Dear Marge, Roger, Steve and Ben,

You are always in our thoughts and prayers . We will forever remember Matt's beautiful smile and spirit

Matt- A year later and we are that much closer to seeing you again, my friend. Grateful for your friendship and for the way you cared for my Lindsey. You two were like brother and sister. We both miss you!
Roger, Marge, Steve and Ben- I think and pray for you often. I can only imagine how difficult this past year has been. May God give you the strength, hope and comfort to continue to carry you. We love you!
XO

I have thought of Matt frequently over the last year and say prayers weekly for Marge, Roger, Steve and Ben. Some of my fondest memories of Matt are from our treasured trips to Espo’s Lake house. At our inaugural weekend at Espo’s, I believe Matt was only 8 years old that summer and I felt we began to bond when I initiated the “King of the Raft” game. That year Matt, Steve and Ben were still too little to throw me off the raft. So as a few years went by, Matt only got older and stronger and soon took over the title of “king of the raft”. Which I might add, I never got back! I also enjoyed watching him master the art of wake-boarding, and at each summer weekend celebration I saw him improve by leaps and bounds; getting up quicker and staying up longer. It made him feel really proud amongst the group. Particularly his cousins and peers!
   Matt also made me feel welcome to hangout around the “bonfire” late into the evening after all the parents went to bed. He always knew whatever stories or feelings he shared were safe with me. He learned over the years that what happens at the bonfire, stays at the bonfire! It was understood that our conversations were “in the vault”. He was never a huge fan of country music; but he did say the one country song he actually didn’t mind was “Wagon Wheel”, by Darius Rucker.
   I know in my heart that Matt is in a beautiful place under God’s care and guidance. He is at peace and watching over all those who loved him, and will remain in their hearts forever. We will all be with him again one day. Matt would not want us to be sad forever; he would prefer to keep his memory alive by continuing to tell all the amazing stories about him for years to come and smile when we think of him.
Love, Sharon O’Brien

Dear Marge, Roger, Steve, & Ben

Matt brought so much joy to everyone who knew him. His amazing warmth, and infectious smile, will live in our hearts and minds forever.
With much love, The McKenzie Family

So many great memories of Matt, snowboarding in Colorado, spending several New Year’s up in WI and multiple Dad’s weekends at U of I. Always brought a big smile to everyone around so full of personality and fun loving. Matt will be forever in the minds and hearts of our family. Gordie C

Dear Roger, Marge, Steven and Ben,
Heaven is brighter with the light of Matthew. 
Love, Ron and Nina

Roger, Marge, Steve and Ben

Somehow you have made it through the first year. The manner in which you have all honored Mattew is so beautiful. We love you dearly.

Your smile lit up a room. Your kindness and warmth so natural.  You are in our hearts and prayers. You are loved dearly and missed every day. Until we meet again

Dear Marge, Roger, Steve and Ben,
What an honor to be able to leave a tribute to a wonderful family for their beautiful son and brother Matthew. Matt, keep on giving your family the strength and courage they need to continue living life here without your physical presence. You are missed terribly. Their love for you is unmeasurable. I love hearing all the wonderful stories about you. Keep on being their guardian angel.
Thanks too for hearing my prayers Matt. You will always be my special angel in my heart.

For me to pinpoint one story with Matt is impossible. Although we only spent one weekend a year together, he helped me through some very tough times in my life with countless bonfire talks and boat rides; Matt had that ability to impact people by having just one conversation. I think about Matt damn near every day and the times we spent together. This world needs people who are thoughtful, caring and willing to be a friend to everybody. That is exactly what Matt was to me.

I’ve been sitting at my computer for the past hour trying to decide which story I should tell about Matt that may be considered my “favorite”, but the truth is any chance I got to spend with him was just as fun as the next. Whether it was spending EVERY single night in the Stefani’s basement or fighting Matt in the alley behind Zingleman’s, every time I hung around Matt was an enjoyable and uplifting experience. The one thing that was special about Matt was the fact that he was able to make everyone around him a better person. He taught people how to care and look out for one another, he taught people how to be vulnerable, and, most importantly, he taught people how to be genuine. I will never forget the times we have shared and the lessons he has taught me. I can proudly say that I am where I am in life because of people like Matt and for that I will love him always.

Dearest Marge, Rodger, Ben, and Stephen,
How can it be a year? It seems both like all of this was yesterday, and yet, forever far away. I hold you in my heart everyday!
Dear Matthew, you, your smile, and all embracing spirit are every before me. You are always with us, loved, and missed. Until God brings us together.... Love, Fr. Jordan

Been thinking of you a lot these past days, glad to have a place to write you and tell you how much you mean to all of us. I know you know, how loved and missed you are and always will be. Love you, Aunt Cheri

Beautiful memories of a wonderful young man. Your genuine personality always shined through. You are with us in spirit as we remember all the joy you brought.

Your smile lit up the world, your humor had us on the floor, you will forever be in our hearts. Your spirit is boundless, your love endless.
We will meet again, yes we will meet again. I know you are with me every day, you inspire me every day. love uncle Dan

To My Dearest Godchild Matthew, you are forever missed. You will forever be in our hearts and always loved. You a very special part of our family.and a second son to me and brother to the Hussey kids. You are there with us at every family gathering and meal table. Matthew, we feel your presence everywhere, thank you!