SLt Matthew Kendall Pyke - 34. It is with extreme sadness we announce the passing of a truly amazing man, SLt Matthew Kendall Pyke, who lost his life in a helicopter accident off the coast of Greece on April 29, 2020, while serving his country aboard Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Fredericton.

Matthew was the light force of so many. His contagious smile could light up any room, and you cannot forget that laugh!

Matthew is survived by his fiancée, Helen Hines, Grand Lake; mother, Kelly May Custance, Bible Hill; father, David Pyke, Valley, Colchester County; brother, Michael (Tamara Hennigar) Custance, Valley, Colchester County; niece, Octavia Custance, Valley, Colchester County; step grandmother, Carole; aunts and uncles, Sonja Hart, Randy (Marlene) Custance, Danny Custance, William Custance, Sherry (Steve) Heron, Darrell (Susan) Pyke, Randy (Angie) Pyke, Doug Pyke; cousins, Keith, Jamie, Chrissy, Skyler, Keegan, Madison; special cousin, Corey Toole and many others; best friends, Mason and Ruth Power.

Predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Fred Custance; paternal grandmother, Norma Pyke; aunt, Diane Pyke; other grandfather, Terry Mackenzie. Posthumously by maternal grandmother, Betty McKenzie and paternal grandfather, Donald Pyke. 

Matthew was a volunteer fire fighter for 15 years at Rawdon District Volunteer Fire Department and Gore District Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed lots of time on his four wheeler also loved to hunt and fish.

He lived his dream of joining the Royal Canadian Navy late in life where he was a proud Naval Warfare Officer, Bridge Watch Keeper, "Bull Sub" and assistant navigator. His sights were set on challenging the fleet Navigation Officer course in January 2021

A military service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Colchester Legion Stadium, 14 Lorne Street, Truro. Reception will follow. 

Donations in Matthew's memory can be made to Rawdon District Volunteer Fire Department or Gore District Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Matthew's obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 "Fair winds and following seas, we have the watch."