Obituaries

Matthew Robert McKelvie, age 60, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on June 1, 2026, at home. He was born on March 27, 1966, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Emery and Eleanor "Gigi" (Hartwell) McKelvie.

Matt was born into a large and loving family of fourteen children. Throughout his life, Matt worked in a variety of roles, including employment with Forest Ply and the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which Matt was a proud member of.

Matt enjoyed spending time with his close friends and family. He had a deep appreciation for music, especially Bluegrass and Country, a fondness that grew from the good old days when his father, uncles, and cousins would gather to play live music, play cards, and enjoy each other's company. Matt was an avid gardener and took great pride in maintaining his yard. Over the years, he was recognized several times by the Sault Tribe Housing Authority for having the "Best Yard," most recently in 2025.

Matt is survived by his mother, Gigi McKelvie; siblings, Patrick (Julie) McKelvie, Christine (Mike) Gonzales, Kathleen McKelvie, Daniel (Cyndee) McKelvie, Laureen McKelvie (Steve), Mark (Jean) Bennett, John (Carla) McKelvie, William "Lurch" McKelvie, Brenda McKelvie, Victoria (Paul) Kosiewicz, and Janet (Pat) McKelvie; special friends and cousins, Bobby Hammonds, Bunz Germain, Steve McKelvie, Tim Gordon, Tom Mansfield, Charlie Mason, and Sonja McLeod. In addition, he leaves behind thirty-five nieces and nephews, sixty-six great-nieces and great-nephews, and two great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Emery McKelvie; and brothers, Michael McKelvie and Emery McKelvie.

A Traditional Pipe Ceremony will be conducted by Les Ailing, on June 4, 2026, at the Sault Tribe Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783, beginning at 7:00 PM A final send-off will take place on June 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM., with a luncheon to follow.

Matt’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan. Burial with family will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Life Funeral Homes to help with the cost of Matt’s services.

"Creator, we give thanks for Matt's life, for the love he shared with family and friends, and for the memories that will remain in our hearts. Grant him peace on his journey and comfort to all who mourn his passing. Amen."- Love, Mama.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.