HILDEBRAND: Matthew Kurt Hildebrand (January 29, 1987 - February 6, 2014) Beloved son of John Richard and Marlene Helen (Dyck) Hildebrand. Survived by: his Mother: Marlene; Brothers: John Eric (Arleen); Elliott Robert (Nancy); Sister: Sharon Elaine; Nephew: Caleb Peter (son of John and Arleen); Grandmother: Sara Dyck. Matthew was predeceased by his Father: John Richard (2004); Grandfather: John J. Dyck (1984); Grandfather: Jacob Peter (1993) and Grandmother: Helena (2008) Hildebrand; Uncle: Henry Hildebrand (1997). Our dear son and brother, Matthew was born on January 29, 1987 to John and Marlene Hildebrand. He was the third son after John and Elliott. Two years later, his sister, Sharon was born to complete the family. Matthew had a special place in our family for he was born with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). His health challenges brought him into contact with many caring and dedicated people and organizations: Alvin Buckwold Centre, Kinsmen Children Centre, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Playschool and special education attention at school starting at Rabbit Lake, then attending Spiritwood and graduating at Medstead (2005). He continued his education for an additional two years at Medstead. Matthew had an exceptionally gentle personality, but this was combined with a frail body. At 15, he developed Type 1 diabetes, complicating his health further, and then septicemia and pneumonia at 20. Recently he developed another condition, Graves' disease. He passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on February 6, 2014, following complications from diabetes and Graves' disease. Matthew was 27 years and 1 week old. Matthew enjoyed life! Classical music, watching movies and making porridge for breakfast were a daily routine. Multiple coffee breaks were a must on shopping trips, or a trip just for coffee (or diet Coke) was good too! He certainly enjoyed special occasions and getting dressed up. Christmas music began to be played in September, or even earlier. Birthday parties were happy too, and this meant that his birthday was celebrated for a week or more. Matthew loved his family, and was so happy when they could come home and visit him. And he had a wonderful sense of humour, though sometimes, he kept the joke to himself and laugh for hours after he'd gone to bed! His signature smile, inner light, and special presence endeared him to all. A Funeral Service was held Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Rabbit Lake Community Hall, Rabbit Lake, SK with Rev. Don Unger, officiating. Interment took place at Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Cemetery, Rabbit Lake, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306)446-4200 ____________________________________________________
