16.7.1946 (GLASGOW) - 3.7.2021 (ST. JOHN OF GOD)
Loving and cherished husband of Sharon.
Adored father and father-in-law of Lorraine & Chris, Fiona & Simon, Andrew & Sara, Anders & Ingrid.
Dearly loved son of Violet Paterson (dec) and James Paterson (dec).
Beloved brother and brother-in-law of Moira (dec) & Jimmy, Jim, Lorna & Steve, Gordon (dec) and families.
Proud Granddad of Keira, Fynn, Ryan and Jessie.
Matt was an inspirational teacher and international athletics coach, who inspired many people around the world and his legacy will live on at Brighton Phoenix AC, UK.
‘Caledonia you’re calling me and now I’m going home.’
A service to celebrate Matt's life will be held in the Church of Christ, Blakeley Road, Castlemaine on Monday (July 12) at 3.00pm.
A private cremation will follow this service.
To watch the service via livestream, please return to the home page of this website and click on the livestream button.
The service will be live approximately 5-10 minutes prior to commencing.
Please wear a touch of tartan.
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Yes, Matt and I were brought up in a suburb of Glasgow, and always enjoyed playing sports, and the ‘outdoor life’ there was one particular incident that I recall was when our mother put us to bed early 8pm; (and in Scotland during the summer it was light even until 10pm) so both of us sneaked out of bed… out through the window and into the park where we continued playing football with friends. Matt was the academic one and continued with his studies at University in Glasgow. I know he was a well respected teacher, and athletics coach in both England and Australia. It is with great sadness losing Matt just 4yrs after younger brother Gordon, who succumbed to Motor Neurone Disease R.I.P
James Nicholson Paterson
I worked alongside Matt at Wesley College back in the early 90’s. Matt’s love of life, no nonsense approach, sense of humour, selflessness and above all else, the capacity to inspire others to get the best out of themselves remains with me. His approach to coaching and athletics was one of no frills – hard work, consistency with enjoyment thrown in. The brutal training sessions Matt delivered were done so with that ever present twinkle in his eyes. A great friend and mentor Matt’s positive impact on my life I am sure will be mirrored by all those he met, worked with, coached and advised. Farewell my friend! It is a pleasure to have known you.
Brian Kennelly
I feel so privileged to have worked along side Matt (Pattie) at Wesley and at Xavier. They were great days. Matt had an amazing ability to see humour in everything. I’ll never forget him reciting to me one of his favourite Billy Connelly skits…he couldn’t finish it he was laughing so much! His students loved his humour and he inspired them all, in and out of the classroom, including the ones I visited when he was teaching back in the UK, where they literally hung on his every word.
Thank you for having a profound impact on me.
At training he always used to say ‘Come on, right through…right through’ in that terrific Scottish accent as anyone was nearing the finish line. Come on Pattie…right through, right through!
RIP
James Brown
Sending heartfelt condolences to Sharon and to Matt’s family and friends. We are thinking of of you at this sad time.
Tanya and Peter Brock
Fond Brother-in-law to Rae and Paul, beloved Uncle Matt to Luke and Lauren, Jenna and Kara. Matt was a bright, spirited man who was always up for a game of Finska, Bocce, or Trivial Pursuit. We will miss his conversation, wit and humour at our family gatherings, and we are sending all our love and support to Aunty Sharon, Lorraine, Fiona, Andrew, Anders and their families during this time. Sadly missed ❤️
The Gibbons Family
I have great memories of Matt. I couldn’t keep up with him in the runs or in the conversations about sport. Thinking of Sharon and sending best wishes to you all. Bruce McAvaney
I will always remember Matt’s big smile. He was one of nature’s true gentlemen.
Matt had a wonderful sense of humour and loved his family, spoke of them all with such love on his face. And his running, loved that too.
He will always be much loved and missed by colleagues and friends.
I am glad he got to enjoy retirement and travel after his time at Xavier, an email was always lovely to receive.
Rosemaree Allison
A coach, mentor and friend of the highest caliber. I’m forever grateful of the time you dedicated to me as a friend and coach; you extracted the very best out of me as an athlete and you taught me to work hard and enjoy every minute of it. You always had great stories to tell and you made a difficult sport incredibly enjoyable. You led an inspiring group of people and being part of your training group in the 1990’s fostered incredible life long friendships for which I am forever grateful. You were tough, thoughtful, grounded, and so generous with the time you spent with your students and athletes. A gentleman who did everything with an infectious smile.
May you Rest In Peace Matt.
Julian Marsh
So many touching and heartfelt stories and memories of Matt. Fond love Sharon.
Beth White
I have very fond memories of Matt during the years we were colleagues at Xavier and he certainly had a wonderful and immediate impact on both staff and students. I always looked forward to seeing him. Deepest sympathies to all Matt’s family.
Graham Sharp
My fondest memories were the never ending stories during the Sunday morning run both in Melbourne and Ferny. The only time he stopped talking was during the long climbs. I had the privilege of meeting some truly amazing athletes throughout my time with Matt. His stories will stay with me forever. RIP Matt.
Andrew Edwards
My deepest sympathy to Matt’s family; I am very sorry for your loss. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Matt at Wesley coaching cross country and athletics for a number of years in the 1990s. In truth, Matt coached; I did the administration. My memories of Matt are of a humble and gentle man who enjoyed a laugh and was always encouraging and supportive of those he coached. Despite his relaxed and unassuming manner, the training sessions he planned and conducted at Fawkner Park were a tribute to his experience and achievements as an elite athlete. They were also a lot of fun and that is perhaps my most enduring memory of Matt as a coach and as a person. He wanted the kids to enjoy running and performance would come from that. I am very grateful to have known Matt; adieu.
My deepest condolences to Sharon and all of Matt’s family. In the early 90’s I somehow found myself training with Matt in Melbourne, he had a unique style and what would now be called “old school “ but he taught me a very valuable lesson about coaching and learning to trust your own decisions.
The Saturday morning 3 minute session at Caulfield Park became legendary in the early 90’s thanks to Matt, So many great friendships were formed and still remain today. I got to speak to Matt briefly before he passed and thank him for all that he did, something I’m sure I didn’t do enough of when we trained together. When you look back on what you achieve in life, outside of family, it’s people and friendships like the one I had with Matt that really matter in life. Just another reminder to appreciate every day that we are on this 🌎
RIP 💛
Sad to hear the passing of Matt. Sympathy to Sharon.
Matt was a dear friend and former coach. Will miss him greatly.