J. Matthew Gick- Updated

On behalf of Matthew Gick’s partner, Holly Winchester and his immediate family, we are deeply saddened to announce his unexpected passing on Thursday July 9, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, N.B.

Matthew is the son of Colleen Grattan Gick and Kevin Gick of St. Andrews, N.B.

Born on February 29, 1984, Matthew was a leap year baby whose rare birthday matched his rare spirit—gentle, witty, loyal, and quietly steadfast. Raised in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Matthew remained deeply rooted in the town he loved, building a life filled with meaningful relationships, quiet joys, and steady contributions to his community.

An athletic and competitive soul, Matthew was a natural in net sports like badminton and volleyball, where his calm focus and sharp instincts stood out. He also had a lifelong love of strategy board games, especially Risk, Monopoly, and Settlers of Catan—games that reflected his thoughtful mind and playful nature. Game nights were a staple of his life, from long winters in Saint Andrews to his years at UNB, or joyful family gatherings, Matthew was often found at the center of a game night, quietly plotting his next move with a glint in his eye.

For ten years, Matthew built a loving family life with Melissa DeWitt, supporting her in the joy and responsibility of raising her children, Kirstin DeWitt and Dante McLaughlin. Friends remember that time in his life as providing a welcoming home where people were always well-fed, whether at the kitchen table or around the barbecue. He was especially proud of his above-ground pool, which he maintained with near-religious dedication each summer—offering family and friends a refreshing oasis and another excuse to gather.

In recent years, he found happiness with his spouse Holly Winchester, spending the last six years building a life together, including purchasing their home on Princess Royal Street. They shared their lives with several beloved animals as well as Holly’s family in Gardner Creek, most notably her grandmother Marjery, now in care at Passamaquoddy lodge just up the road.

Professionally, Matthew made a lasting mark on the Saint Andrews service industry, working at cherished establishments such as The Harbourfront, Olde Tyme Pizza, and Lobster Bay Eatery. He even spent a summer in the iconic role of bellman at the Algonquin hotel. Whether in the kitchen or out front, he took pride in treating service as an experience, not just a job. Even after moving into customs brokering with Livingston International and later AE Horne, Matthew kept one foot in the service world, remaining a familiar and beloved face at The Red Herring, where he worked for over a decade

True to his community-minded spirit, Matthew also took it upon himself to plan and host the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Saint Andrews, a celebration of joy, humour, and small-town magic. It was one of the many quiet ways he brought people together, and it is the family’s hope that this tradition will be revitalized in his honour.

Like many men, Matthew often placed the care of others before himself, quietly carrying the weight of his mental and physical health challenges rather than burden those around him. He was still working, grocery shopping, visiting friends, and managing day-to-day life right up until the end—a testament to his determination to seem "ok" even when he wasn’t. Matthew succumbed suddenly to a sepsis infection with underlying complications, a shock to all who knew how hard he tried to carry on without complaint.

In addition to Holly, he is survived by his parents Colleen Grattan Gick and Kevin Gick, his sister Kristine Wickner (Jason), and a wide and loving circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who adored him and have shared many wonderful memories since his passing.

He was a man who moved through the world with humility, warmth, and quiet brilliance. He didn’t need to be the loudest in the room (although sometimes was)—his presence was felt in his loyalty, his wit, and his care for the details that made people feel at home. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and community spirit that will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Matthew Gick Scholarship Fund can be made through the Fundy Community Foundation Fundy Community Foundation | Give .

There will be a Celebration of Life in St. Andrews remembering and honouring Matthew over the third weekend of September, event details to follow.

In Matthew’s honour, please consider organizing a game night, cooking for someone you love, or simply checking in on a friend—you never know who’s trying to seem "ok."

We know he had many people who cared for him throughout Charlotte County and he will be missed greatly.