To mourn the passing of long-time FCSI member Matthew William Marrack, The Canadian Chapter writes here with a celebration of his life:
In his life’s work in the foodservice industry Matthew William Marrack created an enduring legacy by contributing to the credibility of the foodservice consultant through his new firm and his approach to operations, design and planning. He crossed paths with many sectors in foodservice, from the educational aspects, to design and implementation of many prestigious projects.
Matthew supported our Chapter by writing articles and never shying away when asked for a foodservice consultant’s point of view.
He won FCSI’s Award for Excellence in Design in 2003 for his designs on the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Correctional Services Adult Infrastructure Renewal Program – Central Food System). He also won the award in 2002 in the ‘Large, Non-Commercial’ category alongside Paul Cumpstey FCSI for their work on the University Health Network as well as in 1999 for his Northern Alberta Institute of Technology project designs. In 1997 he received an ‘Honorable mention’ for his designs for USSC Shared Foodservice System.
Although he has left us much too early, he has given our industry both direction and a path to follow: Matt thank you.
Below is his obituary.
Matthew William Marrack: November 11, 1953 – April 16, 2020
Matthew William Marrack passed away on April 16, 2020 at West Park Long Term Care Centre in Toronto, Canada. He died of complications from Covid-19. He was 66 years old. Matthew will be forever loved and missed by his siblings, Peter (Vicki) and Molly (Bob), his nephew Peter Jr. and his nieces Lindsay and Andrea. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a family interment will take place in the future.
For the past seven years, Matthew has been cared for by the dedicated staff at West Park Long Term Care Centre. He also had the committed support of his recreational therapists who ensured he was able to have fun, go on outings, socialize and pursue his interests despite his challenges. We are forever grateful for the special care the team provided Matthew.
Matthew was born on Nov 11, 1953 in St. Catharines, Ontario. He was the first child of Louise Sylvia Marrack and John (Jack) William Marrack. He became an older brother to Peter and Molly. Matthew became an uncle to Peter Marrack Jr., Lindsay Marrack Bevan and Andrea Marrack Bevan. He was also a nephew and cousin to the Burnett, Milley and Thrasher clans. He was a beloved grandson to Alice and Claud Marrack and Joe and Sarah Thrasher.
Matthew graduated from Hospitality and Tourism Management in 1978 at Ryerson University. Alberta became his home and he joined Russel Food Service and Design and later opened Mr. Eds Restaurant and Bar in Calgary. In the mid 1980’s, Matthew returned to Toronto and became a founding partner of Marrack Watts Food Service Planning and Design. The firm won many awards for food service design and became a leader in its field.
Matthew returned to school at the age of 50 and graduated with an MBA in Hospitality from Guelph University. He taught in hospitality at Guelph and Ryerson in addition to continuing his design work. In the fall of 2010 he started as a teacher at Victoria Island University at the Nanaimo BC Campus.
In his spare time Matthew enjoyed cooking, hosting social gatherings and spending time at his cottage on Georgian Bay including boating.
For the last 20 years of his life Matthew battled depression and dementia, winning against it at times with the support of his family and friends. However, in his last 10 years he suffered greatly and it led to depending on others for his care and well being. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
