Matt Hestad was born in Watertown, South Dakota, to George and MaryLou Hestad and had one younger brother, Jim (wife Kirke, son Kalifa, daughter Lulu). He was of proud his Mid-western roots as was evident in his close relations with both family and friends that he grew up with. He and made sure that his wife Katy, and two children, Vincent and Bridget knew all about his life in Watertown and living on Lake Kampeska, and made close connections with his extended family as they hosted family dinners and took road trips to family reunions.  In addition to his parents and brother, he is survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins…Uncle Bruce and Aunt Colleen Hestad, Cousins Jenny, Adam (Wife Jaime, children Josiah, Asher, Ivy and Roman), and Dana. Aunt Chris and Uncle Bob Tennessen, Cousins Tasha (Husband Tong, children Phoenix, Lucy and Maya), Tonya (Husband Erik, children Edward and Helen) and Tina (Husband Ben, children Isley and Marlow) and Mike. Aunt Anne and Uncle Jack Remein and Cousins Erin, John (wife Kinsey) and Mira, who is now by his side.

Matt was quick to make friends that would last his entire life. His Watertown friends, Curt Kellogg, Dave Lindberg. Brent Malcom, Aaron Mowbray, Chuck Aughenbaugh and Eric Bue, were near and dear to his heart and when he would connect with them, it was as if no time had passed. 

Matt graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 1988 with degrees in Social Work and Psychology. When Matt talked about his days in college, it was the life-long friendships that brought a big smile and twinkle to his eyes. A twinkle that indicated great fun, and perhaps a bit of mischief... Jim Lundstrom, Erik Rolstad, Ross Anderson, Paul Finlayson, Chris Jorgenson, Adam Beck, John Stein.

 Soon after college, Matt moved to Seattle where he lived for the rest of his life. The Pacific Northwest was the perfect environment for Matt as he loved both the mountains and ocean. He loved to ski (water and snow), hike, mountaineer, backpack, kayak, paddleboard, sail, surf, skateboard, mountain bike. His activities list was long, full of fun, adventure and good times with family and friends. He did all of these sports with ease, incredible athleticism, enthusiasm, and an amazing ability to find all of the gear that he needed in second hand stores, yard sales, Craigslist, even on the side of the road. 

During Matt's early days of living in Seattle, he again made friends that would last his lifetime. Lydia Fasey, Barb Miranda, Carol Eubanks, Sarah Zachem, Carl Winter... and so many more.  His continued to build friendships all parts of his life, as a teacher, a father, a neighbor, a second-hand store shopper. He remained grateful for all of the his friendships, both old and new. 

Matt loved adventures, the greatest one being a husband and father. He is survived by his wife Katy, son Vincent and daughter Bridget. Matt and Katy met as they were both beginning their careers as elementary school teachers for Seattle Public Schools. They quickly became friends and fell in love. They were married on a rainy day in Seattle in July 2000 and, as Father Sullivan proclaimed that day, “Rainy wedding, sunny marriage!” They took those words to heart as their love, friendship and respect for one another grew stronger and deepened throughout their marriage and as they intentionally cultivated a beautiful life with their children, Vincent and Bridget. Matt absolutely loved being a husband and father and relished in all things that included the 4 of them together. Together meant cooking  (homemade pizza and Caesar Salad were #1), playing (frisbee, family game night playing cards and Sorry ...), learning (imagine having two teachers as parents!) traveling (road trips to California,  Montana, and South Dakota  were favorites), skiing (countless Saturdays at Alpental), swimming and boating in Lake Washington, never-ending house projects and of course, raising Angus the dog.

Being married to Katy also meant being a son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle to a large family in California. Matt was absolutely loved and adored by the entire family.  He was preceded in death by his Father-in-law Chuck Wiswall and Sister-in-law Sara Wiswall-Pudiwitr, and is survived by his Mother-in-law Lynne, Sister and Brother-in-law Molly and Bruce Busacca (Anthony, Isabella and Sophia), Brother-in-law Buddy and Lisa Pudiwitr, Sister and Brother-in-law Claire Wiswall and Chirs Talerico (Mia), Brother-in-law George Wiswall (Charlie and Ashlyn), Brother and Sister-in-law Billy and Marie Wiswall (Liam, Garrett, Sara, Gavin). 

Matt was an educator at heart. He was a teacher for Seattle Public Schools for over 24 years and touched the lives of students, families and colleagues. He loved teaching the primary grades and took great delight in connecting with the families of his students, hearing about their lives and sharing stories of his life with them. He loved Writer's Workshop in particular as he could share stories of life at home with Katy, Vincent, Bridget and Angus.  Lesson planning and discussions of teaching practices were often a topic at home. When he and Katy would learn new teaching strategies they would frequently begin their practice at home with Bridget and Vincent. Their very favorite practice being social emotional learning with the RULER approach (thank you Marc Brackett). 

 Matt left this life way too soon. He was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma in his brain in January 2019. It was an 18-month battle that no one should ever have to endure. His strength throughout was incredible. He loved this precious life and all that it held.  In his memory, we ask that you think and perhaps act upon things that were important to him: be kind to others, love your family and friends, eat good pizza, and look for good second hand deals.