I don’t do Facebook, so I didn’t find out about Matt passing until recently and was shocked by the news.  He was young and seamed so happy living and working on his dad’s property.  Matt and I are neighbors with a trail between our houses.  We didn’t hang out much, typically just conversations when we saw each other working in the yard and attended each other’s parties (he always had a smile and a cigar).  Sometimes he’d show me his latest projects on the house and we’d talk shop.  When I got the text message that the 2020 Christmas party was cancelled, like Carolynn, I thought well there’s next year.  Although we don’t have next year, we do get to keep the memories of Matt’s little manger, the annual Christmas party, deck remodels, and neighborly conversations in the yard.  Till we meet again Matt, a few more years down the road.

I will never forget the day Matt walked in my office at Chase and asked me if I was Garrett’s mom.  It was so special to be working with the son of a favorite teacher! 
Matt was so kind, dedicated , engaging and sweet.  I feel fortunate to have been a co - worker and friend .  He is dearly missed and the memories of our work adventures and connection to you Mary will be with me always 

Matt, you have always had the kindest heart and will always be adored by our team here at Chase. I wish I could have thanked you one more time for all that you do for those around you. You will be missed dearly.

I didn't know Matt very well, but I thought this was a cool story. Every month, I ask people at my company to send in photos of things that are meaningful to them on a certain theme. One month - the only month Matt submitted a photo - we asked for photos of their favorite coffee/tea mugs.

He sent me this photo of his mugs and said this, "The Sultan Dutch Cup mug is the favorite as it’s generational sentimental with it being Sultan’s Hwy 2 mainstay for years. I recall the breakfast restaurant being a greasy spoon with weak bacon which was fine for back in the day. Both mugs provide healthy room for the best drip coffee in the world -Seattle’s Best Coffee. Both were washed and polished for their photo."

I could tell by how much care he took to position the photo and talk about why these mugs were special to him that they truly were very important to him. And he was a fellow coffee drinker; so I admire that!

Again, I wish I knew Matt better - he seems like a phenomenal man of God. But I thought this photo and the story might be special for his loved ones to read. 

I was Matt's mentor when he was hired on at CBRE in 2015 and spent a few weeks teaching him the Facilities do's and don'ts all awhile getting to know the personal side of him.  Matt called me "Care" he said I was a Care Bear.  So that nickname stuck.  As we went about our separate work lives because he had learned the ropes and had to go at it on his own, I didn't get to talk to him as often because I live pretty far south and we had different territories.  Although we always seemed to catch each other late at night on communicator to catch up or I'd wake up to a message he'd left me if I wasn't working late.  It's still shocking to comprehend that someone I knew, hugged, laughed with, and shared personal stories with is gone.  How do you wrap your mind around that?  I feel sad when I have moments to feel sad because he was taken so soon.  I wish I had made the 2 hour drive up to one of his Christmas parties he always invited me to.  Definitely eye opening because you think, well I will make it next year, but there won't be a next year.  To Mary and Dawn and the rest of his family and friends, there are no words to describe the sadness I share with you all.  I wanted to share a photo of Matt when he volunteered to Ring the Bells during the holidays for charity.  This was indicative of his big heart!!  Matt's passing has taught me some things: don't say no to that party invite because you may never get a next year and make time to reach out to those you haven't spoken to in a while.  RIP Matt until we meet again! :(   

I knew Matt mainly as a toddler. He was a cherub of a dear boy. None cuter! He played with my daughter, Roxanna, when Mary and I got together with the kids during their early years. It was such fun! 
Losing one's child is such a difficult thing no matter old they are. Matt was about 48 years old (still so young) when he suddenly died this month. For Mary I imagine Matt will remain forever in her heart as her adorable little boy. That is how I remember him. May Matt rest in peace with the Lord. 

It’s taken me until now to sign this guest book... it seems so final to me. I’ve been searching my heart to try and figure out what I would share about our cherished friendship.

I have known Matt for many years. We met at King’s School. Matt was very quiet and a bit shy. I was ( from what I’ve been told) bubbly and I loved pulling him out of his shell. 
One thing I’ll miss is hearing him say my name and his contagious laugh. I always knew when he was close by because he’d say my name with a unique inflection. 

