Matthew William Ertel

Happy Birthday Brother!
(Yesterday the 28th)

I didn't get a chance to write you yesterday because I drove to Grapevine and back home after work to see you and the family and wish you a Happy Birthday.

Everything looks great! They did a really good job. I know you would like the way it turned out.

Not a day goes by that I don't miss or think of you. It's hard for everybody..but we know you would want us to be happy and stay strong.

...

Matt,
There isn't a day that goes by, where I am not reminded or think of you and all the amazing things that we did and shared together.
I miss you more than you can imagine..but I know that God has a plan for you and all of us.
We are still setting up a more permanent website to place messages, pictures, your artwork, maybe soundtracks we liked etc etc. at www.MATTHEWERTEL.COM
Mark, is going to use his expertise and all the information we can give him...to hopefully...

I met Matt through Lori Fowler when she asked me to help head up the bone marrow drive in Matts honor. It was a pleasure to know Matt, he never complained or had a negative attitude about anything. His smile brighten the day of kids all over this campus. He was a truly remarkable man and my life is better for knowing him. Thank you so much for bringing him into this world and allowing him to touch the lives of so many. He will be remembered always. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

I was just informed of your loss, and am deeply saddened by his passing. Matt was a very welcome addition to the photography Dept. and it was an honor to have known such a fine young man.
Godspeed to you and yours.

Dear Ted and family,
I was really sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Family,
I only knew Matt a little from when he would have dinner at my parents house (Nappers) and from what my dad would say about him and the occasional emails we would exchange. But I knew enough to know what a wonderful young man he was that will be greatly missed! I just happened to remember one of the times when Matt, Chris and a few other guys from the station came over. Matt had just gotten there, Matt loved moms home made rolls! He went into the kitchen and looked at mom...

To the family,
I met Matt back in photography classes at TCC. He was a delight to be in class with and we became such good friends. He had the same work ethics as I did in school and we seemed to be buddies from the start even considering our age difference. Matt modeled for me on a number of assignments of which the photographs were then and are now cherished! He always wanted either his jeep, his fire gear or his smile in the shot. He even let my 16 yr old son pretend the jeep was...

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I first met Matt when he took one of my history courses at TCC a while back. He had bigger problems than any of my other students, yet complained less. His attitude and determination inspired me and we spoke together almost every day for the next 2-years between classes. I will miss him more than I can say for he was truly spectacular. I wish that all of my students could have met him because he had such a positive impact on everyone's lives. I wish his family the very best and I...