It is with immense sadness that the family of Matthew Richard McLean announce his passing in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Matthew was born in Brandon, MB on November 20, 1986 to Rick and Janice (Evaskow) McLean, joining sisters Angela and Amanda. Matthew spent the majority of his life living in the Riverheights area, attending Riverheights School and graduating from Vincent Massey High School.

Matthew often spoke fondly about his childhood, reminiscing about movies and tv shows he watched, toys he played with and friends he loved. He kept his childhood memories close to his heart and began collecting different media and action figures of that time. His favourites included The Simpsons, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jurassic Park, DC, and Marvel comics. If you knew anything about Matthew, you would know about his action figure collection; it was impressive to say the least, and he was even interviewed about it by the CBC in 2023.

Matthew had a great love for animals and many pets over the years including Duke, Sheeba, Cuddles, Cassie, Tigger, Charlie, Summit, Cooper, Cobweb, and Taco Belle.

Shortly after Matthew's birth, he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Matthew experienced some difficulties as a teenager with this condition; but shortly before his 18th birthday he was blessed to receive a double lung transplant.

Matthew worked as a support worker with Brandon Support Services. There he provided support to adults in programs for independent living. Matthew really enjoyed working with his clients, and his personality traits of patience and empathy served him well in this field.

Matthew started dating the love of his life, Chelsey, in 2011. Together they supported each other through health struggles, changing circumstances, births and deaths. They knew their love and connection was special and both were so grateful to be experiencing it.

Matthew started dialysis in 2017, and his health continued to slowly decline over the next several years. In January 2024, he began a final battle with lymphoma.

Matthew was pre-deceased by his mother Janice McLean; and his Grandparents Sophie and Walter Evaskow, and Ruth and Roy McLean.

Matthew will be deeply missed by his partner of 14 years, Chelsey Geddes and their dog Taco; his father, Rick McLean; sisters, Angela (Garrett Ronceray) and Amanda (Tyler Lepard); nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the Palliative Care team at the Assiniboine Centre, Cancer Care, and all of the medical professionals that aided in Matthew's care over his lifetime.

Services will be held at Memories Chapel in Brandon, MB, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on October 25, 2025. The family requests that those who wish to make a memorial contribution donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) of Manitoba or Winnipeg Health Sciences Children's Hospital.