OUR MOUNTAIN MAN, MATT

Our Mountain Man Matt

Our family has just gone through a surreal heavy time.  We have been left wondering at God's purposes in choosing this time to transport our son to his more permanent home.

He had just purchased a home, an extreme fixer-upper, and was just beginning to enjoy the fruits of his labor and plans for a future.

Our hearts have been comforted by our faith in God and faithful praying family and friends who have come along side us.

We thank the Lord for all the memories and the ability to capture so much in the tangible way of photos.

We thank the Lord for His peace and care.

We thank the Lord for his strength and hope for our future.

Even though our hearts are heavy and grief comes in waves, we rejoice over Heavens gain.

We know Matt is worshiping the God of ALL creation.  He was a special treasure to his family and extended family.  And yes, we will miss him.  The camp especially misses him as God chose to take him during the peak campers season.  

Matt was one-of-a-kind.   He gave me a run for my money when he was young as his activity levels ebbed and flowed.

The out pouring of love toward us has been phenomenal.

"Matt was a gentle, quiet presence at Grace Bible.  His consistent ministry in the sound booth on Sunday mornings is all the more significant when one hears the great lengths (not to mention the distance) he went to serve the body, especially in the snowy season."

Another person upon hearing about his passing had this to say "I was convinced I had missed the open door to really get to know my brother in Christ.  My time with Matt was short, but these character traits of Christ I have seen in Matt.  He was loving, quiet, gentle and a kind man.  He was dependable, faithful, honest, and humble."

From a letter received:  "...Not sure where to begin but let me start by saying what an amazing son you have.  I am not sure when I first met Matt but it most likely was at church.  I got to know Matt best though by seeing him and chatting with him while here at our house-dropping off invoices, picking up checks, bringing back receipts, painting our entire home on the outside and numerous other jobs employed to do.

I always enjoyed talking with Matt.  In the times I got to talk with him over the years, I came to appreciate his love for the outdoors and the skills God gifted him with.

When I think of your son, I think-quiet gentle-strength.  Not necessarily physical strength (which he had) but a God given strength and conviction to always do the right thing.

Matt was a man of integrity and this showed over and over again in how he lived his life and through his work.  He always smiled and never complained.  He always seemed content and loved what he did.

Matt found a church he liked in Roseville and often would stop by the house on his way there or back on Sunday night before heading up the hill.

He loved the truth he received there and looked forward to going each Sunday.

I often wondered how he juggled it all but nothing seemed like an effort to Matt.  The last time I talked with Matt was no different.  He greeted us with a smile and took a break to chat.  I loved the color of paint he was using and asked if he knew the name of it.   Not only did he hand me paint samples but the name and number for me to order that color.  He had shared that he put that same color in his new home and liked it too.

In short, my life has been blessed by knowing your son.  We miss him.  I know God has a plan and I certainly will not question Him but I guess the Good Lord needed him more than all of us.

Matt was a good and faithful servant.  We grieve the loss of a good friend and a sweet and awesome man.  We miss him-not because he was so faithful and good at his work but more because he felt like a son to us too."

Just want to thank you all for grieving along with us and we are feeling the comfort pouring over us.