Obituary of Matthew Cruz

The kindest heart and charitable spirit. Persevered against many obstacles with optimism. Creative artist who will miss this world.

Matt was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to parents Jun and Ellison Cruz. Brother to Amy Silot (Joseph). Uncle to Mateo and Lucien. Nephew to Ernie Yip, (Meelai and Michael). Grandson to Jolin and the late Don Yip. Loved by many family and friends. 

Matt was an energetic, creative and mischievous young man. As a child, he was happy with a piece of paper and a pencil and loved to draw characters from his imagination and popular art. In elementary school, his art was featured in an exhibition in the Mendel Art Gallery. In his adult years, Matt wrote short stories. His explosive and detailed writing was a pleasure to take in. 

Matt experienced health challenges from birth, although never felt sorry for himself or let them hold him back. He had an incredibly high tolerance for pain. During his recovery from multiple challenges such as his heart transplant in 2001, his concern was the burden placed on others. His selflessness speaks to the personal strength he embodied. 

Matt had many interests which included music, live concerts, movies and comics. Matt loved to travel and visited several places in his short life. Matt and his sister attended Calgary comic expo every year. Matt also enjoyed games of all sorts (video/arcade and board games) and was looking forward to attend his first gaming expo this fall with his parents. 

Matt shared a special relationship with his family and had a serious respect for his elders. He was close to his grandfather Don and one of his final wishes was to see his great Aunt and Uncle, Ivan and Suzanne. He shared that his hope after he passed, to be reunited with his grandfather in the afterlife. 

Matt will be deeply missed by his parents, Jun and Ellison. They shared 32 years together, travelling and sharing memories. His sister and nephews will find comfort in their shared interests, and love for unhealthy food. 

For his final wishes, Matt has asked for people to honour his memory by donating blood and/or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Matt was the type of person who saw his challenges with a positive outlook. With the little energy he had, he used his last days to comfort those around him. In sharing his wishes, he wanted to use his challenges to inspire others to give.

A Celebration of Life for Matt will be held on Saturday June 30, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at the Edwards Family Centre, 333 4th Avenue North. (Courtesy Parking at Saskatoon Funeral Home)