IVANY – Matthew Thomas Ivany of Brooks, beloved son of Tom and Kathleen Ivany, passed away in Brooks on Tuesday, October 24th, 2017 at the age of 21 years. Matthew was born on April 2nd, 1996 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and moved to Brooks in 1998, at the age of 2, with his family. Matthew attended Eastbrook Elementary School, Brooks Junior High School and Brooks Composite High School, where he graduated in 2014. He was employed at Heritage Inn and Suites for 2 years, but due to medical reasons, had to resign. Matthew loved the Medicine Hat Raceway, where he began going with his dad to watch his Uncle Scott race. This sparked his love of racing, cars, trucks and mechanics. After the first race he attended, he was hooked and could hardly wait for his Dad to take him to the raceway on the weekends. When he turned 14, he was finally allowed access to the pits, Matthew’s “Happy Place”. From then on he became an asset to everyone there, pitching in to help out all of the racers, wherever he could be of assistance. He became one of the raceway’s biggest fans, everyone at the raceway knew and loved him. One of the highlights for Matthew was when Rick Jondreau surprised him with a ride along around the track. Matthew also enjoyed going to Ace’s to hang out with his family and friends, Faye, Dave, Chad, Soloman and many others. He will be fondly remembered for his welcoming hugs and big heart. Matthew also founded a country and western music club on Facebook, that attracted many members. He was predeceased by his Grandma Cora, Poppy Bill, Poppy Ed, Uncle Bud and Aunt Alicia. Matthew is survived by his loving parents, Tom and Kathleen; special Grandma Doreen; siblings, Deanne, Kim, Dallas and Jason; aunts and uncles, Jeannie and Dave, Beth and Kris, Nancy and Jamie, Peter and Krista, Danny and Helna, Freddy and Rick and Sam; special friends, Jodi, Scott, Gary, Dave, Faye, Chad, Ryan, Crystal and Harlen; all members and friends of the Medicine Hat Speedway and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In memory of Matthew, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Epilepsy Association of Calgary, #316, 4014 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, Alberta T2G 2R7.
Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.
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Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM BROOKS, ALBERTA
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