Snowmobiler dies after hitting tree on trail north of Nelson House

A 27-year-old Nelson House man died when he hit a tree while snowmobiling at high speed, police say.

Nelson House RCMP learned on Jan 30 that the body of a missing man had been found on the trail to a camp north of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Earlier that day, a report had been filed with police that a man who had gone out on a snowmobile the previous day was missing.

Officers attended the scene of the collision on snowmobiles and determined that the man was travelling fast along the shore of Footprint Lake when he hit the tree. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Matthew Reader Brown

April 5, 1985 - January 10, 2023

In the early hours of the morning of January 10 Matthew Reader Brown left us to seek the peace that eluded him during his time here on earth.

Born in Corner Brook, NL to Sandra (Nee. Ellsworth) Moorehead on April 5, 1985. Matt, as he was known to friends and family by, was adopted by loving parents Winston Brown and Judy Reader when he was an infant in St. John’s and raised in Clarenville, NL. Matt had many fun adventures in his life; camping in Salmon Arm with friends and family, Summers at Mint Brook Camp, Time at his grandparents in Bloomfield playing Sherlock Holmes, and visits with his Uncle Ed and Aunt Daphne and Uncle Harvey and Aunt Rosalind and cousins, including a trip to Disney.

He found his birth family at the age of 19 with the aid of the book Am I The Other Man By Freeman Cull, which was a story about the death of his maternal grandfather. He moved to Thompson, MB to spend time getting to know his family there. Discovering siblings, and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins anxiously awaiting his arrival. From Thompson, he attended Vanguard College in Edmonton, AB where he met his wife Priscilla Brown (Nee. Parsons). They married in August 2006.

They moved to Kitchener, ON where they lived from 2007–2022. In October 2022 Matt returned to Thompson, MB to be with his family. Matthew was active in local churches, a volunteer with the Kitchener Titans Basketball, and a member of the Lions Club. As well as an avid Blue Jays and Raptors fan. Matt also had an extensive knowledge and love of music and comedy.

Forever missing him are his wife of 16 years Priscilla (Nee. Parsons) Brown. Parents; Sandra (Steve) Moorehead, Winston Brown, Judy Reader and in-laws Daniel and Josie Parsons. Siblings; Trevor (Cherish), Joshua, Steven (Kristy), Nicole (friend Nicole). Sister and Brother in law: Wendy (Jeremy) Compton and Winston Parson. Nieces and Nephews; Morgan (Aiden) Sachs, Tyson Compton, Isabella, Adam, Trevvyn, Kirsten, Caleb, Ava, Adonis, Rogue, Avery, Kendrix, and Payton. Numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Matt was predeceased by his infant brother Anthony Ellsworth, Grandparents; Charlie and Gwendolyn Brown, Leander and Elizabeth (Big Nan) Ellsworth, and Roland and Evelyn Reader and Uncle Harvey (Dogg) Brown.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Robert (Bob) Stevens at Grand River Regional Cancer Center for 16 years of exceptional care and friendship to Matt and Priscilla throughout his journey.

Funeral Arrangements in Thompson, MB will be through Northland Funeral Services. Viewing held at Thompson Pentecostal Assembly on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Funeral Service held at Thompson Pentecostal Assembly on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Officiated by Fred Ntwari. In Kitchener a Celebration of life is TBA as well as a Memorial in the summer for family and friends in Newfoundland. In lieu of flowers Matt had a few things he was passionate about. Donations can be made to: The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Every Child Matters and The Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington.

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye 1905-2004 must be placed along your curb no later than 8 am on the day of scheduled pickup AT LEAST one metre apart from other cart/objects. No Parking on residential streets between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm during Garbage/Recycle days for that area. Example: if it is Westwood’s Garbage/Recycle day there is to be no parking on the residential streets in the Westwood Area. This is to aid in the safety for both the residents of Thompson as well as City crews. Vehicles found parked on the streets will be ticketed.