Although I have many fond memories of working with Matt, including being reduced to chuckling fits in the most inappropriate moments in partner meetings after a sardonic Gillard comment in that lovely soft Welsh accent, my favourites are all of the enormous fun we had on US trips. I’m going to miss Matt like hell.
It is with great sadness that we must share the news that our much-loved partner, colleague and friend – Matthew Gillard - has passed away, following an 18-month-long battle with cancer. He passed away on Tuesday 14th May, leaving a wife and two daughters in his hometown of Newport, South Wales. He will be greatly missed both professionally and personally by everyone at the firm, as well as his many clients. Matt will be remembered for his humorous and considered approach – he was a lovely man in every way, and this shone through in the way he communicated with and led his teams. As well as being a valued partner, who was trusted and revered by his clients, he was crucial to our internal operations too, leading our IT team for many years. He will also be remembered for his passion for Welsh rugby and his love of Porsche cars. Matt’s memory will live in our hearts – he was a wonderful man and all those who worked closely with him feel very privileged to have done so. Fiona McBride, Chair 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡’𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑦: 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 (ℎ𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑠://𝑤𝑤𝑤.𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚/𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒/) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑡. 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒 (ℎ𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑠://𝑠𝑡𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒.𝑜𝑟𝑔/ℎ𝑜𝑤-𝑡𝑜-ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝-𝑢𝑠/𝑖𝑛-𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑦-𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠).
Richard Bunn
2mo
Terribly sad news. I had the pleasure of working with him for 11 years, the latter 5 in particular when he was the Partner i/c of IT. A man of relatively few words, whenever he spoke, people listened to his positive and considered view. He was a kind, supportive colleague with a marvellously dry sense of humour. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Richard Ayres
2mo
Incredibly sad news. He was a genuinely lovely guy. Although it was over a decade ago since I worked with him, I always enjoyed my engagements with him. My heart goes out to his family and former work colleagues.
So so sad - my memories of Matt’s integrity humour and compassion will never leave me - such a wonderful man.
Nick Dougan
2mo
That is sad news indeed.
Timothy Parry
2mo
That is very sad news, I have known Matt for many years and he was a true gentleman and professional. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Dean Parry
2mo
Very sorry to hear this!
Katrina Forster
2mo
That is incredibly sad news. Matt was lovely to work with. My thoughts are with his family.
Jeffrey Bergman
2mo
Just terrible news. A loss for everyone.
Owner, Withers & Rogers LLP
2moThank you for all of the messages. Yesterday, Jo and Matts family and the Withers and Rogers family laid Matt to rest with about 200 people in attendance. In addition to Matt’s family and friends, there were around 40 current and former colleagues along with clients in attendance. It was unsurprisingly standing room only in a room (and outside because we couldn’t all fit in) full of love. Very fitting.