Matthew David Toohey Obituary (1966 - 2013)

Matthew David Toohey, 47, of Scarborough Me., died on October 3 after a courageous battle with brain cancer that lasted over a decade. Matt refused to allow his illness to prevent him from leading a full and rewarding life, and his vitality and longevity also defied the odds. "Matt showed me what it is to be truly brave", reflected his sister Susan. "He was determined in fighting his illness and never let it get him down. He approached his treatments with enthusiasm and a positive attitude." Matt embodied the serenity prayer and lived it every day, accepting every turn of events with grace. Born on March 31, 1966, he was the eighth child of Thomas D. Toohey, Jr. and Christine Clements, who predeceased him. He attended Portland schools and went on to study business at Indian River State College in Ft. Pierce, FL and Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Most recently Matt was the Manager of Lumber Liquidators in Scarborough where he worked for over twelve years until he went on leave due to his illness. His sister Chris, who joined him as a co-worker noted, "It was as though he had been born to do that job, and he thrived in his role there." He was a very knowledgeable carpenter who had built several homes and he brought this experience to the showroom at work. The business grew rapidly during those years, in large part because of Matt's relationships with contractors and customers. Matt took a lot of pride in providing for his family and worked very hard through his illness and treatments. He harbored a deep and abiding love of the ocean. A longtime resident of Pine Point, Matt was very active as a shellfish harvester and served for years on the Scarborough Shellfish Committee. He loved fishing and spent many hours with his boys, relatives and friends surf casting for stripers on Grand Beach and trolling the waters off Pine Point. Every relative and friend has at least one fish tale from time spent with him. Matt spent several years in Florida helping his mother through health difficulties and putting the scare in the local fish species. He often fished until dawn on the North Bridge in Ft. Pierce, enjoying the weather and the camaraderie. Throughout his illness Matt spent time on the clam flats in Pine Point whenever he could. Matt took great pleasure in sharing his knowhow with his sons and nephews, whether it was secret fishing spots, tinkering with an outboard or handling a clam fork. Nothing made him prouder than watching his sons Gage and Deg maneuver the family's skiff in the river and return home with a load of clams or fish. His boys and nephews remember going out on the flats a couple of summers ago when Winnocks Neck reopened for digging. Matt was wearing a small backpack of medical gear he needed for his treatment. He wasn't out there for the money, but to be in the moment, and just take it all in. He savored being out on the flats for the late afternoon low tides as the sun was going down. In spite of all he had endured and the many hardships he faced, he loved life. A true child of the 80's, Matt had a passion for metal and hard rock which he shared with his boys and nephews who remember going with him to shows all over New England. Everyone would squeeze into his little red truck and head out. Matt may have had a brain tumor, but he could head bang with the best. Matt was a very kind and generous person who was devoted to his family and friends. He was able to overcome a number of other challenges in his life - providing us all with an example of dedication and perseverance. A friend of Bill W., he helped many others to deal with issues of dependency. He was the most loyal friend, father, uncle and brother a person could have. During his last 100 days, his family was with him at all times. We will remember him best with a broad smile after having landed a large fish. He is survived by his three sons, Gage H., Degnan G., and Matthew K. Toohey - all of Scarborough, and his eight siblings - Christine M. Toohey of Portland, ME; Susan T. Hamill, Moira J. Erickson, Paul B. Toohey - all of Scarborough; Thomas D. Toohey III and Brian G. Toohey of Vero Beach, FL; John F. Toohey of Ft. Pierce, FL; and Peter C. Toohey of Old Orchard Beach, and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at Conroy-Tully Crawford, on Monday, October 7, at 10:15am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, Corner of Mellen and Sherman Streets in Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Matthew's memory to: The Toohey Boys, Estate of Matthew Toohey, PO Box 42, Scarborough, ME 04070.Online condolences may be expressed below.