Mathew Mukkattu
December 18, 1941 - August 27, 2022
Mathew Mukkattu of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the age of 80. He spent his last months surrounded by what mattered to him most – his family. Mathew was a man of strength, grace and determination. He was born on December 18, 1941 in Kerala, India. He obtained his B.Sc. in Botany from The University of Kerala, then courageously left home to Kenya, Africa to become Chair of the Science Department at Mugoiri Girls School. In 1968, he immigrated to Canada, met his beautiful wife Mary and completed his post-graduate degree in Statistical Ecology and obtained a teacher’s certificate in Environmental Studies from the University of Western Ontario. He went on to become a Professor of Biology and Biotechnology at Fanshawe College for more than 36 years until his retirement in 2008.
Growing up, Mathew experienced firsthand what it meant to struggle. He knew what it felt like to go to bed hungry and to go without what we now consider basic necessities. Never forgetting where he came from, the concern for the poor was always a priority in his life. Mathew was a Project Manager with a London based charity for 26 years, heading the Canadian and International Developmental agencies. He traveled to India every year to ensure he brought happiness and hope to those beneficiaries, but the truth is, knowing he was making a difference in their lives brought even more joy to Mathew. His commitment to service led him to become the founder of his own charitable organization – Village Education and Development Society (V.E.D.S) – which will continue to fulfill its mission despite Mathew’s passing.
Mathew was charismatic, intelligent, generous, and an athlete. An accomplished tennis player, he was a two-time club singles tennis champion at Greenhills Country Club in 1979 and 1980. After retirement, he enjoyed socializing with his dear friends, playing Bridge, playing tennis and later in life perfecting his golf game. He also published 4 books and fulfilled his dream of traveling the world with Mary.
Mathew was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother. Even with all of his academic accolades, these precious roles were truly Mathew’s proudest accomplishments, especially the love he had for his grandchildren. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 52 years, three children and their spouses: Maisy (Andrew), Maxine (Alan) and Melissa (Anil), and his 9 adored grandchildren: Marietta, Mikhaila, Jacob, Maiya, Joshua, Caleb, Brooke, Matthew and Jonah. He is also survived by his two sisters: Baby and Cissy.
The family will honor the life of Mathew with a viewing on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, ON, N6H 4L1. The funeral service will be conducted at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London, ON, N6H 2Y9, on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. A live stream of the service will be available for you to view virtually.
To view the live streamed service, please click here: Live stream page for Mathew’s service on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to V.E.D.S. To donate please go to canadahelps.org and search for “Village Education and Development Society,” mail a cheque to the following address: 57-505 Blue Jay Drive, London, Ontario, N5X 4K7, or make an interacpayment to villageeds@rogers.com.
Leave a tribute for Mathew Mukkattu
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Please accept our deepest condolences on Mathew's passing. He was a kind, generous, and accomplished man. Our thoughts and prayers are for Mathew and his family. May his soul rest in peace.
Maisy and family. Wonderful to see you tonight but wish the circumstances were different. My thoughts are with you and your Mom and the rest of the family. Please know that the community at 2250 Buroak Dr is here to support your Mom! Please drop by anytime… Lesley Unit 87
Dear Mary(Akkamma) and family, Mathew had a wonderful singing voice; my husband Govindarajan and I have heard him sing many times during the Kerala Association functions. We were very sad to hear of his passing at the prime of his life. Nothing much we can say to console you, other than hold on to your wonderful memories. God chooses the best. With caring thoughts and hugs, Radha and Raj Govindarajan
I worked with Mathew for several years at Fanshawe College. I am truly saddened at his passing. Truly a thoughtful, caring man.
On behalf of the members of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mathew's family and friends at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you, Sandra Detering of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association.
Our family mourns losing Matthew. I will always remember him as a kind and inviting soul. Wishing God’s peace to Mary and the entire family.
A donation has been made to Veds. Message from the donator: In memory of the good work done by Matthew.
Matthew was a beloved friend of our family whose presence brought joy and laughter. He was a caring and thoughtful, generous with his time and energy, and he will be missed dearly. My deepest condolences go out to Mary, the girls, and the family.
As the convenor of morning tennis with the Huff n' Puff Seniors Fitness Assoc., I always loved when Mathew appeared to play. His smile and laughter were infectious and he was a joy to play with or against. He was a genuine good sport and spread happiness wherever he went. He will be deeply missed. My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends...
I was a student in a botany class taught by Mr. Mukkattu at Fanshawe College almost 50 years ago. His deep knowledge and humanism made a lasting impression at the time that I have carried with me after all these years. Occasionally I came across an article he had written to the London Free Press about a matter of importance. I was always sure to read it for the wisdom imparted. I am sorry to hear he has passed away. This world needs more people like him.
So sorry for your loss Maisey, take care!
I am so sorry for your loss, sending love your way at this very difficult time.
Very sorry to learn of Mathew’s passing. A good man with a warm heart who reached out to everyone with friendship. May his family find comfort in knowing that he touched many. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Services for Mathew Mukkattu
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 1, 2022 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 1, 2022 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Holy Family Parish
777 Valetta Street,
London, Ontario
September 2, 2022 10:00 am
Make a donation
To donate please go to canadahelps.org and search for “Village Education and Development Society,” mail a cheque to the following address: 57-505 Blue Jay Drive, London, Ontario, N5X 4K7, or make an interacpayment to villageeds@rogers.com.
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Melissa and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss and sad for your all. May God be with you during this most difficult time. At the same time we remember your father for the wonderful man he was, you always spoke so fondly of your father and I know how much you loved him. I have many beautiful memories of him, he was a very kind and welcoming man and always with a smile. I am sure you will all keep his beautiful memories alive. My deepest condolences to your mom and entire family .
~ Susie Saad-Raviele