Matt graduated with an AA degree from Pierce College in 1977. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Cal State Northridge in 1980. He became a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of California in 1983. He became a licensed land surveyor for the State of California in 1984, then a civil engineer and land surveyor for the State of Nevada 1992. Also in 1992, he began his affiliation with the National Society of Professional Engineers. Matt became certified by Cal OES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as a disaster service worker providing essential emergency duties in 2018, compelled to making a difference following the devastation of the Woolsey and Camp fires.
Like his father, Matt became an engineer. Matt was blessed to be a part of the Amgen Corporation for an extended period of his engineering career. After becoming a consultant in 1991, Matt was hired by Amgen in 2002 as their principal civil engineer. He was the single point of contact for all civil engineering and land use requirements. He played a pivotal role and significantly contributed to the development, research, expansion, sale and acquisition of various Amgen sites, navigating concerns from several agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Matt was invested in contributing to Amgen’s success.
His diversity in knowledge and commitment guided him to be irreplaceable both in a professional and personal capacity. He prided himself in holding himself to the highest regard, by being loyal and honest. He was a problem solver at work and at home. When it came to design, constructing and fixing anything, he was extremely skilled and intuitive. Matt was kind, driven, intelligent, and unfailingly generous. His interests were many, always wanting to learn. Matt mastered whatever peaked his interests.
From an early age, he enjoyed all things in nature and loved to spend time camping. Matt cherished the value of all animals and creatures. He was a competitive catamaran sailor, avid skier, volleyball player, and cyclist. He was an avid aircraft and car enthusiast (quite frankly he loved anything on the go).
He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family or to help his daughter to thrive and feel loved. He prided himself on being prepared and being a good provider. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Cowden, daughter Amanda Cowden, sister Roz Freeman (John) and many friends and family.
There will be a Celebration of Life on December 9, 2023, at 1p.m. at the Westlake Yacht Club. Services will be private.
If you would like to leave a message, memory, or photo to celebrate Matt’s life, please respond to PiercebrothersValleyOaks.com.
