Matthias David Kemeny

I am proud Matthias, a Shattuck school alum, donated a generous sum to the Portland State graphic arts department.

I met Matthias only three times in the past couple of years, and each time his energy, creativity and enthusiasm left me better off than before.
My last meeting with him was focused on his desire to create a bond between our two professional organizations.
He was a visionary who will certainly be missed.

Matthias will not be forgotten. He gave me so much and I am thankful to have known him.

I found Matthias late in life but there was a kinship that one does not often find. Two bald soulmates. I have rarely found a man so creative, so driven, full of life, sometimes serious, sometimes ornery. He was about achieving, creating the new, finding the blockbuster idea, taking his businesses to a new level. But through all that drive and determination, there was this deep love for Daniel, Souk and his friends. Godspeed, Matthias - you precede us but we will eventually all be together.

I have known Matthias since grade school, but didn't see him for many years until I moved back to Portland. What a character he was! I am so glad that we reconnected and saw each other from time to time, especially after my husband and I moved to Vancouver. One of my memories of Matthias that helped me to understand who and what he was happened a number of years ago when he showed me a clay sculpture he had done of his mother--a head, nearly full size--that clearly showed his love and...

I have not known Matthias long, ...but certainly have known of him for 25 years... His legend preceded him. For me, a career of museum exhibit design work filled the years. And we were to meet again. Times change, and I began working with Matthias a few years ago. I have felt my spirit buoyed as well as challenged by the experience. Mr. Kemeny had a lust for life and a need to always tweak ideas and concepts, seemingly never finding whatever he pursued as final, as done. For the finality of...

My condolences to the family. Matthias was so unique. He encouraged me and gave me an opportunity - strictly on the basis of some creative streak he saw in me. He had the ability to lead and teach and also treat people as equals from whom he could learn as well. He will be missed.

Matthias was a friend at a time when my life was not going well. He was a real mentsch.

He was the first man to offer me a job in Portland, and we tried to work till his passing. I will miss his presence.