Matthew Kai Larson

Born at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; he also lived in Tucson, K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, Minneapolis, Rapid City, SD, the Philippines, Edwards AFB, CA, Hawaii (where he attended Radford HS) and resided in Phoenix since 1990. He learned to ride the bus to town. With the help of Goodwill job coaches he worked at Peter Piper Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Cartwright Schools where he served lunches as the “Cafeteria Guy” for many years. Matthew loved to travel, enjoyed bowling, fishing, attending and watching his favorite sports teams. He was especially fond of Mongolian Bar-B-Q.

He is survived by his parents, Bill and Joyce Larson, his Grandfather, Ken Larson, Sister Rebecca Kersey and Brother Symeon Larson. Rebecca’s family include husband Phil and boys Johnathan and Michael. Symeon’s family include wife Monica and children Malachi, Alaura, Gwen, Alexander and Owen. Uncles and Aunts include Tom and Debbie Larson, Barb and Scott Anderson, Kris and Kevin Johnson, Ann and Larry Fowler, Bill (deceased) and Lois Ball, Don and Jody Ball, Jim and Kathy Ball, Jan and Greg (deceased) Schmidt, and Chris Ball.

Sitting next to Matt provided a continual play-by-play description of whatever game was on. Whether watching in person or on TV Matt would be totally attentive to sports teams. Words like “Shazam”, “He’s on Fire”, “They Never Give Up”, “He’s Unstoppable”, were often announced. Even when his team lost he would say “Good Game” or “They’ll Win Next Time”.

A Gamer at heart, Matt said that he was over the 1,000 level on Candy Crush. He loved electronic games and gathered quite a collection.

Matt had a gift of navigation. He memorized freeway exit numbers for many of his favorite destinations. He knew where to go and loved a small bit of independence with his bus pass when we moved to Phoenix. He had a special Angel that helped him find just the right routes.

Not many places he visited impressed him more that the White Cliffs of Dover, London’s Big Ben or the Russian River full of Salmon as it flows to the Kenai River, in Alaska. When he finally caught a Walleye with Dad and Uncle Tom, he exclaimed “Praise the Lord”. He left behind fond memories and aching hearts for our loss and his eternal gain.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled later this year after it is deemed safe to hold gatherings.