and sharing a love of music and all things Monty Python. I will cherish the laughter and music we shared.
Rest easy my friend.
Condolences to the family.
- Ed ERMELwell matt never figured u before me,,been awhile..sry buddy..lol from grade one to rhonda ..jappan to home you and i had some wild adventures..you will be missed..keep the music playing ill be listening..see u on the otherdide old friend,,may god bless u..ill be seeing you,,later Matt thanks for the memories...
- Randy WenzelMy deepest sympathies to Jason and the rest of the family.
- Kevin ChittickIts with a heavy heart, surrealism and shock, that we say goodbye to Matt. He will remain in many of our memories as a fierce keyboard player, performer and singer. Matt seemed to like being enigmatic. He enjoyed creating shock value, and being a bit of a loose cannon. Yet he was reliable, deeply caring, and protective. Matt loved to have a good time, and it was easy to follow him down that path. There are just too many stories to tell. Each of the ABBA Gold performers who were on gigs with him have their personal memories of him. In South Korea one night he had a giant, armored, bizarre looking flying insect that Matt became friends with. Boris as Matt named him, would sit on his keyboard speaker and move his antennae to the music, fly away for the break, then return for the next set. I think that made his trip. Matt is the 2nd ABBA Gold/ABsalute Gold performer to cross over in as many years. He and Jordan (multi-keys, who left us 2 years ago) were two peas in a pod ~ traveled to the gigs together, and were in their own keyboard player world. I'm guessing they'll be picking up where they left off soon, on the other side. Until next time Matt … thank you for the music … and the memories! Jo-Anne, owner of ABBA Gold/ABsalute Gold 2001-2017
- Jo-Anne BrewinOur most sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends. Gone too soon. RIP Matty.
- Bill & Brenda CampbellMatty, I'm gonna miss you like crazy every-single-day. LOVE YOU my brother. You were my 'Co-pilot Extraordinaire' for the new record and lots of the ideas we worked on together will be on it! We're gonna dedicate it your memory my friend. Rest In Peace now Matty. Condolences to your family. Vic.
- Victor CangianoSincere Condolonces too Matt's Family and Friends I met Mat playing darts at the legion and he loved too talk about music Rest easy my Friend you will be missed
- John MyersMy long time pal & musical brother Matthew…it's hard to capture in words just how many of us cared about Matt! We knew he was suffering in much silence. So many great ppl did their best to help our brother! RIP to a truly amazing musician & human being who needed support. I will cherish the time we spent together!
- GeorgeI often think of the night we sang all those Elton John songs, Remember?
Hypnotized
Sweet freedom
Whispered in my ear
You're a butterfly
And butterflies are free to fly
Fly away
High away
Bye bye...
Fly free ❤️
Our sincere condolences to Jason and family. Matt your in piece now , I'm sure everyone who knew you is waiting in line to play darts with you and just catching up on . You will be missed , till we meet again . V . & J .
- Jamie BohnertSo sorry for your loss. We are going to miss Matt. May he rest in peace.
- John and Susan KunsenhauserOur condolences to Jason & all your family in hearing of Matt's passing. We so enjoyed Matt when he'd visit with us at the Georgian Yacht Club always upbeat excited about his next show on the road. We were fortunate to be entertained by Matt's gift of music be it at the Clubhouse in town, White Cloud dock or around the camp fire into the late hours he loved to entertain. Many fond Memories of Matt, Harry & Joan. RIP Matt you were a fine friend to many. Ed & Marilyn Griffith
- Ed GriffithOur most sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends. Gone too soon. RIP Matty.
- Bill & Brenda CampbellCondolences to everyone who knew Matt. I've known, and been a friend of his since I was in high school. We had a wonderful friendship over the years. I will miss my friend. Fly High, Matt. ❤️ Until we meet again.
Rosco
My condolences to Mattys family and friends. Thank you for the great music my brother Matty. You will always be remembered forever. Rest peaceful my dear friend. Until we meet again. Goodbye.
- Rami SharmaSo sorry to here about Matt. I played darts with him on Monday David also played with him they both will be playing darts in heaven with brad and mike
- Mary andrewsJason and family so sorry for your loss and so soon after your Mom.
- Ev ByersHey Jason,so sorry for your loss.
- Douglas . MackinnonJason & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Matt was always good to myself and my children. He will definitely be missed by us.