My heart breaks to hear this news. Matt and I worked together years ago at Toyota. he was always someone I confided in,. I loved how genuine he was, how he could make you laugh at any moment no matter the mood, and was always willing to talk you through a touch time. We stayed in touch long after I moved on from the dealership, but it had been some time since we spoke last, but I always knew that when we did talk, we would pick right back where we left off. I'm gutted to know I can't make that phone call. But will forever cherish the memories I'm lucky enough to have gotten with you.

all the best to his family through this difficult time.

Matt,

I just got the news. I am at a loss. You left us far too early. You always had a smile on your face and were such a pleasure to talk with. You took real pride in what you did and were always willing to help the people around you. I admired how houmble and kind you always were. You made a lasting impression on me, and its clear that you made that similar impression on so many others. You will be missed.

Rest easy!

My sincere sympathy to the Bratland family on the loss of your son, brother and uncle. I only knew Matthew as a young child, but from all the tributes I have read, he was a special and loved family member and friend. I hope that all of your memories are a comfort to you as you grieve his loss.

Matthew, how incredibly lucky am I to have you for a cousin! Literally the patience you had with me when I was a young child! Remarkable! Our relationship grew as we did and our bond was like no other! You were my best friend, my travel buddy, and my rock. Thank you for reminding me to - slow down, that being weird is a great thing, to control only what I can control, and always being there for me, always.

What a gift to have spent 50 years with you. You picked me up when I fell apart and you reminded me to take care of myself. Thank You for protecting me on the playground and in life .

Uncle Matt, you have made me a stronger person than I ever believed I could be. You taught me to honour my boundaries while remaining compassionate to others. I am forever grateful for our bond. I miss and love you dearly. And you will live on through every nerdy comment and ‘sick burn’ I make ❤️.

Such a tragic loss. Leaving us way to early. My condolences to the Bratland family.

Matt, we will definitely miss you. I truly appreciate your friendship. Your humor brought smiles and laughter to everyone you met. I will miss that most of all. RIP Matt.

Dear friend, we had so many laughs and adventures growing up. You were always mischievous and fearless, a great friend with contagious enthusiasm for life. Your memory will carry on with me and your stories will be told. To the Bratland family, my deepest condolences on the loss of such a special part of your family.

Such a staggering loss and so sudden. My heart grieves along with the entire Bratland family and extended family and friends. I worked with him many years at Birchwood Toyota and we shared so many common interests. I'll cherish in my heart all the conversations we had about the various si-fi shows and he turned me on to some greats that I enjoyed. Gonna miss you little gaffer and I'll keep your family in prayers during this difficult time

To the entire Bratland family I offer my condolences.so many good memories of Matt, from Mx trips many decades ago to all night charleswood 'stakeouts' and everything in between.you will be missed my friend.

Matt was my brother-in-law and he was an awesome guy!

Matt was intelligent and could discuss/debate a variety of subjects from Marvel comics (DC is better was my perspective and Matt was clearly wrong on this subject), geographic politics, Formula 1, universe and scientific facts, science fiction (The Expanse and Battlestar Galactica), and have intense discussions about the defensive weaknesses of the Winnipeg Jets. He was very quick with a quip and loved to engage in debates with his father at extended family meals.

He was very methodical - he did plenty of research on any given matter before committing to do something or purchase. Often he would take months to procure the perfect item that he was after.

Matt was generous and looked out for the automotive service needs for our family and generously gifted a car to our three children to use. He deeply loved his neice and nephews and engaged with them as adults and as equals. Matt loved to hunt for the 'perfect' humourous birthday card to give to each family member that typically was unique and humourous and left us wondering where he found the cards. Note: He never divulged where he got his cards, which kept the mystery alive.

Matt loved to rent Colleen's cottage at Albert beach for the family where we would spend a week each summer playing games and having fun. Matt and his brother Mark loved to go to the beach together in the evening to watch the stars.

My wife Maggie and Matt had such a special bond. They confided in each other and Matt was very protective of her being her immediate big brother. They would pointificate about life's issues and find pragmatic solutions together.

Matt brought life, humour and laughter to our household on a regular basis. We're distraught that he left us so soon in life but we are glad that Matt left us the way he would have planned to leave us.

"The cream always rises to the top". Love you brother, forever.

I wouldn't be at this point in my career with Birchwood so young if it wasn't for Matt. I will miss his awesome laugh. Sending my love to the Bratland family❤️

Had the pleasure of working alongside Matt both at Toyota and Kia, he always had a smile on his face, was kind to others, and cared deeply for those around him. You'll be missed Matt.

Loved how Matt made everyone feel special when you were with him. Will always think of you fondly.

Matt served as a great leader and mentor throughout my time working with him, always making time to work through whatever challenges I had. Beyond that, he was a great person with such a positive outlook on everything. He was always providing laughs with his endless stories and great sense of humour. Wishing his family all the best during this tough time. Matt, you will certainly be missed.

Matt was a great friend and boss. He trained me and built my carreer up while also being a very good friend of mine. I wish all the love to his family who are going through this difficult time. you will be very much missed matt.

Matt,

I’ve been thinking about how much you’ve meant to me, and I just wanted to say thank you. You were always there for me—no hesitation, no judgment—and that kind of support is rare. I’m so grateful for you, not just as a coworker, but as a true friend.Matt, You will always be remembered and I'll miss our talks. My condolenses to your family.

Matt was sucha kind person with a big heart, I am so grateful I got the pleasure of working with him. He was a great leader and friend. Thank you for believing in me and my capabilities, you definitely helped push me to where I am now. You will be missed. Rest easy Matt.

Matt was an amazing person and Im so grateful to be able to call him a friend. You will be greatly missed Bratty and forever loved. My sincerest condolences to his friends, family and all those who had the pleasure to know him