This is a tough one to write not only because of the situation, but because I have so many things that I would like to say. Top five memories that I feel epitomize Matt (at least to me):
1. The Chris Farley sketch he produced for BCG (I think).
2. Fishing with Matt and my father-in-law Gary off the Mendocino coast and seeing him boat a huge red snapper, then watching my father-in-law limit out an abolone bag, and then seeing Matt kissing that fish in a photo. Classic.
3. Watching Matt have so much fun with the kids (my two boys and Abbie and Luke) in an inflatable pool. First he was having everyone run in a circle to create a "whirlpool", then it was keeping everyone perfectly still to make it "as smooth as glass". Sorry Matt, Gavin can't do that.
4. The summer of 2013 when we went to Water World with my two boys and Abbie and Luke. Not only was it great to see him tackle the slides, but it was even better when we got hit by a summer thunderstorm. They were closing the place down, Luke's face was covered in funnel cake, we were all irritated because we wanted to go on more slides, but they were making everyone leave. Matt says, "Hey, let's go on one more slide. What are they going to do, kick us out?"
5. Talking about fabricating a zamboni out of a push broom and pvc pipe to smooth the ice in his backyard rink. Who does that? Too funny!
Abbie and Luke, know your dad was a quality man. He was driven, willing to take risks to chase his passions, and he loved you two very much. I always loved to brag about him to people I work with because he was by far a one of a kind. Jen, I am pretty sure you know all of that, but it never hurts to hear it again. While I am so very sad, I can't help but smile when I think of the fun times I spent with Matt. I love you all.