Tuesday, September 16, 2025

A Branch of Hope

After losing their son, Matthew, during his battle with addiction, Bob and Darlene Manuel share how they carry forward with hope after tragedy

Guide Magazine

Matthew Manuel was a 22-year-old Local 63 member known for his kindness and keen sense of humour. He had a talent and passion for music and a love for outdoor adventures.

Sadly, he struggled with substance use. Though he was walking the road of recovery and able to maintain a sober lifestyle for some time, in 2013, he died in a tragic accident after relapsing while working as a pipefitter apprentice at a remote site.

Twelve years later, CLAC, in conjunction with his parents (pictured above), continues to honour Matthew’s life by offering the annual Matthew Manuel Branch of Hope Memorial Award. This $1,000 award is given each year on the anniversary of Matthew‘s passing.

The name of the award, chosen by Matthew’s parents, has a special meaning in so many ways. Matthew’s grade 10 teacher wrote a personal note to him that included the following hopeful message: “May your tree of life continue to grow many branches, each with a different story to tell.”

Bob and Darlene have used this message as motivation to continue to share Matthew’s story.

Darlene shared that the name HOPE in the award “came from an inspiration that I felt from Matthew. I felt he was letting me know that HOPE also stands for Help Open People’s Eyes to addiction.

“What happened to our son that night should not have happened. We now also try to promote a greater understanding and awareness for mental health, safety, and wellness on the work site.”

Each year, the Manuels do their best to meet the recipient of the award and hear their story. These conversations are difficult but ultimately encouraging.

The Manuels want to see people seeking help for their addictions, rather than walking their journey alone. They also commented on the stigma around addiction and acknowledged how this can prevent people from coming forward to seek help.

“We often see people with addictions living on the streets,” says Darlene. “But addictions don’t always present that way. There are many people who are working who also live with addictions.”

Bob compares addictions to other diseases that are more familiar to many people.

“Addiction is a disease no different than diabetes,” he says. “If you’re with somebody who was working and they went into a diabetic coma, you would do whatever you could to help them. If somebody was having a heart attack, you’d jump right in to help them. If someone is struggling with addictions, it’s a disease. Jump in to help them! Don’t treat it any differently than any other disease.”

Bob and Darlene continue to carry forward with hope after the tragedy of losing their son. They are encouraged to see the changes in collective agreements that now protect and support members like their son. They see companies and society in general putting more emphasis on mental health and wellness. They are encouraged by how CLAC supports their members financially to receive help to obtain the necessary treatment required on their recovery journey.

For the Manuels, the award is a way to remember Matthew’s life and allow his story to impact others.

“When Matthew was in treatment, he had written something very personal in his notes,” says Darlene. “The question was asked, what was his goal going to be? In one part of his answer, he wrote, 'May my life be used as a vessel to help others.'”

Matthew’s parents hope that his story continues to encourage members who live with addictions to keep working toward recovery.

Apply for the Matthew Manuel Branch of Hope Memorial Award

Have you—or someone close to you—overcome substance use, embraced recovery, and are now making a difference and supporting others on their journey? If you or someone you know has turned their experience into a source of hope and encouragement, they may be eligible for the Matthew Manuel Branch of Hope Memorial Award.

This annual $1,000 award celebrates members who embody courage, resilience, and compassion—values inspired by Matthew’s story and legacy. To nominate a candidate and for details on the application process, go to clac.ca/Hope.

Nomination deadline: September 30

Matthew Manuel

A Branch of Hope

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