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David Sloan Obituary
Matt Sloan, son of Judy Baron Sloan and Jerry Lester Sloan of Wilmington, NC, died unexpectedly during the early morning hours of June 13. Matt is survived by his parents, his sister, Lauren, his half-brothers Craig, Joel and Nathan Sloan and their families, and a host of loving friends. Matt owned and operated Baker's Dozen Gourmet Cookies in Wilmington, NC, before moving to his adopted city of New Orleans this past January.
Matt was an amazing young man who lived life to the fullest and made the most of every moment. His personal motto was "Carpe Diem!" and he loved his God, family and friends with great intensity and utmost commitment. When you became Mart's friend, you truly had a friend for life. His open affection for his family and friends, men and women alike, brought to all who came into his orbit the sense that at that moment they were the one person he most wanted to see. He had twinkling blue eyes and a captivating grin, an infectious sense of humor and a quick wit. Matt's scope of interests was huge; he loved music of all kinds, from Broadway musicals to Dave Matthews to his beloved band, Sloan River Project. He had an encyclopedic memory for literature and movies, and could hold his own in the most intense of political discussions. He was a talented chef who liked nothing better than to cook up gumbo or red beans for his family and friends; bringing people home was a joy for him, and we were blessed to have been so fully included in his life.
Matt was never happier than when he was at his "spiritual homes," Trinity Center in Atlantic Beach, NC, and Kanuga Conference Center, in Hendersonville, NC. He grew up attending camp and participating in many other Episcopal youth events at Trinity and Kanuga, and these events and staff members he met had a great role to play in the development of his faith. During his college years and afterward, he served as a counselor and mentor to young people following in his footsteps, and countless messages on his Facebook page record the impact he had on so many youths. It has been said that Matt had a particular gift for spotting the young person who was on the fringes, feeling awkward and alone, and reaching out to bring them into his group. He never met a stranger, and his legacy is one of acceptance and love.
Matt fit into New Orleans like a native, soaking up the music scene and culture as he worked with Episcopal Relief and Development to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. At the time of his death, he was focused on applying for a grant that would fund landscaping for these homes, so that beauty would be brought back, the birds would return, and the people living there would not only have their bodies sheltered, but their souls fed. We are going to try to fulfill his dream, and in lieu of flowers a donation would be welcome. Please send contributions to St. Andrew's-on-the-Sound, 101 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403, marked "Matt's Trees." Donations are also being accepted at Kanuga Conferences, Inc., P.O. Box 250, Hendersonville, NC, 28793, for a perpetual scholarship fund that is being established in Matt's memory, so that a lack of money will not deter young people from being able to participate in Matt's much-loved youth events. Donation checks should be made out to Kanuga Conferences and marked "Matt Sloan Fund."
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, at St. Andrew's-on-the-Sound Episcopal Church, 101 Airlie Rd., Wilmington, NC. Ashes will be scattered at a 4 p.m. service at Sander's Point, Trinity Center, Atlantic Beach, NC. All are welcome.
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Sloan
Velvet Lile
July 1, 2010
Pampers,
I am missing you so very much! I know I am not alone in that as we have lost the dearest soul.
I'm not sure why you were called home so early but I know whatever it was must command an amazing person. I'll see you on the other side.
Until then, I'll continue to pray and know you'll send love and strength from above for your family and friends.
Kelly Neubauer
June 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Matt and I went to New Hanover High School together and he was such a kind and gentle person, so pure with a radiating smile. I last saw him at PetSmart and we talked about our dogs. He was so genuine and loved everything about life, people, animals, and the not so fortunate. All I keep thinking of is his calm but happy voice. He touched so many in the short time he was here. My deepest Sympathies.
Cassandra Stroehmer
June 20, 2010
pass me by, christened arms lingering by my side?. resting on a feeling of passion gone awry the evening that you died?. your spirit's keeping me alive, yet holding me? down to a minimal life of wishin you were here, the burn of another tear??. so fly... and let it be?. so fly... let the sun set on this place, on this aura that's beholding me to you, please fly??. caught somewhere between all the angels and the earth. ?trying to take me with you but you know I can't leave, it's not my time. but ?it's so hard to say goodbye to you, since your soul? won't even let you go, but you must let it, it's not about me??. so fly... and let it be?. so fly... let the sun set on this place, on this aura that's beholding me to you?... please fly.
Kathie Jorgensen
June 20, 2010
Dear Judy and Jerry,
Please know how sorry we are at your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Matt was obviously a remarkable young man who touched many lives in special ways.