After High School a few years had passed and we began seeing him more again. We had the joy and honor of sharing many holidays together with Matt and Mary, from the 4th of July to Christmas!  We lovingly gave him the nickname “uncle Matt” as he was very good to our girls whether it was a shoulder to cry on, prayer n wisdom or laughter. 

To share a favorite memory seems limited to me at this moment, probably because some of my favorite times were spent just hanging out together. We would spend time sharing our hearts, encouraging one another in the Lord, talking about this Country we love and just having some great belly laughs!  
About 3 months ago Matt knew I had been very sick and sent me the most incredible devotional as he often did. I will miss our late night text sessions and his big bear hugs!  
If you are reading this and you knew Matt... you probably know this:
Matt spent his life encouraging, sitting with people listening and praying for people. I’m grateful we will see him again one day!  
I pray through his life many come to know Jesus and accept Him into their lives 
We love you Matt!  Thank you for the dear friend, brother, uncle, encourager and prayer partner you were to us. Until we meet again brother❤️

Matt was a prize winning son to his parents, John and Mary.  We have known him since birth. We love that he was always there for his mama❣️ He was taken away much too young. RIP Matt❤️

Matt was a great friend and a good man. One of our greatest bonds was the love we had for the homes and land we grew up on and that we would later go on to own as adults. I always admired his skills as a carpenter and will think about him every time I have a project at home. Taco Tuesday's or Seahawks games will never be the same without you. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Nelson family. 
Love Danny 

Matthew was a favorite cousin of mine. Family means the world to me, and hearing about his sudden death was shocking and completely devastating. I had not realized we shared the same love for family until I found out after the fact that he and his sister drove overnight from Washington to attend my wedding in California 15 years ago.  On another occasion, he played a game of one-on-one hoops with my 6’7” husband, John. Matt, who was not much of a baller, gave it up and just wanted to get to know him.  

Also we had some other things in common, like Seahawk’s football games, the President who wanted to “Make America Great Again," and a devout love for our Lord.  The last time we spoke there was talk of him coming to visit us in CA.  Our visit is now postponed till we see each other again in Heaven. I will undoubtedly recognize Mathew by his smile and hearing “Hey Steph.” Whoop, whoop 🙌 🙌....see you again, Matt! 
 
Your Huggin’ Cousin, Steph

The entire CBRE Team's hearts are heavy with learning of our friend and co-worker at the Facilities Management company CBRE on the JPMChase account.

Matt was very knowledgeable with building activities and had a sense calm during stressful times.  After learning more about Matt, it must have been his faith that gave him peace.

To his loved ones, he was appreciated, loved and will be missed by CBRE team members.

God Bless Matt Nelson,  his Family and Friends!

Daryl Keogh 
CBRE

A well-loved cousin -  can't forget someone who shares the same birthday and a first born as well.  It was encouraging to see Matt grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially in the last couple of years.  I'm sure Matt would now encourage everyone to seek the Lord while He maybe found and call upon Him while He is near.

Matthew was the best nephew anyone could have had. He loved his family and missed seeing the ones who were far away.  He frequently asked Unk and I, Unk especially, questions about the Bible and certain passages he'd come across. We answered as best we could.. I always remember the tree house that he built at our place in Naches with cousin Stevie. Then they built another in Sultan,  Matt was the best carpenter and became a very skilled carpenter as he grew up. So many great memories but little room.  Oh, that Washington Apple cake--Must have made him 10 over the years. We're just picturing Matt and GramaRie's big reunion now as they praise Jesus together.
Love you, Matt!
Auntie and Unk

Matt was such a funny, fun loving guy. We met in a Christian singles group. He became such a great friend, dance partner, wedding date. He was always up for fun, playing tennis, going to hockey games, parties or the fair  It's so hard to think he is gone forever. Heaven has gained one great guy. Miss you "Matty"

When I saw Matt and Mary out at dinner one night, I approached them to ask their “story”.  Found out they were a tightly bonded Mom and son that loved fun, conversations, laughing, God and life.  Loved our conversations, debates, jokes, and loads of sarcasm with Matt.  Will miss his smile, contemplative nature, and little chuckle that was so contagious.  Until we meet again friend, and I’ll help take good care of your amazing Mom XOXOXO

-  With love, “Ceebs”

OBITUARY

Matthew John Nelson

December 4, 1972 – January 11, 2021

Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home

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