Matthew Elam

I just learned of Matt's passing and found this page. I met Matt in 1999 on my first trip to the NF Payette River. He encouraged my travelling companion and I to run the river with him, gave us confidence, and showed us the lines. This was the start of my deep engagement with the NF Payette, a relationship that always made me think of Matt. I ran it with him many times over the years, especially in 2001 when I lived in Garden Valley and worked for one of the rafting companies. By then I...

I can't believe it has been a year since Matt passed. I know that this year has been so difficult for Matt's family, Tarrah and the children, Matt's parents, brother and other family, and all Matt's friends. We will never forget Matt and I am so thankful he lead a life filled with love and adventure. I like to imagine Matt and my son David kayaking great white water on the other side and that they are having a blast looking down on us. I keep Matt's family in my thoughts and prayers. E mail...

To all the Elam family, you have our deepest condolences for the loss of Matt. We remember him well as a self-possessed and truly kind, decent teen, and it's apparent from everything we see that he had those great qualities and more in his life as an adult. We know he was deeply loved, and you have our heartfelt sympathy.

As a friend and co-worker with Matts dad Glenn Elam I got to hear about many of Matts adventures through out his life. What a ride I had listening to the stories about Matt's life through his eyes father eyes. Glenn knew what a great son he and Vicki had and he loved to tell me the stories.
Matt was a good kid that grew into a great man. His parents gave him unconditional love that I saw while working with dad. He will be sorrowly missed but never forgotten.

Matt and David had wonderful kayaking adventures together along with other friends. They lived a life of
passion, getting to see beautiful places around the world, following their hearts and doing what they loved. Matt will be sorely missed by his sweet family and all his friends. "Life is not about the number of breaths we take, but about the moments that take our breath away."

Matthew - We love and miss you so so very much. You were and are our shining star but now our angel, the wings beneath of feet, that will help us endure life without you. We will always love and protect your lovingTarrah and beautiful children, Kovis, Koen and Avia.
With all our love, hearts and souls,
Mom and Dad

Glenn, Viktoria and family,
May you feel the love and support that surround you during this difficult time of loss.
-Mac and M.J. Cleeland, Sedona, AZ