A Quiet Force of Nature

Born May 11, 1978 and raised in Brossard, Québec, Matthew Aguba embodied balance: fierce discipline wrapped in stillness.

He wasn’t just an athlete, he was motion made mindful.

From basketball courts to mountain trails, spinning classes to quiet forests, he moved with quiet fire.

A natural leader, Matt’s presence uplifted communities. Whether as a coach, a brother, a mentor or a friend, he inspired without ever needing to say much

Presence Over Hype

Matthew lived fully, never loudly.

He reminded us that real strength doesn’t perform—it moves, guides, protects.

He showed us that silence can teach more than instruction, and brotherhood can live without words.

He lived in rhythm with the land, and with others. He chose effort over ease. Connection over noise.

  • From Odin Founder, A close friend of Matty

In Memory of Matt, my Eternal Brother of the Secret Paths.

Some people don’t walk with words, they move through the world with presence.

Matt was that kind of man.

He didn’t need to explain himself.
He showed up in the silence, in the miles,
in the frost of Quebec nights and the burn of summer sun.

He was there before ODIN had a name, before the stitches and logos, back when it was just an idea whispered on long bike rides between pine trees and gravel trails.

For more than three years, we biked together across nature,
pushing our lungs, laughing without reason,
setting up tents in the middle of nowhere.
He made the forest feel like home.

On full moons, we’d find ourselves around fire,
sharing many times only presence, no words, just flames, stars, and the weightless truth of brotherhood. He moved like a wolf, calm, fierce, aware.

Matt wasn’t loud.
He didn’t chase hype.
He lived.
Fully. Silently.

The same constellation birthed us, but he was the older star, teaching me without teaching, reminding me what strength looks like in real life.

Not just in sport,
but in loyalty, in discipline,
in how he never backed down from life.

ODIN would not be what it is today without Matt.
He was the brand before it was even real.
He embodied the real mission, deeply human, grounded, in motion.

And now, wherever his light continues to travel,
I know it's guiding us still.
Through trails. Through firelight. Through the next horizon.

Matt, you are stitched in every garment,
in every forest run, in every cold river dip.
Your silence taught me more than words ever could.


Alejandro Kevin
Founder, ODIN

Guiding Light on the Trail Ahead

Matthew Aguba is stitched into the DNA of ODIN.

He was there before the name. Before the logo. Before the first hoodie was sewn.

He is every fire we gather around. Every breath we take in the cold air. Every mile we run deeper into nature.


His spirit moves through everything we do.

View the Tribute on Instagram

@nahla.klein

To my coach, to my friend, to a Modern Savage,

I could write a book about you, about the way you showed up in the world, about how you changed mine.

Thank you, Matt.
Thank you for inspiring me, not just in the gym, but in life.
Thank you for helping me grow stronger, not just physically, but emotionally, too.
Thank you for pushing me to reach for my best, for holding me to a higher standard, and never backing down from a challenge especially the ones I didn’t think I could face.
Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
Thank you for seeing me, for accepting me, and for welcoming me into your Ohana.

You were so much more than a coach. You were a safe space, a spark, a reminder that strength comes in many forms.

Your heart so genuine, so kind left a mark on everyone lucky enough to cross your path. You led by example. Quietly, powerfully. And even now, you’re still leading us with your legacy, your lessons, and your love.
I’m so grateful to have known you. To have been shaped by you.

You will forever be a part of my story.

I love you, Matt.

Rest easy you Modern Savage.

