Reimann Manufacturing director Matthew Reimann of Eudunda remembered after losing cancer battle, aged 38
He left behind three daughters and a wife - but the 1000 people at his funeral heard his final 12 months were the best of his life.
The family of Matthew Reimann are remembering him as a loving husband and father, and an energetic business leader, after the 38-year-old Mid-North manufacturing company director tragically passed away late last month.
The co-owner and director at steel fabricator Reimann Manufacturing, based at Eudunda, died in the arms of loved ones on May 17, leaving behind his wife Kate Reimann and three young daughters Lily, Matilda and Mickie, after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022.
Matt’s twin brother, Reimann Manufacturing managing director Stuart Reimann, said his passing came as a shock because he had been “doing okay” this year.
He had been “up and about” last month celebrating his twin girls’ fifth birthdays and three days later, on a Friday, he reported having a headache. From there his condition rapidly went downhill and he passed away early on Sunday morning.
“We’re happy for who he was and we’re celebrating who he was, but everyone is gutted,” Stuart said.
“He’s got three young kids, all wondering where dad is, and his wife, they were deeply in love. He had such a spirit of positivity, and everyone’s going to miss that.”
His wife, Kate Reimann, said Matthew was her best friend – “my husband, but above all else my best friend”.
“He was a man who showed up for me, for the kids and everyone who knew him. He gave his all, up until his very last day.
“His legacy will live on in his three daughters and how he approached life with such positivity. Nothing was ever too hard for Matt and he truly believed in going after what he wanted in life.”
Everything changed in late 2022 when Matt, a passionate competitive motorbike racer, had an accident on a motocross jump during an annual workplace show. The accident was soon understood to have been caused by a seizure.
He was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where scans showed an inoperable astrocytoma brain tumour.
It came after he was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2015 and had recovered after surgery and six months of chemotherapy.
He thrived after that battle, marrying Kate and having three children together.
In 2017 he and Stuart took over Reimann Manufacturing from their father Michael Reimann.
The brothers went on to grow the business from 17 to 48 staff, taking on projects across Australia with major clients including SA Water, BHP, LEED, EXACT and MDJV.
Stuart said Matt had “loved his business, loved the work” and had asked for his funeral service, which took place on Friday, to be held at the company workshop.
Almost 1000 people attended, with several sites closing as clients left work for the ceremony.
In a eulogy read at the service, brother-in-law Scott Hazeldine said after the brain cancer diagnosis, Matt had described 2024 as the best year of his life.
“He rekindled old friendships, found peace, purpose, and profound joy in the small things,” he said.
“He put in a pool, swam daily, explored bike trails, and soaked in the sunlight with his girls. He prayed more. He loved deeper. He lived with intention.
“Matt made an unforgettable impact on everyone who knew him.
“We will miss that bright energy, that mischievous grin and that immense heart.”
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Originally published as Reimann Manufacturing director Matthew Reimann of Eudunda remembered after losing cancer battle, aged 38
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