Matthew Wendelin

He was born in Miami Shores, FL where he completed Elementary School after which he moved to Blowing Rock, NC. He returned to Plantation, FL area and attended South Plantation High School, graduating with the class of 2001.

As a lifelong student and appreciator of music he became a member of the chorus in middle school, continuing throughout his four years of high school where he attended group competitions and events including Christmas at Epcot in 2000 & 2001. He was a member of both the high school bowling team and "Horses for the Handicapped".

Following high school he attended Lynn University in Boca Raton on a Presidential Scholarship Award becoming part of the student-run radio station WLYN at Lynn.

He was a natural born Animal Communicator, whether with his Persian Cat, Golden Retriever, distressed duck or chattering squirrel - his compassion reached out to all of Mother Earth's creatures. He remained a lover of all types of music and sports, A "Fan of fans" of the Marlin's including attendance at every home game in the playoffs of the Marlins 1997 World Series Games.

He traveled the U.S. to Hawaii full-filling his "Make a Wish" ProBowl football game in Honolulu; then on to Kansas to see the historical hand-drawn mural of artistry by his grandfather Wendelin (Smokey Bear illustrator for the US Dept of Forestry). He also traveled the mountains & valleys of Colorado, and NC.; the buffalo filled prairies, Mount Rushmore, and the rolling hills of Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

He is survived by his sister Amber (and husband Steve) brother Zachary (and wife Julliette), niece

Josephine, Grandmother Carrol and his parents David and Mary.

He is preceded in death by his oldest brother Jesse, grandfather's - Vern & Rudolph, grandmother Grace, and his devoted pets Honey and Max.

His mission to serve and be served was fulfilled. We are grateful for his loving presence in our lives and his "inner strength" and compassion for all of Life.

Matthew was 29 years old. He lived, loved, sang, celebrated, and quietly touched many many hearts throughout his life. May his Spirit rest within the Peace, Joy, & Love of our Creator and the magnificent arms of Our Father of all that is.