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Matthew Bartsch Obituary

Bartsch, Matthew
41, of Las Vegas passed away on October 27, 2012. Son of Susan Lacy Bartsch Glynn and Dr. Robert Bartsch of Phoenix, Matthew was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and raised in the Moon Valley area of Phoenix. He graduated from Thunderbird High School, and attended University of Arizona, Arizona State University, as well as Scottsdale Community College where he studied art with Robert You. An abstract artist, Matthew created over 1,000 paintings, many of which were exhibited in galleries, cafes, restaurants, and at the popular First Fridays in downtown-Phoenix. He was the first artist to graduate from Art Awakenings, a non-profit agency that provides creative support for artists with mental illnesses. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) honored him by selecting one of his paintings, "Angel Behind Bars," to be on the cover of the Spring 2009 edition of "The Schizophrenia Bulletin." He started painting at age 27, the same age as Vincent Van Gogh. He called his style "Popolo Kafka." Matthew's subject-matter included abstract cubist musicians, ominous minds, and young couples. His inspiration came from Pablo Picasso; Jackson Pollack; Ernst Ludwig Kurchner; and the local surrealistic painter, Daniel Kuester. "I have painted like a true starving artist in some very strange places during difficult periods of my life," Matthew said. "The Kafkaesque darkness of mental institutions, overcrowded homeless shelters and halfway houses in drug-infested neighborhoods have all influenced me. My greatest support and hero is my beautiful fiance, Nadine, who has stayed with me through many difficult times. I believe that keeping God close in my heart and following my passion and bliss are very important to my survival." Matthew is survived by his father Robert Bartsch DVM (Marjorie); mother Susan Bartsch Glynn (Joel Glynn); brother Brennan Bartsch (Lynda) and their children, Zoe and Zach; step siblings Kelly, Stacy, David Westhoff, Janel and Jennifer Glynn; dear friend, Nadine Sokolowski; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at 5:00 p.m., November 19, 2012, at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ, 12861 N. 8th Ave., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: NARSAD Artworks, PO Box 941, La Habra, CA 90633 or Shadow Rock UCC's "Momentum at Work," 12861 N. 8th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85029.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 8, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Bartsch

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Life is sweet just because of the friends we have made, and all the things which in common we share. From our family to each of you we pray for peace to be in your hearts.

Brad & Rena Randall

November 20, 2012

My heart goes out to your Dad and Marj, and your Mom and family. I remember you as a young man(teenager) at Southwest Lab days. As someone else said, keep painting in Heaven as I know my husband is singing in the choir up there...
Rest In Peace.

Lois Finney

November 15, 2012

Susan Glynn

November 14, 2012

Dear Bob and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Matt and his brother as young boys. Please know my thoughts are with you.

Kathleen Mortensen

November 14, 2012

We are so sad your time on this earth has so suddenly ended. We think of you and your loved ones daily with prayers for comfort and healing. Dear Matthew, may you be at peace and know that you were beloved.

Pat and John Pierce

November 11, 2012

Rest in Peace and Love, Matthew.

Jessica Garvie

November 11, 2012

Matthew, I hope you paint in heaven with all those great masters. I'm glad we talked earlier this summer. I had no idea then, I would never see you again. I wish we had met up when we were in Vegas, I remember the sound of your voice, how happy you were to get an art show, and to be close to Nadine.

Your soul is free; you'll have no more pain and dark days. It's very sad to see Our Aunt Susan and Uncle Joel, Brennan and family in so much pain, watch over them. Godspeed Matt, we will never forget our talented cousin.

London Lacy

November 9, 2012

I will forever remember going to the golf course with him getting dive-bombed by the fruit bats. :-) The Lord is good and Matthew is at His side, a most perfect place to be.

Patti Morris-Mueller

November 8, 2012

Although we never met, I am a close friend of your mother. I know how much she loved you. I also know you are now at peace and will always be by her side as her guardian angel.

November 8, 2012

Matthew, you and Greg were friends long, long ago when you were in South Africa. I wonder whether you are together now. With love Rene

Rene Walters

November 8, 2012

Words cannot express our deep sadness of your loss. Just know you and your family are very close in our hearts and prayers.

Tim and Kathy Donovan

November 8, 2012

Susan Glynn

November 8, 2012

Susan Glynn

November 8, 2012

I read the boys your obituary and they wanted me to leave you a message. Thanks Matt for all the cool paintings you gave us..nate said thanks for doodle pad he hopes he can draw as good as you some day and they said they miss you and nico says he hopes god is nice to you

nico nate

November 8, 2012

I can't even put into words how much I will miss Matt he was my best friend my soul mate! I feel lucky to have been included in his life! He touched so many people with his kindness and his love for everything beautiful. I will love you love and miss you forever!

Nadine sokolowski

November 8, 2012

I will dearly miss my beloved son. I will remember and celebrate the many good years and the many good times during the dark years. The spirit of his creativity, intelligence, courage and sincere love for his family and friends will live on.

Susan Glynn

November 8, 2012

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