Matthew Matty "Matty" Shannon

While working for National Car Rental at the airport, Matt’s head was turned by a co-worker, Tracy Chaney. It is rumored that he was so enamored with her that he once wrecked a car because he just couldn’t look away. He married Tracy, the love of his life, on October 8, 1983 at First Christian Church in Portland. They honeymooned in Jamaica and Barbados where he learned that he could not keep up, comfortably, with Tracy’s sunbathing.

In addition to a wife, Matt gained a second set of parents, with whom he remained very close until their passing. In 1986 his amazing wife gave birth to their wonderful son, Boe, completing their family. Matt loved to work in the yard and spent many weekends with Boe working alongside him. He also enjoyed the annual Allen/Shannon Campout with Boe and their neighbor as well as playing the X-box with Boe until he got motion sickness.

He was a lifelong Ducks fan and, because he loved his wife so much, converted from the Seahawks to the Vikings. He and Tracy took countless trips on their motorcycles but the trips to Glacier National Park, Niagara Falls, and a month-long cross county trip to Boston were his favorite. In addition to road trips, Matt enjoyed other travels with Tracy to places including a two week adventure to Australia (to accompany their good friends, Milton and Judy home) and several trips to Cozumel and Hawaii.

From an early age Matt knew he wanted to be a police officer. After graduating from Cleveland High School he became a Reserve Officer with the Oregon City Police Department. After completing the Monmouth Oregon Police Academy Matt was hired by the Irrigon Police Department (which consisted of him and the Chief). He served for almost a year in Irrigon before he was hired by the Hillsboro Police Department where he remained until his retirement on October 31, 2011.

On Saturday, September 17, 2016, Matt passed away in Hillsboro. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Tracy; the world’s best son, Boe; his beloved sister, Susan, and eight other siblings; his cats, the beloved Puddy Tat and Chloe; and his friends (you know who you are).

Memorial contributions may be made in Matty’s name to:

City of Hillsboro K9 Program

Hillsboro Police Department

250 E 10th Avenue

Hillsboro, OR 97123