Matthew Leonard Weber

1986 - 2016

BORN

1986

DIED

2016

About

Sacramento State University

Matthew Weber Obituary

Matthew Leonard Weber
10/26/1986-5/17/2016

Beloved son, brother, and friend Matthew Leonard Weber passed away last week from a sudden and overwhelming respiratory infection. His extraordinary and unique soul was born into a distorted body; his family was told he would never speak, never eat, never walk, and never live through childhood. He went on to do all those things with a zest and originality that others could only marvel at. His brilliant mind seemed to shine even brighter because of his physical limitations.
Through his childhood he had many hospitalizations and surgeries, and was repeatedly near death, but he still led a good life: he had close friends, a sister close to his age, and cousins with whom he had great fun and adventures. He had an astonishing memory, a gift for writing, and a marvelous wit, which he never outgrew.
His health improved, but in young adulthood the scars of the past became more obvious and he became an alcoholic and substance abuser. In his mid twenties he began the difficult journey to sobriety; at his death he had been completely sober for over two and a half years. His personal growth at this time was tremendous, as he repeatedly worked the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and grew more at peace with himself and more conscious of the needs of others. He became secretary of an AA meeting, a sponsor of another recovering addict, and a source of inspiration, wisdom, and straight talk to many AA friends and acquaintances. In the last six months, he had received admission to Sacramento State for fall 2016 and was about to finish two college courses with high grades; he was in a place of serenity, confidence, and hope when he passed away. He knew that his Higher Power was using him constantly in the lives of others.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Phil and Kathy Weber of Meadow Vista, his siblings Elissa, Chris, and Ashley, his grandfathers, and his best friends, Katie and Marcus. Matthew's young death leaves a painful void, but he also left friends and family enough hilarious memories for many lifetimes. He was constantly doing something brave, wacky, divergent, or diverting--dressing in Jedi costume or singing karaoke, escaping trains or whittling. Gifts in his honor may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital in Sacramento.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gold Country Media Newspapers on Jun. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Weber

8 Entries

J.C. Newman

June 30, 2016

I met Matt through improv on Thursday nights. I remember Matt as one of the funniest, and creative, with a downright hilarious imagination; however the impact he made on me was from our short chats at break time and as the evening was winding down. Matt could connect with anyone, but I always felt like he was really listening to me. We both talked about our programs and he took particular interest in learning more about my program and would ask questions that made us both ponder for a bit. I will never forget his sincerity, huge heart, and his overwhelming ability to find joy in some of the most painful parts of life. He is truly missed.

Teresa Holtman

June 7, 2016

I can still remember one of our last family reunions at Murray Park. Matthew was still young. I was told they did not think he would make it to adulthood but I knew that day he would, there was something I saw in him that day I never forgot. He had parents and family that obviously made him want to withstand all his physical trials and be with them as long as he could the same family that helped him make the choice to start AA and succeed . He loved you as much as you loved him.

Love you, Kathy.
Teresa Holtman

June 6, 2016

Serendipity led to our sad discovery of Matthew's obituary. He was unique and although my son's friendship with Matthew was short, no one could meet Matthew and not be impressed by his courage and his wit - even at a young age. He was blessed with a kind, supportive, and loving family. That he had the courage to beat his addiction is the same courage that allowed him to cope with his body and his soaring mind. I am saddened that his life was short, but grateful that my son knew him as a child and was, for a time, his friend.

Kevin O'Connell
Meadow Vista, CA

Patricia

June 6, 2016

Take comfort in knowing that those who have died to God, are as good alive. "A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth." Ecclesiastes 7:1

Susan Gomez

June 5, 2016

Matt was a wonderful young man - we so enjoyed having him spend time with our family. And he was the kind of friend to Katie that will be irreplaceable. We are so glad to have known him.

June 5, 2016

Phil and Kathy-we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Tim and Judy Sipes

Diane Custer

June 5, 2016

Dear Phil & Kathy,
I remember Matthew with great fondness from his years at Placer Hills School while our daughter Julie was in the same grade. His sweet, exuberant personality was infectious and inspiring. Praying for your family for strength and peace.

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