Tributes
Nelson
Banting
I knew Matthew Staikos as a teacher, neighbour and friend. As a neighbour I observed him maturing from a healthy, friendly, curious boy into a happy, caring, fun-loving adult. As his chemistry teacher I recognized that he was an exceptional student who was highly motivated, persistent, inventive, a deep thinker and a thorough worker. As a friend I observed that Matt was generous, respectful, interactive and fun to be around. He and my OAC chemistry class organized a retirement party for the last day I taught. He brought in a cake that his mother, Gale, had made for us. We had a great time and it’s a day that will be etched in my memory forever. I will always remember him as an all-around wonderful young man.
EVELYN
LOMBARDI
I remember Matthew as a quiet leader. He was confident but humble, family-oriented and broad-minded. He was always smiling. I remember a very funny spoof he made about Romeo and Juliet – it made me laugh so hard, I had to leave the classroom! I taught him English in Grade 11, and he stood out to me from the very beginning as a gifted, creative, sensitive intellectual. My husband was also his soccer coach, and he was the same way on the field as he was in the classroom: humble, capable, and mature, always uplifting others around him.