  • @kikasilina

    To the Warriors — the silent fighters, the brave souls, the ones who rise every time they fall. Who carry battles no one sees and still shine with strength. Not defined by victory, but by courage in the storm. To the warriors who walk through fire and come out forged, not burned. Your fight is seen, your strength is felt, your legacy is unstoppable. 🙌

  • @toddyflores

    I'll always remember you brother. The younger years when I coached you hoops and we balled in my driveway until it got dark. When we worked on our jump-shots and handles and defence. I still remember the time you called me to tell me you made the Dawson Basketball team which we worked together to get you ready. Our countless 1 on 1 games where we challenged each other and made us both better. Rest in Power Matt 🙏🏾

  • @miggzmedia

    Matt has always been extremely inspirational. He didn’t have to say much — you just felt it. His presence alone reminded people to be better, to move with intention, to live with integrity. I can still hear the tone of his encouragement during hard moments, like it was designed just for you. That kind of energy doesn’t fade. It stays in the air, in the muscle, in the memory. We lost a rare soul, but gained a guide for the rest of our lives.

  • @bobieberg

    Matt, your words will forever echo in my heart. The things you said in passing had a way of hitting the soul like they were meant for something bigger. You had a calm intensity that made people feel safe — and seen. I’ll carry those late-night conversations and small encouragements with me forever. You were light. You were love. You were real. Rest in peace, brother.

  • @viewsfromametastaticmama

    It’s cruel how life can change in a single breath. One moment they’re here, the next… just memories echoing in your mind. Hug your people. Say what you need to say. Love them out loud. Because you truly never know which moment will be the last. Life is fragile. Don’t waste it. Rest in Paradise Matt 🤍🕊

  • @pat_style_

    It's hitting me hard that I won’t get to see you again, Matty. You were one of those people who left a mark on everyone around you. Always rooted, always positive, always listening. We didn’t hang every week, but your presence felt like a friend I could always count on. Your strength was quiet, but unforgettable. You were the real deal. I hope you know how many of us will carry your memory into every room, trail, or ride we enter from now on. Thank you for being exactly who you were.

  • @melissa_stefanelli

    I knew him briefly but his light and energy were unforgettable. Even in passing interactions, you felt his presence — warm, aware, and deeply kind. This is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to his family and all those who held him close.

  • @sandraneville67

    Je t’ai connu à travers ma fille Amanda Neveille et tu as marqué ma vie aussi. Toujours souriant, respectueux, inspirant, et tellement attentionné. Tu avais cette lumière tranquille qui apaisait et inspirait les autres sans rien dire. Repose en paix, Matt. Ton souvenir vivra longtemps dans nos cœurs.

  • @coachjeffdosado

    I remember when I first started playing and looked up to you as a young baller. You had that rare mix — humble, quiet, and intense all at once. You inspired me with how you carried yourself on and off the court. As I grew older, I realized you weren’t just a good player — you were a great human. You made others better without trying. You just were. Rest in peace, Matt. You were one of the good ones.

  • @dawnmauricio

    I refused to believe this was true since the moment I found out a few days ago. I didn’t want it to be true. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. It hurts so much. But after seeing this post, after reading the words, after seeing your face and watching your way of being again, I know it’s true. And yet, I still don’t want to believe it. You were such a bright light Matt. You exuded love and joy. You radiated generosity, warmth, and strength. You made people feel seen and heard. You brought people together. Your light continues. I see you, I hear you, and I feel you in my heart. I miss you so much. I love you.

  • @elie.hawawini

    Rest in Peace old friend.🙏🏼🕊️ I’ve seen your face a lot recently on social and for a second I thought you were blowing up doing big things in your community...then the news hit me. And it hit me hard. You were someone I looked up to, inspired me with your passion, discipline, and loyalty. Always present, always grounded, always smiling. You made others feel powerful just by being around them. Your light was real. The kind that reminds people what matters. You will be missed beyond measure.

  • @saolivieri

    matt, I can’t stop crying, it still feels pretty surreal. i’ll miss seeing you around the plateau, always with your bike or backpack, either rushing somewhere or chilling, but always glowing with that soft, powerful presence of yours. you were truly something else. i hope your soul is resting well. my deepest condolences to your family and loved ones 💙

Give in His Honor

In lieu of flowers, Matthew’s family invites you to support The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada in his name.

Donate in Matthew’s Memory