Matthew D. Smith

Happy birthday, old friend. I think of you often and wish every day that we could joke about every year that passes and getting old.

We all still miss you dude.

The last time I saw Matt he was 8 years old and was the most huggable, loving child. I really think he was the heart of the Smith family. Matt, you will never be forgotten because you live in the hearts of everyone you've ever met. To know you is to love you. I will always remember you as the last time I saw you. A sweet, round, huggable, loving boy!

Tony, I can't believe it. I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was an amazing person, you are both in my prayers.

Matt,

Never in my wildest dreams (or nightmares) would I ever think I would be writing something like this for you. I always thought we would be talking about these memories well into our senior citizen years. There are so many memories to speak of. Both Shan & Nik talked of many memories that I was so lucky to be a part of. Good times that I would not trade for anything.

All the winter vacations at the cabins. The crazy toboggan runs when we would get as many of us on...

Matty,

With 9 years between us, I missed some of the time our brother and sisters got growing up with you. And as a typical sibling I’m jealous. It was fun to read Shan’s sampling of memories – some of which I knew (because I was there) some of which I plan to quiz her about the next time we talk. It inspired me to add some of my own.

I remember the Saturday morning forts – the big red blanket – the boats and “lava”, the couch that “ate” us, until Mom yelled at us to...

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this very sad time. Take care.

Matty…Matty… I have spent a lot of time lately reflecting on the little things…they seem to foster the most powerful emotions.

life was fun…squishing the little man the day you were born, laughing at farts, chasing J with empty 2-liter bottles, Saturday morning forts, Jason cutting off your finger in the door, Doo-Dah’s (especially the one at Tom & Jan’s when you were 8)…swimming at the Stolz’s, scary movies, Freaky & Freckle, Nanny’s chocolate cake…Disneyland, Camp Concord, Big...

As I dressed in my "Class A" uniform yesterday for Matt's service, I once again questioned whether or not I should wear such formal attire. Wearing our Class A uniform was simply my way of honoring the work that Matt did as a Stockton Police Dispatcher but most of us know that Matt had little use for such things. He did not care for uniforms, formal or otherwise; nor did he care for all the rules and policies that went with working for a public safety agency. If Matt had his way, he would...