Matthew Warren Spence

Matthew Warren Spence (1934 – 2024) was a hardworking, humble man who showed love, respect and dedication to his family and all who were fortunate to know him. He was born in Chatham, Ontario on November 18, 1934. The family moved out west to Edmonton shortly after, where Matthew spent most of his formative years. The family then acquired a farm (Sanobar) in Rimbey, Alberta where Matthew spent a good many years helping his family while also working as a Brewster bus driver to help pay for his formal education.

Matthew earned a degree in Medicine from the University of Alberta, followed by a PhD in neurochemistry from McGill University. It was in Quebec that he met and married his wife Cynthia, who was working as a nurse at Sherbrooke hospital where Matthew was an intern. She ‘fell head over heels’ in love with him, the result being a beautiful marriage lasting over 63 years.

In the early 1970’s, Matthew was recruited to work at the I. W. Killam Hospital for Children and Dalhousie University in Halifax as a physician and researcher. He focused on both pediatrics and brain chemistry and began to build a noteworthy research career. During his time in Halifax, Matthew lent his growing knowledge and expertise to many national organizations. His research efforts were recognized when he received a prestigious Medical Research Council Associateship Award.

In 1990, Matthew was offered the position as President and CEO of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). He jumped at the opportunity to return to his native Alberta and to head an organization that he considered to be pioneering medical research in Canada. He played a key role in its work to develop and invest in Alberta’s growing research strengths.

Even during the busiest years of his research career, Dr. Spence generously gave his time and expertise to numerous professional organizations, including the Medical Research Council, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. Matthew also lent his expertise to many research and medical institutions worldwide.

Matthew set a high bar for himself. This resulted in many awards and recognitions, among which were honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Alberta and Dalhousie University. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2004, he was named one of Alberta’s “Physicians of the Century” in 2005 and received The Alberta Order of Excellence in 2006.

Throughout his career, Matthew was a guide and mentor to a great number of people and made huge impacts on many, the greatest of which was on his family; his wife Cynthia and their three children and two grandchildren. No matter how busy his career was, he was always there with his love, support and invaluable advice helping to give his children the tools they needed to succeed.

Matthew modeled a well-rounded lifestyle, taking time for family trips across the country, many fun ski trips and traveling extensively with his wife, Cynthia on their Goldwing motorcycle and later, in their RV. He was seen daily at the local exercise club working on his own physical health, a habit, of which was passed on to his family.

Matthew passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024 surrounded by family. Matthew is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his daughters Carolyn and Rachael, his daughter-in-law, Emily, his grandchildren: Matthew and Arabella, and his brother Ian. Matthew is predeceased by his son, David and his sister Marie.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MS Society of Canada in Matthew’s memory and in honour of his son, David.