Matthew Isaiah Degaust, 28,

Glace Bay, N.S.

On a cold, snowy day in December, God called our beautiful boy home and shattered our hearts forever. We are devastated to announce the passing of our son, Matthew Isaiah Degaust at the age of 28 on the 15th Day of December 2025. Born in Glace Bay, Matthew was the treasured son of Stefanie Degaust White, Stephen White and Mark Yates.

Matthew was a kind and spirited soul known for his crazy humor, his huge heart, and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

Matthew had a deep love for the simple joys of life. He enjoyed working out, cooking, riding dirt bikes and driving fast cars, playing video games, and spending time with family or friends. For a time, he was also a proud volunteer with SPCA; a role that reflected his caring nature and his soft spot for animals. His lifelong dream was to become a mechanic and a small engine specialist and open his own garage.

Some of Matthew’s fondest memories were made alongside his two brothers, Reece and Jesse. The three could be found side by side throughout the various stages of life laughing and joking. From the day they were born, Matthew took his role of big brother very seriously and could not have prouder of his brothers, he enjoyed the time they shared working out together or just chatting or playing video games together. He loved summer by the pool blasting the country music.

Matthews favorite time of year was Christmas, he loved the good food, good drinks, and family gatherings- he would provide the entertainment with his quick wit and goofy charm (which he had in abundance). He could light up a room with his infectious smile and his quirky little laugh. Matthew was admittedly mama’s boy; he would never pass by without a hug and an “I love ya maa.”

Above all else, Matthew loved his family fiercely and there was nothing he would not do for them.

Besides his parents Stefanie, Stephen and Mark, Matthew leaves behind his three brothers, Reece (Abigail) White, Jesse (Lily) White, and Lucas Yates, and his two sisters, Kayla McIsaac (Cody) and Jaelyn Yates. Also left behind are his grandparents Grace and Abe White; aunt Tara Yates; uncle Andre Degaust (Brit). All of whom loved him immensely and will miss him terribly. Matthew cherished every moment spent with his family.

Matthew was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Gail and Gary Degaust as well as his paternal grandparents Barbara and Francie Yates, all of whom I know were waiting for him when he arrived in Heaven.

He will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor, and the deep love he carried for his family. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday December 22, at T.J Tracey’s Funeral Home, Glace Bay from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Funeral Service will follow starting at 2pm.

We would like to thank the Glace Bay First Responders who attended to Matthew, we would like to thank Nicole Skalaa, who has barely left our sides, as well as friends and family who have helped us in any way.

Matthew had many struggles in his short life, some that left such a huge hole in him that he could just never recover from despite how much he was loved.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mental Health and Addictions Foundation of Nova Scotia.

To share words of condolences with Matthews family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.

Heaven holds my boy, and one sweet day – I'll hold him too, when I find my way.