Matthew John Powers Brickley

Matthew John Powers Brickley lived a life defined by deep faith, an adventurous spirit, and a unique ability to connect with people on a truly personal level. Known affectionately as "Matt" to his friends, he was a man of loyalty, warmth, and lifelong curiosity.

Early Life and Beginnings

Matthew was born on April 3, 1989, in Sacramento, California, to Mark and Sherri Brickley. He grew up in a close-knit family, sharing his childhood with his older brothers, Justin and Jeremy. Matthew spent his formative years in Duluth, Minnesota, where he built deep, enduring childhood friendships. He attended Denfeld High School, graduating with the class of 2007.

A Journey of Faith and Adventure

Driven by a desire for a new chapter and a dedication to his beliefs, Matthew packed his car shortly after high school and drove west to California. This move marked the beginning of an independent and purposeful adulthood. In September 2009, Matthew was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This commitment to serving Jehovah became a foundational pillar of his life, guiding his love for God, and His purpose and Matt’s love of people. Matthew also held a natural love for travel and exploration. He was well-traveled and loved meeting new people, easily turning strangers into lifelong friends. His adventures took him across the globe, including a month-long tour of Australia with his cousin Travis, numerous family fishing trips in Alaska and trips to England to visit all of his father’s family. Professionally, Matthew channeled his work ethic into his career as a skilled plumbing technician and a graduate of the Yuba City Fire Academy.

Passions and Personal Life

Those who knew Matt best knew of his fervent, adoring love for sports. He was a sports buff through and through, having an extraordinary recall of statistics, history, and game facts. His absolute greatest passion was the San Francisco 49ers. He never missed a game, and during the off-season, he closely followed his hometown Sacramento teams to fill the void. At home, Matthew found immense joy in the company of his beloved fur babies, Winnie and Oliver. He loved his family tremendously and held a special relationship with his extended family. He shared a close bond with his Uncle Jack and Aunt Victoria Sweigart and his cousins Travis and Zach Sweigart of Granite Bay, California. He was equally close with his Uncle Robert and Aunt Sarah Gibbons and his cousin Carson Gibbons of Duluth, Minnesota, as well as his Auntie Leigh and his cousins Hannah and Joseph Brickley-Wood of Southsea, England, alongside numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins worldwide.

Legacy and Memorial Services

Matthew passed away on August 7, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona at the age of 37. He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Mark and Sherri; his brothers, Justin and Jeremy; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth; and his cherished nephews and niece, Keegan, Jaxon, and Arianna. He was preceded in rest by his paternal grandparents, John and Valerie Brickley of Dorset, England, maternal grandmother Kathleen Gibbons, and maternal grandfather Harold Atlee, as well as his maternal uncle, William Gibbons of Sacramento. Matthew leaves behind a legacy of genuine human connection. He had a peerless way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved in their own unique way. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, his lifelong friends in Minnesota, and his global brotherhood of spiritual brothers and sisters. To honor his life, the following memorial gatherings are being planned by his family for the upcoming autumn of 2026:

• California Memorial Service: A service for family and friends will be held in California. A Zoom broadcast will be provided for his friends and loved ones who cannot attend in person.

• Minnesota Celebration of Life: A gathering will take place in Minnesota specifically for Matthew's dear childhood friends and family throughout the Duluth and Superior area.