Matthew Jason Escalante

Matthew was born on January 25, 1980 in Portland, Oregon to Steven Krein and Sheri Escalante. He was raised in Camas, Washington. The first ten years of his life were spent at the farm where he had grand adventures exploring every nook and cranny, and to his mom’s dismay, often removed every stitch of clothing to run free as a toddler. When he moved from the farm to Lacamas Lake, Matt continued his wild adventuring and exploring the lake, and knew the hidden trails and secrets of the area well as he explored with his many friends.

As a young man he worked as a wildland firefighter which took him on adventures all over the United States. He spent time completing such tasks as battling one of Oregon’s most historic wildfires, the Biscuit Fire, and gridding areas of Texas to aid in the search for evidence during the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery.

Matthew loved to tell amazing stories of his many adventures and life experiences; he was often told to publish a book! He was quick-witted, a dreamer, creative, caring; a character truly larger than life that fiercely loved son, family, and friends.

Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Steven.

Matthew is survived by his son, Noah Serrano; mother, Sheri Escalante; three sisters; Ami (Larry) Jones, Sarah Escalante, and Rachel (Leonard) Cook; many adored nephews and nieces: and best friend, Patrick Murphy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Police Officers, First Responders, and Medical Staff who didn’t give up on our beloved Matthew.

Matthew will be greatly missed, leaving a great big, bearded, ginger haired, fancy shoe wearing, highly fragranced hole in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 20th, 2019 at 2:00 PM at A Beer at a Time in Camas, Washington. Those attending are encouraged to bring photographs and stories of Matthew to share.

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” – J.R.R. Tolkien