Jesse Gabriel Matties was born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1991, and died suddenly in Ottawa on December 19, 2022, of a severe reaction to CAR-T Cell cancer therapy. Jesse was bigger than life in almost every way. He was a loving, gentle, generous, and compassionate young man with an inventive and creative spirit. Jesse reflected the kind heart of Jesus with everyone he met. Nature was a happy place for Jesse. He shared that with Reyna, the love of his life. Whether hiking and exploring waterfalls around Hamilton, or canoeing (thanks, Manitoba Pioneer Camp) in provincial and national parks, Jesse loved to explore. Jesse’s most precious legacy was his gift for friendship. Jesse made people feel welcome and accepted, treating everyone with dignity and respect. There is no theological explanation for Jesse’s death. He didn’t die for a reason. But he lived for many reasons. His compassion will live on. His hugs will live on. His inventive and creative spirit will live on. His love will live on. In Winnipeg Jesse attended Glenelm Elementary School and Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, from where he graduated in 2009. He attended Canadian Mennonite University for a year and the University of Waterloo for two years. He was a member of the River East MB Church, Winnipeg, where he was baptized on May 27, 2007. He ran his own roofing business in Hamilton for a few years before discovering his love for the electrician’s craft. He was working toward becoming a licensed electrician at Mohawk College and was apprenticing at GEM Electric. Jesse met Reyna Abigail Peters in high school band class, where they both played French horn. They were married on August 26, 2012. Their son Rhye Nelson Matties was born in Hamilton on September 29, 2022. Jesse’s beloved family members include Reyna, their son Rhye Nelson, his parents Gordon and Lorraine (Nix) Matties, his sister Zoe Matties (Tim Cruickshank), his parents-in-law Darryl and Shirley (Dyck) Peters, siblings-in-law Cyprian Peters (Jessica) and niece Noa, Leah Peters, and grandparents-in-law Ernie and Elfrieda (Engbrecht) Peters. He was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his grandparents Henry and Mary (Reimer) Matties, Nelson and Amy (Beeching) Nix, and Abe and Helena (Hildebrand) Dyck. The family is grateful for the compassionate care Jesse received at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and the General and Civic Hospitals in Ottawa.
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