In Loving Memory of Matthew Vincent, Criminal Solicitor

LOCAL NEWS

In Loving Memory of Matthew Vincent, Criminal Solicitor

I have been blessed in my life to know some truly lovely people, who have helped me on my way. The childhood friendships my sister and I secured at an early age with the children along our road, Matthew Vincent, Fritha and James have endured and are the happy memories I often return to in my adulthood. What seemed like endless summers spent playing 40/40, Quizzard and making camps are amongst my best ever memories. On Thursday, 27th May 2021, we lost a member of our Guildford childhood gang, aged just 43, and what a member he was. Reading us the ‘naughty bits’ from Judy Blumes’, ‘Forever’, throwing crab apples at us and helping Fritha and I set up my sister with an alleged love letter from another local boy – what fun! Watching our friend grow into a lovely man, husband and father was a joy.

Matthew originally trained as a barrister but then converted to become a criminal solicitor – and what a brilliant solicitor he was. He continued to live and practice in the Surrey area for his entire career. He rose to the position of Partner within Cowans Solicitors, based in Dorking. I would ring Matthew frequently with questions regarding various scrapes my clients had got themselves into and he always knew the answer. I was quite staggered, and remain so, that he had so much knowledge at his fingertips without having to continuously look up the law. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of criminal law and this was something to marvel at. He was a true talent in his field.

I do not want to linger on Matthew’s demise because his life was so vibrant. When he was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago, he remained upbeat and positive, continuing to work extremely long hours very close to his death. He remained motivated by his career and no doubt it provided him with a much-needed distraction from the constant worry of his health. Whenever I saw him, he was energetic and great fun, and it was easy to forget the mammoth battle he was privately fighting. Matthew leaves behind his loving wife Charley and two little children; Ella aged 8 and Jack, aged 6. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I feel very blessed to have known Matthew and to have been able to call him a friend. He touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way. He was perfectly suited to criminal law as he was non-judgmental and fundamentally kind, understanding that life is complicated, and people will sometimes find themselves in situations they never meant to find themselves in. With Matthew’s help they were able to move onto a new, and in many cases, positive chapter in their lives.

If you knew Matthew or have simply been touched by this piece then his family is requesting, in lieu of tributes, that you consider donating to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. It was Matthew’s wish to spend his last days at home and this would not have been possible without the care provided by Phyllis Tuckwell. ■

Samantha Jago

Family Law Partner and Mediator DMH Stallard LLP

A tribute to Matthew from his colleagues at Cowans Solicitors LLP:

Mimi Baines and I had the joy and privilege of working with Matthew for over 15 years. He was totally loyal and selfless – putting others and the team before himself. He was a trusted friend, brilliant trial advocate and excellent lawyer. He loved people, caring deeply about the clients and justice. We are still reeling with the loss of this lovely man who persevered whilst battling cancer with dignity and courage. He was still joyful, and upbeat, even in the face of his medical diagnosis. We miss him dearly.

– David Campbell.