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Christopher Matthews Obituary

October 13, 1982 - October 31, 2007. Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze It means no worries, for the rest of your days It's our problem free… philosophy, Hakuna Maktata! Hakuna Matata was Chris's natural mantra, a way of living through which he taught and touched everyone who knew him. Chris's quirky instinct for comedy kept us doubled over with laughter, and his joyous, bear-hug hellos never failed to warm our hearts. He loved his family, friends, and teachers unconditionally. Chris also loved dancing, everything Disney, the Beach Boys, cars, Austin Powers, Shrek, and his Palmer High School letter jacket. Chris's autism and developmental delays presented him many challenges, but he was able to delight in the little things in life, be it a song on the radio, a rope, a stick, a slice of pizza, or a ride to the carwash. He lit up a room the minute he walked in and always had that uncanny ability to make everyone laugh. To know Chris was to absolutely and unconditionally love him and then take that love out into the world to make it a better place. Christopher Matthews passed away unexpectedly on October 31st, 2007. He had just turned 25 years old. He is survived by his parents, Dr. Dave and Kim Matthews, his siblings, Heather and Billy Matthews, his grandmothers, Marci Powers and Edwina Matthews, the Merz family, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Christopher graduated from Palmer High School where he was embraced for his effervescent spirit. Please join us for a "Chris Matthews Party" at the Palmer High School Auditorium at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 4th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Resource Exchange for the Chris Matthews fund. The Resource Exchange is a community non-profit organization that strives to build independence for people with developmental disabilities. The Resource Exchange, 418 South Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 www.tre.org

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Published by The Gazette from Nov. 2 to Nov. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Matthews

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Jaimy Criswell

October 27, 2020

Chris- you're still putting a smile on my face and giving me perspective. Thank you for your one of a kind heart.

Jaimy Criswell

October 29, 2019

Dear Matthews family- I wanted you to know we all still fondly think of and remember Chris. He continues to be one of the most impactful people I was fortunate enough to know. Thank you for sharing him with us and I hope you all are as well as can be. Take the best of care!

Albert Lazzarini

December 13, 2008

Dear Kim and Dave, we only learned of Chris's passing through your Christmas letter this year, 2008. We were very saddened to hear of your sudden loss last year. We offer you and the rest of your family our sincere condolences. Reading the Gazzette's notice help lighten our heavy hearts as we, too, recalled Chris at an earlier age when we lived down the street.

Warmest regards,
Albert Lazzarini & Martha McInnes

Elizabeth Fisher Robshaw

March 5, 2008

Dearest Kim and family,
I only found out about your terrible and sad loss from reading the notice in the Bamboo Bridge. I am so, so sorry. Reading all the entries in this guest book made it obvious to me that your darling Christopher was very much loved and a very special person.
My family and I send you our heartfelt and deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all your family and to you, dear Kimmy.
love,
Elizabeth Fisher Robshaw

Karen Kinne

December 9, 2007

Kim, Dave and Billy
Our hugs are with you from afar...
I want you to know that Christopher was a real gem .... He touched us every time we were at a game/soccer party at your house. Our time with you all was so short but news came to me in Afghanistan & Ryan in MS...we send our tears, laghs and hugs to you all. We miss you. God bless you all. karen kinne and ryan

Reggie Aguinaldo-Young

November 11, 2007

Dear Kim & Family,
Sharon shared the sad news with me. Although we have not seen each other since our highschool years I hear of you & your family through Sharon whom I've remained in touch with through the years. It was touching to read about Christopher. One can see how much he was loved and how much love he gave as well.
Will pray for him and your families at this time of loss.
Warm regards,
Reggie

Katie Kurtz

November 9, 2007

Matthews Family-

You are always and forever in my prayers. You have such a fantastic, impressive family. Christopher is missed by so many people that love him. I know our family and my daddy especially, will always be there for all of you. Love you all.

Jaimy Criswell

November 8, 2007

Matthews Family,
Thank you all so much for being such a wonderful and strong family who has sparked change in our community. We need all the advocates we can get. Thank you also for sharing a source of such happiness in Chris. His unforgettable catch phrases, hugs and sense of humor will always echo in my memory. It's plain to see he was one of a kind. Don't hesitate to ask if you need any sort of help during this difficult time.