Phil and Kathie Jorgensen
Annie Anthony
June 19, 2010
Judy and Jerry, I am so sorry for the loss of your most precious angel. I know he is worshiping the King of all Kings with his most glorious gift God gave him. Hold tight to your precious memories of your lovely boy and the legacy will live on through the scholarship you have established in his honor. We know he had the heart of service like his parents.
Respectfully
Annie Anthony and the
Board of Directors of the Cape Fear Volunteer Center
Mary Fernandez de Castro
June 19, 2010
As we gather today to begin formally celebrating Matt's life, so many good accomplishments in so little time will be attributed to him and make us all aware as parents what our adult children mean to us and others. Congratulations to you on raising a beautiful Godly man who is a joy to hear about. Mary Calton Fernandez de Castro
Eva Burkhardt
June 18, 2010
May it comfort you to know that,
your loved one is safe in God’s care now. And that friends are praying for you in your time of sorrow. Matt was a great person with a big heart. He will be missed. So glad we had the chance to know him.
The Burkhardt's
Richard & Sandra Gemach
June 18, 2010
Matthew:
M--Magical
A--Always Spirited
T--Talented
T--Treasured by many
H--Heaven sent--Heaven bound
E--Loved by Everyone
W--We will miss you Matt! You were a very special young man!
In Friendship and Love
Rich and Sandy Gemach
Michael Stefano
June 18, 2010
My deepest sympathy for your loss! May wonderful memories diminish the pain!
Richard & Sandra Gemach
June 18, 2010
Matthew:
M--Magical
A--Always Spirited
T--Talented
T--Treasured by many
H--Heaven Sent--Heaven Bound
E--Loved by Everyone
W--We will miss you and your happy personality,dearly!
In friendship and love,
Rich and Sandy Gemach
Drew Peterson
June 18, 2010
The Sloans,
I am so sorry for the loss of a soul that was too young to be taken. You will all be in my prayers through this very difficult time.
Connie and Norman Brooks
June 18, 2010
We remember Matt when he and our daughter, Carrie, were classmates at NHHS. He was a fine young man and we are not surprised that he went on to do such great works. We know he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sloan family.
June 18, 2010
Dear Judy and Jerry, I offer my deepest sympathy to your entire family. What else can I say? I know your loss seems unbearable. May God sustain and comfort you as only He can, even as Matt stands now in His radiant presence.
~ Betty Griffin
Ashley Wilhite Cheeseman
June 18, 2010
I went to school with Matt for many years while growing up in Wilmington. I was so sad to hear of Matt's unexpected passing. He was such a vibrant man with a good soul. I will never forget his bright smile, outgoing personality, and ability to comfort. My thought and prayers are with your family in this time of need.
Alton Lennon
June 18, 2010
So very sorry learn of your tragic loss. My family joins me in sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sincerely,
Alton Lennon
Renee Hilger
June 18, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charis Hill
June 18, 2010
I remember making videos with Matt for Winterlight, the year he was the "Mothman." It was great to be on a team with him that was in charge of entertaining. My years of friendship with Matt were full of great laughs and experiences at Trinity Center, Kanuga, and other youth conferences. I'll remember his trying to do cheer stunts in the pool at Trinity as well as our communications online while we were reading the most recent Harry Potter book in the series. I remember playing Ultimate with him, four square, experiencing Adventurers. What excitement we shared of the simple things in life! He will always be remembered with absolute love and fondness in my heart of hearts. Remember you are blessed.
Charis
Anne Russell
June 18, 2010
Your wonderful description of Matt makes me feel I knew him. I am glad he has been in our midst.
Christian McCullen
June 18, 2010
Matt I wish we could have gotten to know one another better. I will never forget how scary your pet snake was when he was hungry the first time I went over to your house. I think that was the last time we hung out until I saw you at your sisters and forgot how fun it was to be around you two. May peace be with you,
Christian
Jamie Osteen
June 18, 2010
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I was Matt's cheerleading coach at UNCA and really enjoyed working with him over the years. He was always so much fun to be around and was very dedicated to me and the team. I feel very blessed to have had him in my life! I will always remember him walking in with a smile on his face with his supercheerleader shirt on. He will be greatly missed!
Jamie Osteen
UNCA Cheer & Dance Team Coach
Daisy Mae Miller
June 18, 2010
Matt was one of the most incredible men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. I ran into him a few times at Bonnaroo this year. He was one of the few people that I could share everything with and talk to openly. He was a truly giving man and a joy and an inspiration to everyone he came into contact with. I will miss him terribly but know that his spirit will watch over us all until we join him in heaven.
Richard Tremmel
June 17, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. He was one of my students in the band at New Hanover High School for 4 years; he was always a respectful young man who loved music and being surrounded by his friends. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a small part of his life and watch him grow up, even for a short while.
