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Matthew Peach Obituary

This was the letter I sent to the Whatcom County Bar Association regarding the death of my brother Matt: I have been a lawyer for more than 40 years. My father Sam was a lawyer for more than 50 years and my brother Matt for 45 years. Matt died on July 25th, 2019. Sam and Matt were two lawyers that probably had the greatest impact on my law practice. My Dad loved being a lawyer and I suspect that my brother Matt did too. Matt died from cancer. So did my Dad. Matt’s greatest talent was his ability to humanize his clients. He had a power of persuasion that made him an unparalleled advocate for his clients. He was smart and efficient. On occasion I would phone Matt or his long time legal assistant Erin Maier and ask them for legal advice as my criminal defense practice waned. They knew stuff you could not get from books. They knew people. They knew judges and prosecutors. They understood the system. Matt was able to empathize with his clients and his clients believed that Matt cared about what happened to them. Matt was born in St. Joes Hospital when it was on Forest St in Bellingham. He was a sassy handsome teenager who was 6’4”, when he graduated from high school. Captain of the tennis team and the first Bellingham team in decades to make it to the state tournament. When he was in law school he had an African Parrot, Russian Wolfhound and a monkey. He was the only person that I ever knew that had a monkey. Matt had a long and successful marriage to Jung Sook Peach (Kim). Matt has two children with Jung, Joey and Katie. Matt has two step-children, Emilio and Marilina. Matt has a grandchild, Jason Alexander. Matt had a wicked sense of humor and a genuine charm. He lived a full and sometimes complicated life and I will miss him. Andy Peach

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

Published by Bellingham Herald on Aug. 22, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Peach

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Steve pagnossin

May 23, 2024

To who it may concern.Matt was a lawyer to me back in 1982 just want to say I was a yr younger then him in high school.was a great guy and had a way of talking to you like he was your brother from another mother. I was so fortunate to have him represent me . he had got me out of alot of trouble . so sorry for your loss.gotta say that I will miss him dearly.from Reno steve.

DMK

March 25, 2023

I am not sure that I ever met Matthew Peach. However, I will never forget his name. He was my mom's lawyer when I was a kid in Bellingham. He helped my mom get a plan and start a new life in conjunction with my parent's divorce. That plan included a lengthy process to legally gain access to move across the country permanently and put down new roots closer to my mom's side of the family. I loved return visits to Bellingham to visit, but Mr. Peach was wise and so instrumental in the plan that was best for us. My whole life would have been very different without his wise counsel and exceptional knowledge about how to work within the law to gain the best situation for our family. I am so sorry to read of his passing.

Bill Goodman

April 29, 2021

Captain Zulu to Captain Far Out! RIP

DERRICK WATSON

March 15, 2021

I know this is late but I wanted to say my biggest condolences to the Peach family. He was one of the reasons I went to law school. Sad to hear of his passing.

Tony Volchok

May 29, 2020

Dear Peach Family, I am so sorry to hear today that Matt had passed away last summer. Living in Kirkland, I don't hear about Bham so often . Although I hadn't seen Matt for a little over a year, I hadn't heard about his cancer. I was the person that met Matt just as he was starting his private practice in the Bham Bank building on the same floor as Sam. He was stressing out about not having a telephone and the phone company wouldn't hook him up for another two weeks . I made a call that day and his phone was installed the next day :). He was a lot of fun to be around . I once sold him a Rover , the first of many fast cars for Matt. A few times I remember having him stay at the house when he missed the ferry to Lummi Island. He was quite a character, in a good way. I will miss him. RIP my dear friend Matt and prayers to all of his family.

barb Garrett

January 12, 2020

We go way back, 70s, before Matt went to law school. Matt had a great impact on my life; I will always remember him with love... world won't be the same without you...bye Matt

John Ling

September 3, 2019

Dear Andy sorry to hear about your brother i can tell from your words you loved him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kirstan Arestad

September 3, 2019

Hi Andy,

Having just finished my first year in college in the mid-'80s with no relevant work experience, Matt took a chance and gave me my first "real" job. That first summer job helped launch a successful career.

My sincere condolences to you and your family. Matt was indeed unique and beautiful.

Bruce Biddle

August 31, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear of Matt's passing he was such good man and friend. We met at basic training for the Air National Guard and trained together for six year and stayed friends afterwards. Matt was a hoot to be around and I will cherish our time together..

August 28, 2019

Matt was a good guy. We grew up across the street from each other and were life-long friends. I am sorry to learn of his passing. I'm glad the last few tines I ran into him was at church. I'm looking forward to seeing him again. May God rest his soul.

Dawn

August 27, 2019

I was a client a few times with Matt. He was a very kind capassionate man. Without him I would not been able to get custody of my daughter. And get out of a violent marriage. I hope your treated as well in heaven, as you treated us on this earth. Rest In Peace big man.

Sue Starbird Wilson

August 25, 2019

Dear Andy, Charlie and Todd:
I have fond childhood memories of playing in your yard with the neighborhood kids.
Matt was always kind and fun.
I recall having him giving me a push on the big swing to get me started as it flew high over the cliff. Another fun memory was using the Peaches Trail that went down to the tracks and the sandstone caves. It even had a little resting bench along the way.
The Peach Family were fun neighbors.
Andy: Your letter was thoughtful and helped me know about the kind man your brother had been. Sending caring thoughts to all....

