Matthew David Townley-Smith

Our beloved Matthew passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2018. He was born in Saskatoon on October 18, 1982. He grew up in Melfort, SK, attending the local schools and excelling in sports throughout his teens. Matthew graduated from high school in June 2000 and then pursued Education, specializing in physics, and Math degree’s at the University of Saskatchewan.

Matthew met his wife Melissa (Nestmann) during university and they were married in 2005. Together they relocated to Calgary to begin their teaching careers. His teaching took him to Cochrane, Airdrie, and finally to Calgary (all in Alberta) at Bishop Grandin High School, sharing his love of physics with his students.

 Matthew spent many years coaching volleyball but his great passion was track and field. Coaching both students at high school and the Warriors track club in Calgary. He was always so proud of his jumpers. Matthew loved music (piano, drums, guitar), photography, and hiking in the mountains especially with his children. He also enjoyed writing, completing a children’s novel for his daughter Lena as a Christmas gift last year.

His family was most important to him, welcoming his daughter Lena (born in August 2010) and Eddie (born in June 2014). He is survived by his wife Melissa, son Edmund, daughter Magdalena, parents Lawrence and Alexandria Townley-Smith, sisters Andrea (Jeremy)  Dodge and Marissa, nephews Nathan and Gabriel, niece Alison, and many aunts uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his grandfathers Alexander Seelman and Tom Townley-Smith and grandmother Ella Townley-Smith. Matthew will be remembered for his warm smile, kind heart, and sense of humour. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church (404 Northmount Place NW) on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 11:00 am.  Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Matthew’s family through www.evanjstrong.com.  In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary (#105, 1040 – 7 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3G9; 403-297-1700; http://cmha.calgary.ab.ca). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES.  (403) 265-1199

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew David Townley-Smith, please visit our floral store.