Kaitlin Boyer

November 7, 2007

Oh Chris. I'm so glad I stored up on bear hugs the last time I saw you. You made my life so great. Kim, Dave, Billy, Heather....you are my second family, and I will always be here to support you. Thank you for giving Chris such an amazing life.

brittany kiehl

November 7, 2007

dear kim and dave,
when i first heard about chris i was in total shock i didnt want to belive it. i consider chris like a brother who taught me how to live life to the fullest and never hold back i loved chris and he will always be a part of me.although i will miss him and his hugs i willl always remeber the zoo trips we had with aunt debby and him coming to watch ryan play hockey. i will never forget chris

Susan and Jay Boyd

November 7, 2007

Dear Matthews family,
We were so saddened to hear about Chris. Know that your hearts must be so heavy. He couldn't have had a more supportive and loving family. Know he was a blessing to you as you all were for him. You are in our hearts and prayers. Fondly, Susan and Jay Boyd

Sandra & Tom Crampton Smith (nee: Brooks)

November 7, 2007

My Darling Kim, Dave, Heather & Billy
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all through this very difficult path in your lives. We must cherish the short life we had with Chris and remember him as the loving and happy man that he was. "It's not the days in your life, it's the life in your days! with all our love

Tina Lyon

November 6, 2007

Dear Kim, Dave, Heather and Billly
Our thoughts are with you during this time. Reading about Chris in this book it is clear he was a loving and much loved young man.
We send our condolences to you and the rest of the family. Tina, Mark and Charlie Budden

Angela Selman

November 6, 2007

To the Matthew family:
Chris was always a joy to have in drama class and yearbook. He never ceased to amaze me with his kindness to all and his ability to make my day joyful. He will truly be missed. Your family will continuously be in my prayers. In Christ, Angela Selman- teacher of Christopher & Billy.

Bob Athey

November 5, 2007

Dave & Kim,

I wish I could take away all the bad things that hurt us so deeply with a hug, a cry or a laugh.
What I can give you is my love and support and to let you know that Nikki and I will be there for you.
Chris was very fortunate to have such a loving and caring family.
Equally important was the love and joy Chris brought to you.

Love Bob

Rest in Peace Chris. Please watch over your family.

Steve & Tina Fischler

November 5, 2007

Dear Kim, Dave, Heather and Billy,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris, so long SIR.

Charla DeClark

November 5, 2007

Dear Kim,
I am Katie Stowell's daughter, Charla. Your son was very blessed to have his family and friends. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have with him during his short stay with you. You are all in my prayers.
Your cousin,
Charla DeClark

Steven & Diana Behme

November 5, 2007

Dear Dave & Kim:

We were so shocked to hear of Chris's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God keep you in his loving care.

Steve & Diana Behme

Jean and Joe Cuchiaro

November 5, 2007

Chris - your big smile, great bear hugs, and phrase, "What's my name?" will remain in our hearts and minds forever. One of my favorite memories of you was when you visited our house with Billy one night and spent most the evening with our dog, Katie. You love animals! With a big smile, you kept telling her, "Katie's in trouble!" because she wouldn't fetch the ball.:) You are a reflection of the sincere love and support that your amazing family gives to everyone - We have truly been blessed to know you and your family. It didn't surprise us when your dad told everyone that you would be helping 50 more people on earth now that you're in heaven. Thank you for being such a positive influence in so many peoples (and dogs) lives:)

Andy Butler

November 4, 2007

Dear Kim, Dave, Heather and Billy.
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Words can not express how sad we feel for you and your extended family.
Mike, Brian, Andy, Lynn and Sue Butler

Paula Vesely

November 4, 2007

Dear Heather and family, My name is Paula and I am a bank teller with Wells Fargo, where Heather and Chris would come in the bank,,,And you are right Chris did light up a room,,When waiting on you Heather,Chris would lean over the counter and hold my hand and always asked every one what there name was,,what a joy you two brought to me,,just to see you two smile and you both take care of each other,,Heather I always wanted to tell you, what a wonderful sister you are and how much I wanted to tell you.I also am very close to my brothers,,I never knew who was more loved you or Chris,,How lucky you are to have Chris in you life forever,,God bless you and your family,,

Erica and Steve Jones

November 4, 2007

Dear Kim and Dave,
Those early years together in the 80s were so special with you, Christopher and Heather. Your family was an amazing example of strength and love to all of us whose lives you touched. Our prayers are with you...Erica and Steve

Bill and Lirio Butler

November 4, 2007

Dear Kim, Marci and all...
Though we met Chris but for a fleeting moment in San Juan many months ago, his vibrant energy still remains with us. Our love to all.

