In loving memory of

Matthew Rehman Salenieks
July 2, 1990 - December 19, 2015

Matthew Rehman Salenieks, (Matt), 25, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away December 19, 2015, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Born in Fort Lauderdale Florida July 2, 1990.
The beloved son of Paul Salenieks and Mary Salenieks, beloved brother of Natasha Salenieks. Future step-son of Marcy Dorfman, and future step-brother to Cory, Avery, and Jordan. The God-Child of his Aunt, Hope Phillips, and dear friend, Neville Blewett. Matthew is also survived by his Uncles Leo Salenieks, Frank Salenieks, Timothy Vaughan, and John Phillips, as well as his cousins, Neil Vaughan, Savannah, and Trey Phillips, Michael and Nicola Salenieks, and Danielle and Antony Eldridge. He leaves behind many family and friends from around the world, too numerous to mention.
Matthew attended Our Lady Queen of Martyr's Elementary School, Gloria Dei Lutheran Middle School, and Chaminade-Madonna High School, where he graduated in 2008. He attended Broward College, where he studied Engineering, after which he began his promising career at Tess Electrical Marine, working with his father, and becoming one of the most highly regarded engineers in the Automation Division. Traveling the globe, he gained vast knowledge and excelled greatly in his career. Both at work and in his personal life, Matthew was loved, admired, and made an indelible mark on everyone whose life he touched.
Matthew's spirit embodied a celebration of life. He was the life of the party, and his electric energy lit up a room. Matthew loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing, boating, surfing or four-wheeling. He loved to jet-ski, water-ski, and scuba-dive.
His overwhelming desire to make others happy before himself was a testament to his stellar character. He had a huge heart. As said so aptly, by his sister, Natasha, "he was so much more than a brother; he was my best friend, partner in crime, and rock when things got rough. He was my everything." His mother remembers him lovingly as her baby boy, and his father, as his best friend and confidante.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Fred Hunter University Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, from 6-9PM, at Fred Hunter University Drive Home, and Services will be held on Tuesday at 11AM, at St. David Catholic Church in Davie. The burial service will be private, followed by an open reception at Long Key Natural Area for all Friends and Family to attend following the services. Please refer to the Fred Hunter website for all information. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Cancer Society.

Tributes

greg wrote on Apr 18, 2016:

"can never forget that smile"

Sonja and Ray Rankin wrote on Dec 29, 2015:

"Unforgettable xx"

The Elliott Family wrote on Dec 29, 2015:

"Our family has been so blessed to be touched by the force of nature that was Matt! He was so much a part of Caitie's school days, first at Gloria Dei, and later at Chaminade. What I remember most is that he was there when he was needed. When the call went out for friends to help, Matt was the first one at the door, early and eager to see you through. Looking at the most recent pictures of Matt during his travels, I am so very thankful that Matt truly lived. Although 25 years was not nearly enough, he made the most of each moment he was given, filling them with what mattered most to him, his family and friends. I have no doubt that Matt is now surrounded by loved ones who went before him. He is telling them tales of his adventures and he watching over his mom and dad, and his beloved Natasha. Matt, you will never be forgotten. I hope your close group of friends will go on to do great things in your memory. "

mary corso wrote on Dec 28, 2015:

"Mary Corso Im Marcys longtime forever friend. When she told me she met the man of her dreams and got engaged I was the happiest friend could possibly be. When she told me about Paul and the two amazing kids he had it sounded like a dream come true.Blending families could be tough . But when i met Mathew and spent quality time with him he touched my heart in such a special way . I was Aunt Mary to him . We danced at Jordans Bar-Mitzvah spent wonderful dinners at Marcys he loved my cooking and we danced sang and spent wonderful time in Vero together. He got a kick out of how silly he saw his step mom and friend as we all danced around the table. Mathew has touched my heart in away that i can't put in words. I loved him dearly and was proud when he called me aunt Mary.I can tell you first hand Marcy having three boys of her own was a handful but she embraced Mathew and he was the talk of her life. My heart is with you Paul and i so love you all."

Karen (Gillies) Yeaman wrote on Dec 28, 2015:

"One of our favourite photos of Matt is on our wall as I type this. It is of Matt and our sons Kyle and Cody. They are laughing and covered in mud. Matt would have been around 6 years old and was visiting us in Ontario and he had never experienced a muddy lawn as Florida grass is quite different from ours. We have many great memories. . . .catching fish in the river, snow skiing for the first time and fun times with you in Ft. Lauderdale. Matt we have not seen you in many years and by reading the memories shared by your many friends and family it is clear that your were an amazing son, brother and friend and lived life to the fullest. We will treasure our happy family memories from your childhood. Karen, Johnny Kyle and Cody xo "

Nicola Salenieks wrote on Dec 28, 2015:

"The last time we saw you Matt we were waving goodbye to you at your hotel in New Zealand. We never imagined that would be the last time. But we got to spend 2.5 wonderful months with you and for that we are forever grateful. There were many 'firsts' on your trip - our first thanksgiving together, watching your first All Blacks rugby game (even though you had no idea what was happening!), first trip out to Muriwai Beach and being in NZ to help celebrate Mike's birthday. What more could we have wished for? I'll always remember our first debate; how to prounce Nissan. It's not Nee-san, it's Nis-ann. I still laugh about the confusion around Jacob wanting to 'whistle' with you. He wanted to wrestle with you, not 'whistle' with you. But then again, we were the ones with the accent right?! Surrounded by 4 million Kiwis and we were the ones with the accent! You were a beautiful soul who had an infectious smile and would light up the room. Thank you for the memories. Gone but never forgotten x "

The Clavelli Family wrote on Dec 27, 2015:

"Dearest Matthew There are no words to express how much we will miss you. Michael has had the privilege of having s forever friend from the day he met you. There was never a time that when he shared time with you or spoke about you that he didn't have a giant smile on his face. In the good times and tough times you knew to come closer without saying a word. What a remarkable young man with so many outstanding attributes! We always enjoyed the way you mingled among us- we will forever carry your spirit in our hearts. Matthew, Michael has known an angel,a shining star, rest in peace."

Marc & Monica Gallet wrote on Dec 26, 2015:

"Words cannot express the loss of Matt felt by our family. We will cherish the special memories shared with Matt for the rest of our lives. James remembered the time Matt came by to help him with his science project and Caitie, Karl, Michael and Christina had many special, happy times with Matt throughout their school years. The memories didn't end there, Matt grew closer to all of us as the years passed. It seemed like time apart never mattered to Matt and whenever we saw him it was like no time had passed between us. We felt how much he cared for us and we loved him right back. Matt, you were the most positive person we knew, so we will respectfully honor your life by living ours more positively towards all we meet in our daily lives. May you rest in peace. "

Leendert Wolf wrote on Dec 23, 2015:

"Matt was the first friend I had when I moved to the states. He was always there for every birthday and my wedding. My first apprentice and big help at work. Our first celebration was his high school Celebration party at Pauls apartment complex. You will be dearly missed my travel buddy. Who would have ever guessed!! We tought you were invincible! You were supposed to be here for the exiting times with the house warming and the boat I was gonna get. To go fishing bahamas, keys, lobster season. What about returning the favor being at your wedding meeting your kids and all the good stuff to come buddy? Uncle Matt, what about little Marcel.. You guys were very fond of each other. I have been to chcik fil a and duffys since you have been gone but feel your precence at all these places. Matjew as Willem used to call you..... Miss you Brah, take care and farewell. "