My cousin, and one of my best friends, RCMP Constable Matt Panzer, just lost his battle with PTSD.
Matt served with distinction in the RCMP, serving first as a general police constable, then passing a rigorous selection process, served as an Air Marshal. He then served at the Pearson International Airport in an anti-smuggling role, and his last post was serving with distinction in the Diplomatic Protection Group protecting the Prime Minister of Canada and other Canadian and foreign dignitaries.
The PTSD was a result of an incident that occurred during his service in the RCMP.
Matt was also a great father to his child, a great child to his parents, a great brother to his sister, and always a good man always ready to lend a hand or provide a humorous remark whenever one was needed to all who knew him.
No finer friend could be asked for. Not just a cousin, but more like a brother to me.
Every time we got together it was like we had never been apart. The damn Corona travel ban and border closing messed up our plans to see each other this summer, and now we just won't see each other, and that's hurting a lot.
Rest in Peace Matt, and may you find the solace you lacked in life, and thank you for all the great times we had, and all your good advice, wit, and humor through the years.
I loved working with Matt. One of the most intelligent people I have met. Always had a good word for anyone (unless you were a corporation). I will miss our long distance
ReplyDeleteNo one can feel another's pain.
ReplyDeletePrayers will be sent from Eaton Rapids, both for him and for your family.
-Joe
He was a good friend, a good colleague, a good person and one hell of a good karaoke singer. I will miss our jam sessions. Rest in peace my brother!!! Duc
ReplyDeleteUnknown: Yep, he was a very special and smart guy, he's going to be missed.
ReplyDeleteEaton Rapids Joe: Thank you.
Unknown: Thank you, He was all of that and more and we're all going to miss him.
I'm not an LEO or anything special but R.I.P good sir, Thank you for your service
ReplyDeleteNo one can look into the eyes of a hero
ReplyDeleteburdened with PTSD and say they understand
if they have not worn the boots!
My condolences to your family and multitude
of friends.
Rest oh hero your duty is complete.
The high brown boots you wore will
always stand tall.
W. Pister
Ret: 36362
Sad beyond words. Matt was a real "mensch" - one of the "good guys".
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace...Baruch Dayan Emet.
My sincere condolences to you, his family and his other loved ones.
ReplyDeleteUnknown: Thank you and yes, he served Canada with honor and distinction.
ReplyDeleteW. Pister: Thank you, and may he rest in peace knowing he did all that duty ever asked of him and more.
Fran: That he was. May his memory be for a blessing.
Glenn B: Thank you.
Matt was my oldest, closest friend. I'm devastated. And I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear, Aaron.
ReplyDeletePlease accept our deepest condolences. It really hurts to lose a good friend.
Will there be a memorial service to honour Matt? Heart-felt condolences to the family. In my thoughts and prayers. (Rtd 32399)
ReplyDeleteAndrew Ryan Fox: Thank you, and sorry for your loss as well. Matt touched a lot of lives for the better, and we're all the lesser and at a loss for his passing.
ReplyDeletedrjim: Thank you. He was someone special.
Fran: There will be a memorial service at some point, but due to covid it will not be done immediately, and his immediate family are still working through this. Once a memorial is scheduled, I'll let people know.
Condolences.
ReplyDeleteThank you Aaron. Your post was the first post that was sent to me in regards to Matt's passing and I have come back to it countless times over the past few days. You captured him so beautifully. He meant so much to so many and we'll miss him tremendously. He was my best friend, my Best Man at my wedding and an incredibly important person to my family. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Please know your post has helped me through all of this and I'm sure many others so thank you.
ReplyDeleteOld NFO: Thanks, I really wish you could have had the chance to meet him. I think you two would have gotten along famously.
ReplyDeleteRhys: Thank you, and I'm so sorry for your loss too. I think all of us who knew Matt are hurting right now, and that's hard for anyone to bear. We're all going to miss him.
Gone but not forgotten. I worked with Matt as an air Marshall and he helped me get my VIP job. Many trips and long conversations. He is missed
ReplyDelete