Inez Miller

November 4, 2007

Chris brought smiles to any one that knew him. He always had a smile. My memories of Chris is that he had so much love for everyone. My condolences go out to the Matthews Family.

Bill Donaldson

November 4, 2007

Dear Dave, Kim, Heather, and Billy,
My heart felt sympathies to all of you. You are a deeply loving and courageous family. You, your family and Chris are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope to reconnect with you in Snowmass sometime soon.

Jeff Phillips

November 4, 2007

Dear Kim and family,
I'm sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences. If I can help in any way during this difficult time, please ask.
Jeff & the Phillips Family

Stacy Volker

November 3, 2007

Dave, Kim, Heather, Billy,
The world seems a strange and less lighted place without Chris in it. I'm thinking of you today, tomorrow and the days ahead. All my love.

Harriet and Jay Arnold

November 3, 2007

Our Prayers for you in your loss, and our thanks for sharing the memories of so much joy in Chris's life.

Christopher & Tallie Arnold

November 3, 2007

Dave and Kim, we only knew Chris briefly, but we heard many joyful stories from Pam and Kelly about his adventures and achievements. You and the family are in our prayers, and be comforted with the knowledge that God has a special place in heaven for His youngest and most fragile treasures.

Mariana Wagner

November 3, 2007

Chris - You are one of the best friends I will ever have. You have taught me SO MUCH about the real meaning of life. Thank you.
Kim, Dave, Heather and Billy - I am so sorry. Words will never be able to express your loss.

Friends of Chris

November 3, 2007

Be sure to visit: [email protected]

Mark &Penny Mickens

November 3, 2007

Chris, "my boy" you will be so missed. You taught us there is joy in life, in the little things, a song on the "oldies" channel or a hike in the mountains, a Quesedilla at TacoBell, or french fries at McDonalds, it was a joy to be your friend. You have changed our lives forever. Dr. Dave, Kim, Heather, and Billy our prayers are with you.

Shari Sauer

November 3, 2007

To the Matthews Family,
Thank you for sharing Chris. I wish I could've known him. What a handsome, fun-loving young man! I know you will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. His story is inspirational to me, as we have 2 sons who also have autism. We'll do our best to help them be as independent as they can -- just like Chris. Thank you for his/your inspiration.
~Shari Sauer (Sheila Bee's sister)

John & Laura Scott

November 3, 2007

Dear David, Kim, Heather, and Billy;
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Christopher was the most beautiful young man. We enjoyed our times together when you were in town at Chuck and Kate's home at our fun family get togethers.We are so sad that he is gone and pray that you will all take comfort in all of your special memories of the love that you have shared with his beautiful soul.
With love,
John, Laura, Julian and Shelby Scott

Gaynelle Watts

November 2, 2007

Thank you Chris for the joy you brought to my daugher, Lori, and also to me. i will always remember riding in the love bug with you and Brandon in the back seat. What joy.
I am praying for your family.
Gaynelle Watts (Santa Cruz, CA_)

Jen Myers

November 2, 2007

Dr. Matthews,
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.
-Jen Myers

Corey DeFelice

November 2, 2007

Chris, Thank you for allowing me into your circle. The experience of knowing you is one of the great pleasures of my life. Kim, Dave, Heather, and Billy....you are in my thoughts and prayors

Char McClanahan

November 2, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Laurie Queen

November 2, 2007

Chris brought me so much joy! Whenever we would be together, the smiles, the hugs and the requests to sing "The Jungle Song". Those are the vivid memories I will always cherish. I am so sorry for your loss, Dave, Kim, Heather and Billy. So sorry.

Donna Scahppert

November 2, 2007

As one of my first students, you'll always be my favorite. My condolences to the family and friends of Chris Matthews.
I love "Bud."
Miss Donna

Beth Ann DAgostino

November 2, 2007

Chris, you are one of my favorite memories from working at Palmer. You and your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lori Fry

November 2, 2007

Thank you Chris for teaching me that life truly is about laughing and loving.
Dave, Kim, Heather, and Billy, you are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

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