Kathy Dorr (Abbott)

August 25, 2019

Dear Andy and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Matt's passing. We go back a long way from middle school through high school at Bellingham High. He had a wicked sense of humor and a charm that was contagious. You never knew what Matt was going to do next! He had a compassion for his legal work that seemed to be a strong family tradition. My mom was one of his father's clients. This community will miss his smile and dedication to his job. My prayers are with his family.

Mary Brick

August 24, 2019

Andy,Todd,Charlie, Sook and Family; I was deeply sadden when I heard of Matt's passing. I too have fond memories of our family reunions in Port Townsend and later a few here in Bellingham. Sometimes our parents made us go but we always ended up having a lot of fun and laughs and were glad we didn't miss it!. I will miss Matt's gentle spirit. Your cousin, Mary Fran

Steve Chronister

August 24, 2019

Andy, Charlie and Todd,
I'm sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I only knew him well enough to say "Hi", but I liked and enjoyed everyone in your family and my thoughts and prayers go out for all of you. Very thoughtful, kind words, Andy.

Ranny

August 24, 2019

Andy, all well said, Matt would be pleased! Thanks for referring me when I was in a pickle! Matt had accepted my smoked sockeye as part payment and seemed to thoroughly enjoy our ...

Ahoy & my flag is at half-staff this weekend to honor Matthew!

Ranny

Deb Vanderhage

August 23, 2019

Andy, I am so saddened to read of Matt's passing. My beloved Galen and I had so many good times and laughs while fishing with Matt on the Nooksack river. In fact, Matt wanted Galen to teach his son how to fish properly, and my dear Galen was more than happy to help his son out. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Matt's family. Thank you for the laughs Matt, may you rest in peace.

Nancy Zurline Wutzen

August 23, 2019

Great job Andy! Your family was unique and such a joy to grow up with. Matt, the leader of the pack!

Debbie Granger

August 23, 2019

Dear Andy and family,
So saddened to hear of Matt's passing. Our families shared so very much. From Sunday School Class where Matt played footsie with me under the table to fun times in high school (yes, lots of stories!), Matt was a dear sweet soul. Yes, he had his complexities as you say, but always loving. Praying for peace and healing for you all. Cherish your wonderful memories, Dear Andy.

Kenneth Parriera

August 23, 2019

A great man and friend. Used to fish and hunt a lot together. He will be truly missed.

Heather Westall Burke

August 23, 2019

Andy, Sook, Joey, Jason, Katie, Emilio, and Marilina,
So sorry to hear of Matt's passing. He was such a nice person to visit with at various family gatherings. My brother and I both remember his wonderful stories of growing up a Peach in a house of 4 busy boys! He was loved by his cousin Dusty (my mother.)
Sending love and light to you all.

Michael Bobbink

August 23, 2019

I always considered Matt a close friend. I smile when I think of him, which is often. From softball to Court Matt always created a lightness that improved what was going on.
I saw him often from the bench over my 30 years as a Municipal Court Judge since he would represent anyone-and do it well. He made my working life easier and more pleasant and showed his clients as the real people they were, hopefully helping them being a Counselor in the best way and by humanizing the process and helping me make good decisions.

We had fun at work and at play.

Funny, warm, lovingGod I miss him.

August 23, 2019

Andy: Saddened to hear of Matt's passing. My deepest sympathies to you and his family. Will remember fondly the years playing volleyball with you, Matt, and others. You wrote a great memorial letter to honor your brother. Praying for the peace and healing that God can bring to the family. Randy Massey

Jerry Davis

August 22, 2019

Matt and I go back a long time before Andy began as a lawyer. I knew Sam Peach because he represented my dad and me also. Matty as we called him I could tell some big stories about him. I also did Jungs immigration filings and made it possible for her and her children to remain here which made a big impact on their lives. This becomes a big shock to learn about him passing and will miss him greatly.

August 22, 2019

Dear Andy, Charlie and Todd,
I was sad to read that Matt passed away recently. I have fond memories of him at our family reunions. He had the best stories about Sam and Kate! Matt always took time to inquire about me and my family and made me feel cared for. Please give my condolences to his wife and children.
Your cousin,
Lolly

Edward Wurtz

August 22, 2019

Matt was a zealous lawyer. He achieved good results for his clients. He was convivial and collegial with opposing counsel. He will be missed.

David Twining

August 22, 2019

Matt and I were Boy Scouts together campouts were a hoot and a half. Matt was also a friend and my lawyer for years. Rest in Peace Matt.

Jerry Heller

August 22, 2019

I knew Matt for a summer at the Bellingham Parks Department about 40 years ago. We did pruning and park maintenance. I spent many hours that summer riding around in the Parks Truck and laughing about life. Matt was just getting ready to go to Law school at the end of that summer. My strongest memory was of his humor and great outlook on life. My prayers sympathies go out to the Peach family.

Eric Huntoon

August 22, 2019

You were always kind, polite and treated people with dignity. You had a great sense of humor. I will miss you at Lake Samish.

Cheryl Owens

August 22, 2019

Andy: I was sorry to see Matt's picture in the obit page of the Herald. Your letter to the bar was spot on. My 30 years at the Courthouse was touched by you, your dad, and especially by Matt. He was like no other that I knew. He had a heart of gold. My condolences to all his family.

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