Bill and Denise Sparks
June 17, 2010
Jerry, Judy and Lauren,
Our family was very saddened to hear of Matt's passing. Although we can not be at the celebration of his life our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Heather Pagles
June 17, 2010
I met Matt at Winterlight a couple of years ago and was saddened to hear this news. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
June 17, 2010
Our hearts like yours know the pain of losing a son, brother, uncle and friend. There are no words to ease your pain but in time your memories will dance in your head and tug on your heart bringing smiles and happiness. We pray God wraps His arms around your family giving you the strength and courgage to go forward. May your memories be comforting and plentiful for these will last a lifetime. I hope you can take comfort from "REMEMBER ME AND I WILL LIVE FOREVER." God bless your family.
Our Sympathy,
Another Grieving Family
Beverly Jensen
June 17, 2010
We are so sorry for the loss of your son, Matt. We remember him playing in our neighborhood and was a friend of our Son, Ben Jensen. Ben was at Bonnaroo , but didn't see Matt this time, he had run into him at other concerts and they were always glad to see each other. Matt was a fine young man and doing wonderful things for others. I know you are proud of all his accomplishments and what a heart he had for the Lord. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Steve and Beverly Jensen
Tonya Prince Ludlum
June 17, 2010
It was a pleasure meeting Matt in the High School Band. He was a very nice young man back then and that carried throughout his life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Barbara Trevigne
June 17, 2010
To Matt's Family;
Although, I never met Matt, he was a God send to New Orleans. New Orleans is a better city to live in because of the volunteer efforts of Matt. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Barbara Trevigne
Bobby Jackson
June 17, 2010
Dr. Sloan and family,
We wanted to your know that we are so sorry for your loss.
We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
In friendship and love,
Bobby, Gail & Toby Jackson
Beatrice Kuhlmann
June 16, 2010
Met him only briefly but his impact was noticed. He's been an amazing friend to people very dear to me. I was very saddened by the news of his death and send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Tina Thibodeaux
June 16, 2010
Judy and Jerry, Words could never express how sorry i am for yorr loss. I know Matt was a very loving,giving and careing man. He was the greatest reflection of his mother and father. You are a great family and i feel blessed that my family has had the chance to be a in your lives. GOD BLESS! I LOVE YOU!
Amy Catanzaro
June 16, 2010
My husband and I attended Bonnaroo 2010 but we did not have the opportunity to meet Matt. We just want you to know that your family is in our prayers and we are very sorry for your loss.
Sam and Amy
June 16, 2010
Matt,
I consider myself blessed that I was able to meet you, even if it was for such a short time. It is evident you are loved by many, and I know I, and others, will miss you greatly. Rest in peace my friend.
Julia
June 16, 2010
To Matt's family and friends, I'm stunned and deeply saddened for you. I met Matt in high school and he was someone I never forgot. The full impact of his too-short life and deep generosity have not yet come to fruition, but it will in time. I pray for consolation for you all.
Kelly Brown
June 16, 2010
Jerry and Judy,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Kelly (Sloan) Brown
Don Oesterbo
June 16, 2010
My deepest condolences to Matt's family and friends. I was Matt's lacrosse coach at D.C. Virgo Middle and will never forget the leadership he provided in the goal. It truly foreshadowed the way he lived the remainder of his shortened life. Recently, we were able to reconnect at the Empie Dog Park and as expected he grew into a great man. "Da Goalie" #00 may you Rest in Peace.
Coach Don
Nancy Dieffenbach
June 16, 2010
I am so sorry to read of the loss of Matt. Words cannot make this less painful, but I hope that knowing Matt's life made a difference to so many in such a short time will ease some of the pain.
Dona McLeskey
June 16, 2010
To the family...I am a friend of a friend and was so sorry to hear of the loss of this fine young man. You are in my prayers.
Adrian Hauberg
June 16, 2010
You don't know me however I was a patron of the Bonnaroo 2010. I don't know David however I wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the family in this time of grief. God bless his soul.
Sincerely,
Adrian Hauberg
Anna Woodall Lee
June 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy & Jim Pawlowski
June 16, 2010
Jerry and Judy,
We were so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Matt. We know that Matt was doing good work before he died and that he will sorely missed by many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you,
Kathy & Jim
Sarah Keagy
June 16, 2010
Matt i know that you will be a very special Angel in Heaven. You have touched so many lives in 29 years.I am happy to have gone to middle and high school with such an amazing person. I know your strength of giving will continue for many years to come and to you know you made a impression on everyone you met. You are going to be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family through this tough time and hope they know how many people cared for you.
Sarah Elizabeth Keagy
Jolene Haymans McGill
June 16, 2010
Matt may no longer be with us on this earth, but his kindness and generosity will live on in our hearts. My deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
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