Elder Matthew Lawrence Knoop

Elder Matthew Lawrence Knoop Returned With Honor Elder Matthew Lawrence Knoop was called back to his Heavenly Home to complete his mission there in Heaven on Monday, April 21, 2008, while serving in the Brazil Salvador mission. Matthew was welcomed with love and joy by his parents, David W. Knoop and Kaye Ann Cowan Knoop, on Feb. 23, 1988. We had the honor and privilege of being his mortal parents for 20 years before he was called back home by his Heavenly Father. He was a beautiful boy who grew into a beautiful young man and brought much love and laughter to his family. He was a happy boy and interested in learning about everything. He spent many happy times with his family at their condominium in Sun Valley. We were always together....just the four of us enjoying nature and God's beautiful gifts. From the time he was a small child he spoke often of his Heavenly Father as if he already knew Him; and seemed, even then, to have a special relationship with his Father and a sure knowledge of his purpose here on earth. At five years old, he talked of his desire to go on a mission. He prepared his whole life for this opportunity to serve our Heavenly Father. He was called to serve in the Brazil Salvador mission and left in June of 2007. His passing leaves us broken-hearted. All his bright light is now gone from this world. Matthew was a talented athlete who had a passion for playing soccer. He devoted many hours honing his skills as he participated in youth soccer and the U.S. Olympic Development Team. He was a fierce competitor and loved the thrill of competition. He played on the Park City High School 2004 and 2006 State Championship Soccer Teams and was named to the All-State Soccer Team in 2006. Once in a while on his mission while walking the streets, Matt would engage some kids playing a small game of soccer showing them some moves as they stared back in surprise at the tall, blond American who knew their game, their passion very well. Matthew loved to ski at Park City, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole with his family and his wide circle of friends. He was a popular, friendly and outgoing young person who graduated from Seminary and from Park City High School in June 2006. Matthew was talented enough to play college soccer and several colleges and universities showed an interest in him. But his heart was set on serving the Lord first. He attended Utah State University for one year before departing on his mission and made many friends there. To know Matt was to love him. Matthew was loved and adored by his family and he, in return, loved them as well. He was especially close to his mother and was constantly concerned for her well-being, especially after her accident in June 2006. His last words were spoken in concern for her. He spent many happy hours with his father skiing, hiking, and biking and had great respect and love for his father. He was a protective and loving older brother to his sister, Marnie, always looking out for her and giving her good brotherly advice. We will miss his Tuesday emails filled with both the fun side of his personality and also his testimony. Matt had an engaging smile that lit up a room when he entered. He was a leader and wise beyond his years. He also had a mischievous streak and loved to play jokes on his friends and his sister. We will miss his sense of humor and the sound of his laughter. He was one of those special people who blessed the lives of those who knew him and only come around every once in a lifetime. We shall miss him all the days of our lives. Matt leaves behind his broken-hearted parents, Kaye and Dave Knoop, his adored sister, Marnie Knoop, his grandparents, Margaret Cowan, Eileen Knoop, Frank Knoop. Also surviving him are his aunts and uncles: Dan and Marilyn Cowan, Kristine and Chuck McStotts, Scott Cowan, Steven Knoop and Leslie Stolgren. He also leaves behind many cousins, and friends too numerous to mention. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Lawrence Cowan, for whom he was named. When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night. (William Shakespeare) Funeral services will be held on Monday April 28, 2008, 12 noon, at the Park City LDS Stake Center, 2300 Monitor Drive, Park City, Utah, where friends may visit with the family from 10-11:40 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday evening April 27, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 E., Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment: Park City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Matt Knoop Soccer Scholarship Fund. Payable to UYSA (Utah Youth Soccer Association) 4476 S. Century Drive Suite D SLC, UT 84123. 268-3365