It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Matthias (Matt) Julicher on Friday, November 21st, at Marigold Hospice in Newcastle. Matt passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Matt, of Newcastle, was in his 93rd year and the beloved husband and best friend of Anna for over 70 years. He was the cherished father of Jack (Ev) and Mike (Rosemary).
He will be forever be remembered as a dear Opa to Lacey (Dustin), Brad (Kate), Nigel (Deanna), Kim (Dustin), and Sean (Katie). He was a loving Great-Opa to Taylor, the late Easton, Ella-Grace, Madden, Kinsley, Forrest, and soon-to-arrive Meadow. Matt will also be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family.
Born on August 19th, 1932, in Holland, Matt was the second youngest of eleven children. He met Anna at the age of 22 while working in a garage. Her father later helped him secure a job assisting at a coal mine, after which he attended trade school. Just three years later, with limited opportunities in post-war Holland and with Canada seeking skilled tradespeople, Matt and Anna immigrated in 1958 to begin the next chapter of their lives together.
Upon arriving in Canada, Matt first worked as a bicycle repairman before starting as a millwright at Brown Bavary Howden. In the early 1960s he began his long career with General Motors, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1995. During this time, he and Anna built a beautiful life and raised their two sons.
Matt was a man who welcomed everyone with open arms. Hosting an annual family reunion became a cherished tradition, creating treasured memories for generations. He was happiest building or fixing anything in his garage—from go-carts for the kids to countless other projects—leaving behind not only his handiwork but the joy it brought to those around him.
After retirement, Matt devoted his days to the things he loved most: travelling with Anna, tinkering in his garage and on his tractor, watching birds outside the front window, enjoying a daily beer and siesta, and spending time with his family. Even in his final weeks, he found comfort and happiness surrounded by the people he loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or SickKids.
