May 3, 1985 - October 25, 2022
In loving memory ~
Matthew John Keough passed away at the young age of 37, Tuesday October 25, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Quesnel, BC May 3, 1985, but grew up and went to school in Salmon Arm BC, where he graduated in 2003.
A talented and enthusiastic hockey player, Matt was captain of many of his Salmon Arm Rep hockey teams, and earned berths in 4 consecutive British Columbia championships from Bantam through Midget. After minor hockey Matt played for the Sicamous Eagles Junior B hockey club from 2003 to 2005, where he was among the top scorers in the KIJHL league. He was named captain of the team in his final year with the club, scoring 48 points in 48 games.
Matt was always known for his great sense of humour, comical in a goofy way, and was often the centre of attention at family gatherings. He made friends far and wide, from coast to coast and will be greatly missed by all.
In May 2007 he married Melissa Lueke and together celebrated the birth of three beautiful girls, Kaidyn, Madisyn and Kesley.
For most of his working life Matt was in the tire business. He started with Kal Tire in Vernon where he soon rose up the ranks and became Assistant Manager in Kelowna, then was promoted to Manager with a transfer to Merritt, BC. After Merritt, the family moved to Calgary where Matt worked for National Tire Distributors. It was there that he was first diagnosed with cancer, and after successful surgery and chemotherapy and radiation in 2019 it seemed the battle was won. Matt and his family moved to Sackville, New Brunswick where he continued in the tire business, as an account manager for the Atlantic Provinces for Tirelink, a division of Groupe Touchette.
Nothing in Matt's life was more important than his 3 children. After an amicable separation with his spouse, Matt provided a safe and happy home in Sackville for his children, until his cancer came back and he was unable to care for them. He relocated back to his home province this summer to be closer to family as his battle drew to an end.
Matt leaves to mourn his ex-wife Melissa and their children, Melissa's mother Kristiina Askola, Matt's Dad and Step Mom Mike and Carolyne Keough in Vernon, BC, sister Erin Zuest (Rob) in Kelowna, brother Donovan Keough (Kristen) in Kamloops, Step Sisters Nicole Vink (Lee Drennan) in Kelowna , Melissa Vink in Vernon and Allison Vink (Chris Willems) in North Vancouver, Grandmother Dorothy Campbell of Quesnel BC, Step Grandparents Alex and Lill Olmstead in Lavington, BC, girlfriend Devon Kelsh in Prince George BC, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Matt was predeceased by his mother Laura in 2007, as well as two cousins, Mark Malinosky and Logan Keough.
Cremation services were provided by First Memorial Funeral Services Lakewood Chapel in Prince George, BC. There will be no service by request, however a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2023 in Vernon BC.