Edward William Matchett, born on July 4, 1946, in Osseo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024. He was the beloved son of Edward J. Matchett and Gladys V. Johnson Matchett.
Ed's early life was marked by academic dedication. He graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, WI, in 1964. Pursuing higher education, he attended St. Olaf College in 1966 and 1967 before graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on January 17, 1969. His academic journey continued as he earned a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1970.
The 1970s were a decade of professional and personal evolution for Ed. He began his professional career in February 1974 as an assistant to State Representative Ed Jackamonis, having left graduate school just shy of finishing his dissertation. Later that year, on September 28, 1974, he married Susan Parr. Ed then worked for the Joint Legislative Council in the Wisconsin Legislature. Leaving the capitol, he transitioned to teaching as a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin West Bend (1976-1978), where he met his second wife, Jayne Hoffman. They married on August 11, 1979. Ed concluded the decade working as a Clerk for the Wisconsin Supreme Court (1978-1981), an experience that profoundly shaped him and inspired his decision to attend law school.
After graduating from the Hamline University School of Law in 1984, he and his then-wife Jayne moved to Bisbee, AZ. Their move was not accidental. In 1980, after inheriting a small family home in Old Bisbee, Ed worked with the local firm Gentry, McNulty, Desens & Behrens during the probate of his aunt’s estate. According to legend, Stephen Desens (former Cochise County Judge) made him an offer: when he finished law school, he could have a job with the firm. Four years later, there he was, putting down roots in Bisbee.
With a passion for justice and penchant for self-promotion, Ed struck out on his own, establishing the Matchett Law Office in May 1987. With locations in Bisbee and Douglas, Ed sought to meet the diverse legal needs of our rural communities. From criminal to civil, there was no case too big or small for Matchett Law. Over the years, he won repeated recognition from the Arizona Bar for his extensive pro bono work. In addition to his firm, Ed worked as an attorney for the Cochise County Public Fiduciary and as City Attorney for Douglas, Tombstone, Huachuca City, and South Tucson at various times over the years.
From 1998 to 2010, Ed dedicated his time to the Bisbee School Board, Arizona School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association, ultimately serving as president of the Bisbee School Board until his departure. In addition to his service on the board, he shared his expertise as an instructor of Aviation Law at Cochise College. Even in retirement, his passion for education was evident, working as a teacher at CAS High School in Douglas, AZ. His commitment to education will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Edward was a proud and loving father to his children: Edward James Matchett aka “Jay”, William Engel Matchett (married to Brittany Kimball), and Caroline Louise Matchett. Edward is survived by his children and his cousin, Doris C. Daniels.
Edward’s life was a testament to his commitment to education, public service, and the law. He will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
A celebration of life service will be held on July 13, 2024 at 11am at Brown Page Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bisbee Foundation in Edward's honor. As Ed made it a priority to find joy in life and share it with others, the family asks that you do the same: go out, do something that truly brings you joy, and share it with those around you.
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