Retired professor of Humanities and Creative Writing, York University died at home on September 12, 2024 with his wife and sons at his side. Matthew died on his own terms due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He leaves behind his beloved wife Kathleen (Flynn), sons Liam and Eamonn, and brother Michael (Sandra Nimigon). He loved teaching and estimated that he taught nearly 5000 students during his tenure as a teacher.
Matthew was born in Dublin and immigrated to Toronto with his mother at age ten. His father, a drummer with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, died two months before Matthew was born.
Matthew attended St. Michael’s College School and then obtained degrees from the University of Toronto (philosophy) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (Ph.D. in Modern Literature).
He taught at SUNY Binghamton and York University where he inaugurated and directed creative writing programs and taught courses in Modern European literature and thought. His teaching and scholarly interests served as the foundation for his exploration of the themes in The Reichkanzler’s Historian. The novel, which took over 30 years to research and complete, aspires to be both a literary work and a genuine history of the times. It is a meditation on history and the psychological complexities of living under a totalitarian regime.
His critical writings and short fiction have appeared in numerous international journals. In addition to The Reichskanzler’s Historian he has written a second novel, Mildred Dunsfield, set in nineteenth-century Ontario, a collection of shortstories, two books of poems, and a study of Virginia Woolf entitled A Tormented Life: Virginia Woolf and her Lifelong Struggles with Failure. The study, subtitled Towards an Anatomy of Failure, deals with the phenomenon of human failure, utilizing the life and work of this writer. Samples of these can be found on his website matthewcorrigan.ca.
Matthew considered himself a cultural anthropologist, interested in the transformations of human consciousness and culture and the ways that art reflects, illuminates, and counters its age—often performing critiques upon the age. He was interested in how the significant artist will often reorient himself “posthumously,” as Nietzsche puts it, within his age, working clandestinely and subversively to accomplish his or her best work. And he was interested in the problem of evil as it reached apocalyptic pitch in the previous century—“an age of monsters,” as Czeslaw Milosz aptly called it.
He was inspired by Nietzsche’s idea that one must live one’s life bravely; that one must strike out for what is right and just in this world; that one must serve the future as well as the present; and that one has an obligation to the young to open their eyes to the marvels and mistakes of the past. He tried to follow Burckhardt’s injunction that one should be both a specialist and a generalist in as many areas as possible, lest one become, in Burckhardt’s words, a “barbarian.” He related to Gide’s observation that one becomes a writer or indeed teacher to reprise for others what one has received from one’s own usually deceased mentors; and identified with van Gogh’s humble credo: “The word artist includes the meaning: always seeking without absolutely finding. . . . As far as I know the word means I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.”
A private service will be held.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Amanda Robinson
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024Sending love and prayers to Kathleen and the rest of the family at this difficult time
Amanda, Rob and the boys x
Wendy Fairley
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024Dear Kathleen and family,
What a wonderful tribute to Matthew’s life on this earth. I am saddened that this loss is shared by so many, in so many different ways. How he lived his life was a testament to his beliefs and to your love. These wonderful memories will support and guide you for many year to come. I love it that he left this world on his own terms – what courage! I keep in mind the kind words you sent when my dad died..they were helpful without a doubt. I trust that everyones’ thoughts now and for the days to come, will comfort all of you.
Wendy
Megan McColm
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024Whilst my interactions with Matthew were sporadic in nature, I was always struck by his intelligence, integrity, and familial loyalties and kindnesses (ever mirrored by Kathleen). I had the unexpected gift of spending time in genuine awe of his son’s (Eamonn’s) intellectual curiosity and unique desire to advance that passionate curiosity during his final years in elementary school, and I am truly grateful for those indelible interactions. Wordlessly sorry at such a magnificent loss.
Sandy Clee
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024With all my heart, I wish the family strength and a life full of beautiful memories.
Kathleen, you are amazing, please accept my condolences. Luv you
Sandy
Joan Hamilton
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024Kathleen,
Although we haven’t seen each other in decades, I still wanted to send my condolences on the loss of your husband. Life brings us such changes and sorrows. My condolences,
Joan Hamilton
Timothy C Alger
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2024Matthew was a man for all seasons. He had a rare ability to know how to emphasize, in a way that transcended what so few are able, and he was kind and brilliant. My condolences to Kathleen, whom I have known my entire life. Liam and Eamon are no longer boys, but really good young men. I know Mathew loved his family & he was a great friend.
Matthew will be missed, but more importantly fondly remembered. God Bless the Corrigans.
Malcolm Fletcher
Posted on: Saturday, September 21, 2024Kathleen and family. I was not fortunate enough to have known Matthew. From what I read about him here, I can see that you have lost a truly inspirational husband, father and friend who has left a lasting legacy for those he inspired.
Lisa Cooke (nee Abernethy)
Posted on: Saturday, September 21, 2024Kathleen
I hold you and your boys in my heart during this very difficult time. Grief is love in death so it will never end but will soften and become gentler in time. Here if you need anything.
Lisa 💔
Dody Reimer
Posted on: Saturday, September 21, 2024Kathleen and family,
Although I did not walk with you during your amazing life with Matthew, I know you are blessed with so many great memories.
My heart is with you at this time.
Hugs
Dody
Cristen Carson
Posted on: Saturday, September 21, 2024Sending love and support to your family.
Heather St Germain
Posted on: Saturday, September 21, 2024Kathleen and family, I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. May you find strength and peace in knowing he is no longer in pain and misery. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Hugs, Heather
Leon F. Seltzer, PhD
Posted on: Friday, September 27, 2024There seems to be a consensus that Matthew was both kind and brilliant, a combination rarely observed in people anywhere. But Matthew was just that.
I remember a particular incident when we were both doctoral candidates at SUNY, Buffalo. I’d been dating a strikingly beautiful woman who could be quite sarcastic. When I brought her to Matthew’s apartment for him to meet her and, gratuitously, she said something cruel to me, he immediately intervened in my behalf, asking how, totally unprovoked, she could say something like that (but talking to her in the mildest, kindest way), she responded apologetically with, “I am duly chastised.” And that’s a suggestion as to how Matthew could bring out the best in others.
Pat Dean
Posted on: Saturday, September 28, 2024My deepest condolences Kathleen. I’m so glad that you and Matthew had the opportunity to spend so many years traveling and enjoying so many of the wonderful experiences that life has to offer in so many parts of the world. Although I never met Matthew, he sounds like a special and unique person, just like I have always thought you to be. Sending my love.
Pat