“Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.”

I think we would all agree, Matthew did not lack bravery. He was an extremely unique individual, who some might even have considered eccentric. Matthew was charismatic and very energetic. He was a free spirit, and no one – I mean no one -was taming him. This unique young man left this world way too early, and he will be dearly missed!

Matthew Colin created more than his fair share of excitement when he was born, as he was a blue baby. Thankfully, he was born in London, in a hospital that could quickly support him and his parents, Steven McVeeney and Amanda “Mandy” Campbell. The McVeeney family resided in Dutton, Ontario, where Matthew joined older brother, Riley. He was a busy little boy from day one… constantly keeping his parents on their toes. When he started talking, he never stopped! Seriously. To make things worse, he didn’t sleep either. A trait that remained with him until the day he died – he just didn’t need much sleep. Great for him, but not ideal for everyone else!

Matthew attended Dutton Dunwich Public School until the age of 6, when the family relocated to the Port Elgin area. Saugeen Central became his new school, as Matthew welcomed younger siblings, Chloe, Gilbert, Fleet, and last but not least, Gus. He was quick to form a very close relationship with all his siblings, something they all enjoyed throughout his life.

Like most young boys, Matthew was athletic and played sports in his youth. Together with his close friend Jacob, they played baseball, soccer, and even tried hockey in his early teens. He was a dancer who enjoyed hip-hop, and as he got older, his attention moved to anything with a motor. Matthew loved to go dirt biking and 4-wheeling, and he wasn’t afraid to push the limits – and had his fair share of mishaps. He loved animals, like Padme (his goat) and his many cows and cats.

Matthew began high school at Saugeen District Secondary School before his family moved closer to extended family, and he finished high school at Sacred Heart in Walkerton. He loved thrifting and amassed a large collection of hats, t-shirts, particularly weird ones, and shoes; however, he always seemed to misplace one in each pair. When it came to his social interactions, Matthew tended to attract anyone who was different, having few similarities with others. He was one of the misfits, and he relished it. Matthew enjoyed music, especially rap, and could often be found singing along. He had a song for everyone and everything!

Matthew enjoyed Sci-Fi and was drawn to the likes of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings. He would read it, watch it, and even listen to these audiobooks while he worked. Matthew was handy and could always be found trying to fix something, and if he couldn’t, Uncle Bill or Gilbert would step in. If you needed help, he was your man, as he would quickly step up to help – no matter the task.

At the age of 15, Matthew began working at McDonald’s, because every teenager wants and needs money! He was soon joined by Chloe and Gilbert, making for a total of three McVeeney’s in the same working space. Some employers might be concerned with that, but the three of them supported one another and the rest of their team as they went about their workdays. One of Matthew’s favourite acts of kindness was buying someone else their McDonald’s order. He did it regularly, just to make someone else’s day! So, if you’re working and over the age of 16, what do you need? A car, of course! Matthew absolutely LOVED his Toyota Yaris, a.k.a. “Black Nut” – because it was black of course! He drove it everywhere and, of course, enjoyed the freedom it brought him.

Being different was ingrained in Matthew’s DNA! Honestly, he was drawn to opposites and anything that was not the norm. As a perfect example, his favourite colours were bright pink and purple, not what you were expecting surely from an 18-year-old boy. But he didn’t care and didn’t hide it either. He was proud to be himself and very different from those around him. He liked to sleep outside, or in an unusual spot, Philippino spaghetti, his Mom’s noodle soup, anything spicy, and who could forget his love of Kool-Aid! He was obsessed with dolphins from a young age and always aspired to buy an RV and travel. Who needs a house? He liked random facts, remembered them, and had a keen interest in the life of Adolph Hitler.

Like most teenagers, creating their mark and identifying their uniqueness is part of growing up. Matthew was well on his way in this area, and he acknowledged and celebrated everything that made him different. Sadly, his unique story came to a sudden end when he passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the young age of 18. He may have left us way too soon, but Matthew left his mark. His antics, stories, and the memories of time shared with him will live on in all of us forever. He will be dearly missed!

Beloved son of Mandy Campbell of Holland Centre and Steve McVeeney of Belmont. Doted on brother of Riley, Chloe, Gilbert, Fleet, and Gus. Matthew will be dearly missed by his Granny and Papa, Janice and John Campbell of Chesley, and Grandma Lisa Lippert of Exeter, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his Papa Tom McVeeney.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 1 – 4, with words of remembrance at 2 p.m. No need for formal wear. Matthew would want you to come as you are. Private interment in Exeter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness to someone else and pay it forward. In particular, pay for someone’s McDonalds just like Matthew would do!