Matthew Robert MacGrath

Matthew (Matt) Robert MacGrath, age 46, of Stratford, PEI, passed away on January 30, 2026, after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. Matt lived his life fully, intentionally, and with a generosity of spirit that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.

Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Matt was the son of the late Mary Jo MacLeod and the late Richard MacGrath. From an early age, he carried a quiet strength, a fierce work ethic, and a belief in constant growth—often summed up in his own words:
“My goal in life is to be 1% better than I was the day before.”
He lived by that principle every day.

Matt was a devoted husband and father. He will be forever missed by the love of his life, Melanie, and by his pride and joy—his children Keely, Levi, and Sutter. He loved them fiercely, cheered them on endlessly, and was their biggest supporter in everything they did. Some of Matt’s happiest moments were the simplest ones: quiet mornings drinking coffee with Mel while folding laundry, snuggling with the kids and watching their favourite shows—the rare moments when he truly sat still.

Matt began his martial arts journey at the age of nine with judo, which quickly became his passion and took him around the world to train and compete. At the age of 20, he added Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) to further sharpen his judo skills. Through discipline, determination, and relentless commitment, Matt became the first person on Prince Edward Island to achieve a black belt in both judo and BJJ.

His love for BJJ naturally led him into an impressive MMA career, where he became known as “The Belt Collector,” holding seven championship titles over the course of 28 professional fights. Matt was a pillar of the Maritime MMA community, as well as the judo, BJJ, and wrestling worlds.

While his competitive career was remarkable, Matt’s greatest sporting achievements came after he hung up his gloves and stepped fully into coaching. He led his athletes to countless medals at five Canada Games and multiple national competitions. His proudest moments came when he coached his daughter Keely to national gold and silver at the Canada Games in wrestling—a legacy built on love, trust, and belief.

Matt went on to open and run Tsuyoi Judo and Renzo Gracie PEI, where he shaped, guided, and inspired countless Island youth. His work ethic was unmatched. He taught leadership, discipline, resilience, and deep respect. He encouraged and lifted his athletes in ways that stayed with them long after they left the mat.

If Matt was hard on you, it was because he saw potential you had not yet seen in yourself. His footprint in the sports community is vast, and he will forever live on through his students—whom he loved dearly—and through the lives they will continue to influence.

Matt also had a soft spot for life’s small pleasures— ice cream, strong black coffee, time at home, and being surrounded by the people (and pups) he loved. He lived life to the fullest.

Matt is survived by his brothers Tim Dutkoski (Olliver), Sandy Dutkoski (Hilary), Josh MacKenzie (Katelyn), and Keegan Martin (Emily); his brother-in-law Travis Rossiter (Ashley); and his loving second parents Joe and Beryl Rossiter. He will also be deeply missed by his chosen brother Bradshaw Campbell (Lori), and special cousin Vanessa McCarron (Luke).

Uncle Matt will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Ciaran, Olivia, Seth, Layla, Maverick, Riley, Liv, and Josie.

Matt is also survived by his grandmother Sadie MacLeod; grandparents Carl and Juanita MacGrath; aunts and uncles Joyce Richard (Daryl), Brian MacLeod (Debbie), Tammy MacGrath (Keith), and Mary MacLeod; along with numerous cousins and extended family.

He was predeceased by Daniel (Pupoo) MacLeod, Danny MacLeod, and Kim MacGrath.

Matt will also be forever missed by his loyal and loving pups, Louie and Molly, who were never far from his side.

Matt’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the standards he set, and the countless lives he shaped—at home, on the mat, and in the community. He leaves behind a family and a sporting world forever changed by having known him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Jessica Corbett and the extraordinary nurses of the PEI Cancer Treatment Center, Palliative Home Care, and the Provincial Palliative Care Center. A special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jason Kallestad and Dr. Angie MacLaren for their compassion, dedication, and unwavering support—care that brought comfort, dignity, and peace during Matt’s final journey.

Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, with visitation on Tuesday, February 3 from 4-7 pm. His funeral service will be held from the Belvedere Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, February 4 at 2:30 pm. To live stream or view his funeral please click on the following link Remembering Matt.If you require assistance in accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739 for support.

Donations in memory of Matt can be made to KidSport PEI via the following page Donate, or to an Educational Trust Fund for Matt’s children by cash or cheque at the Belvedere Funeral Home Office (please make cheques payable to Melanie).