In loving of memory
December 20, 1958 – November 24, 2023
We regret to announce the sudden passing of “Sandy” Matusik on November 22, 2023, at the age of 64 years old.
Alexander Leslie Matusik was born on December 20, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
He leaves his parents Maria and Karoly, brother Charles, nieces Megan and Nicole, and many friends and most cats to mourn his departure.
This rolling stone gathered no moss. School and a job were necessary evils in pursuit of what really matters. His musical ride began in Windsor Park in the early 70’s eventually reaching Toronto and Vancouver. Many lasting friendships and surely a few romances developed. Alex also left his mark on the painting and decorating profession where his dedication to profession was noted by clients and coworkers alike.
Very few of us have the courage, divine and passion to burn the candle at both ends as he did. We who knew him are blessed to have the scares of that flame.
He harmed no fish during his life. No ego was bruised by his gentle nature, no memory untouched by his presence.
These words will not form a lasting image, but your time spent in his company will. I invite you to share that with one another to keep that candle “blazing” as long as possible.
This is a hole that can’t be filled. We will miss you ALFIE.
Cremation has already taken place.
9 thoughts on “Alexander (Sandy) Leslie Matusik “TSAR””
Alex was one of a kind. A free spirit with a gentle soul. Everyone who met him either loved him, or liked him. He was my brother-in-law for 15 years, and he was always so kind, even after I divorced. He loved my daughters as if they were his own. The introduced me to the music of Bella Fleck, and I’ll always love them for that. He was devoted to his mom and his dad, and he was his brothers very good friend. He will be missed by many people. He’ll be the best bass player wherever he may land.
His happiness was contagious. Loved his smile. My sincere thoughts are with the family.
Sandy my dear friend, your sudden absence is a hole which will never be filled. A sorrow which may never heal. A talent which is remembered as unparalleled. A treasured friendship long and lasting. A presents which draws admiration, inspiration, unity and peace.
Family and friends be blessed.
I miss you so much Al. darrell
Sandy was the love of my life from 1992 to 1995. He was the reason I moved from Kamloops to Vancouver. I will miss his infectious laughter, energy, positivity and friendliness wherever h went. He taught me love, patience and understanding. Although we parted ways I enjoyed hearing from him later in life right up to spring of 2023. We attended a close family friend’s wedding in Winnipeg during summer. It was there I met the family: brother Charlie & wife and 2 girls, mom Maria dad Karoly. They all opened their arms to welcome me it was magical. We formed so many memories of good times at the Vancouver house on east 4th with roommates Lionel & Judy and later Glen, doberman Zoe, cat Face, garter snake Squiggy. My 25th birthday party there was an epic one. Sandy was one of the most open & friendly people I have ever known, he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was a true gypsy with a carefree spirit always busy and on the move. You will be sorely missed by so many but never forgotten. My Sanyka, in heaven on three: THREE. XOXO
Sandy one of a kind, I will miss your sense of humor at work and play. Will miss those road trip stories from gig to gig.
Sandy
Our journey started in my Wonnipeg dining room on Leighton 47 years ago and thru music and renovation reunited in Toronto. Oh the stories and adventures there my friend…we could write a book…from Toronto then together by Bike and Car with our British Girls driving us round the twist…to Penticton and then you on to Vancouver…we remained in touch…tho hundreds of miles apart, still got together thru music and renovation…building dreams…other men’s dreams…thru parralell paths we both landed back in the Peg…to rekindle the same…building other mens dreams…and here it will never end, tho you have moved onto a plane I have yet to follow…here I will finish those songs…that one day we will play together…..again my Brother in Life the Guitar and the Road…Godspeed Sandy…aka Roman Around…love ya man…Play It…on Three…Three !!!
Sandy; you were one of kind in the very best way possible. Your light has definitely touched my heart as I am sure it has touched everyone you met.
Rest easy my friend.
Peace to my best friend from Windsor Park days. Sandy and I played in our first band, Trash, and wrote our first song about Ralph the Cat, when in grade 6. A gifted guitarist and later bassist he was a beam of light and an inspiration to all around him. I missed him after moving away from Winnipeg and often thought about him and his wonderful parents and bro Charlie. I have many fond memories of sharing laughs and more than a few stories to reminisce about.
“Once there was a cool cat
Everybody knew that
He chased away the sewer rats
And his name was Ralph…”
To my friend and Bro Sandor…WTF over…We were supposed to jam…Now what??!! I’ve known you most of my life if not all of it, You and I have been thru a lot together, good and bad, mostly good…So many memories, so many good times…I miss so much buddy no words can express…have fun jammin… I love you man…