Vale Sam Matthews: South East teacher and surfing lover taken for one last ride after losing cancer battle

A popular regional schoolteacher and father of two, who was just 38 when he lost his battle with cancer, has been lovingly remembered by friends and family.

A community in mourning has rallied together to pay tribute to a bright young teacher and father of two, after he died with cancer aged just 38.

Known for his love of the ocean and surfing, Sam Matthews’ ashes were carried out past his favourite South East surf spot in Beachport by his friends, who struggled to contain their tears when speaking of him.

His wife Erin was tearful as friends recounted how special Beachport was to him – it was where Sam helped his two children, Audrey and Frank, catch their first waves – and where he caught his last.

Erin Matthews with Frank and Audrey. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Sam devoted his life to children, doting on his own and transforming the lives of those he taught at Penola High School.

On Friday, friends and family gathered remembering him for his smile, relaxed demeanour and passion for music and teaching.

Sam began teaching at Penola High School on the same day as principal Lesley Okholm.

Nearly all the students from his first cohort of year 8 home room students came and could be seen shedding tears freely at the memorial.

Sam Matthews has been remembered for his love of the ocean and surfing with friends and family spreading his ashes at Beachport his favourite break. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Mrs Okholm said she was envious of his self assurance and calm when dealing with students.

“I never saw him flustered,” she said.

Mrs Okholm recalled an incident when a student at school had become very distressed, to the point teachers feared for their own safety.

“Sam went in – he went in to help that student – he calmed him down. He was always there to help; empathy was a signature of his,” she said.

“We hoped against all odds that he would come back to us because we knew that he was a perfect match for our school.”

Hamish, Greg and Matt helped spread Sam’s ashes past the break at Beachport. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Sam Matthews and his wife Erin. Picture: Supplied by family

Mates Hamish, Greg and Matt shared a strong bond and a mutual love of adventure and surfing with Sam. Five days before he died, they helped their mate catch his last wave at Beachport.

Before his tragic passing, Sam, 38, spoke to the Mount Gambier News with a message to his two beautiful children, daughter Audrey and son Frank, who were five and 21 months.

“I’d like them to see just how many amazing experience I’ve been able to have in my life through following what I was interested in and I hope that they are able to do the same thing with their lives,” he said.

Beloved teacher and father of two Sam Matthews has died after suffering from cancer. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Matthews was a big fan of Australian folk and blues artist Kim Churchill.

Earlier this year as a special surprise for her husband, Erin asked the artist to sing at a small event on their property, but that idea snowballed and turned into a private concert for her husband and their community.

Erin met Sam at Unley High School, and said friends, family and members of the community had rallied around her.

Last Christmas when Sam and his family had to make a sudden trip to Adelaide for medical treatment – friends stepped up to make sure Frank and Audrey still had a special Christmas.

“Some beautiful friends from here came to our house and packed up all the kids’ Christmas presents and loaded them up in a caravan and drove to Adelaide,” Erin said.