Matt “Ecky” Eckert Death, Obituary (1979–2025): Beloved Coach, Mentor, and Educator, Passed Away Unexpectedly
Owen Sound, Ontario – May 24, 2025 — With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the Owen Sound North Stars Junior B Lacrosse Club announces the tragic passing of Assistant Coach Matt Eckert, affectionately known to many as “Ecky.” Matt lost his life in a devastating car accident near London, Ontario on April 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, kindness, and passion that touched countless lives on and off the field.
Matt Eckert was 46 years old.
A beloved fixture in the Owen Sound sports community, Matt served as a dedicated assistant coach for the North Stars, offering not only tactical insight but also invaluable mentorship to the players he guided. His coaching style was defined by patience, positivity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every athlete. Whether it was a playoff push or a team-building practice, Matt approached each moment with infectious enthusiasm and a deep love for the game of lacrosse.
More Than a Coach
Beyond the field, Matt was a respected educator at Walkerton District Secondary School, where he taught with the same integrity, warmth, and tireless dedication that made him an admired coach. To his students, Mr. Eckert was more than a teacher — he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. His ability to connect, inspire, and uplift those around him made his classroom a place of growth, safety, and belonging.
“Ecky was one of a kind,” said a fellow teacher. “He had a rare gift — the ability to make every student feel seen, every player feel valued. His legacy is not just in the lessons he taught, but in the lives he shaped.”
A Community in Mourning
The news of Matt’s passing has sent shockwaves through Owen Sound, Walkerton, and the wider lacrosse and education communities. The North Stars organization released a heartfelt statement, saying:
“We are devastated by the loss of Coach Ecky. He was the heart and soul of our team, a man who gave everything he had to this sport and to the people in it. His presence on our bench, in our locker room, and in our hearts will never be forgotten.”
Tributes have poured in from students, players, colleagues, and community members, painting a picture of a man who made the world better through compassion, laughter, and dedication.
One former student wrote, “Mr. Eckert believed in me when no one else did. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” Another shared, “Coach Ecky always reminded us that who we are off the field matters just as much as who we are on it.”
A Life of Impact
Matt Eckert is survived by his loving family, including his spouse, children, and extended relatives who have been the backbone of his life and passions. While the grief of this sudden loss is profound, so too is the pride in the life he lived and the impact he made.
Plans for a celebration of life and memorial service are currently underway, with details to be announced in the coming days. The Owen Sound North Stars are also organizing a tribute game and scholarship fund in Matt’s honor, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes and students.
Carrying Forward His Legacy
As the community grapples with the heartbreak of losing such a central figure, the focus turns to honoring Ecky’s legacy. His lessons, his encouragement, his sense of humor — all these gifts endure in the lives he touched.
In the words of one parent: “Matt Eckert was the kind of person every community needs and few are lucky to have. His absence will be felt forever, but his spirit will live on in every student who dreams big, every player who plays with heart, and every person who chooses kindness.”
Rest in peace, Coach Ecky. You were loved deeply, and you will be missed beyond measure.
