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Matthew McAfee Obituary
Born April 27, 1971, Matthew was a life-long resident of Manhattan Beach. He passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2006. He was 35 years old. Matthew attended Grandview, Pacific and Mira Costa High Schools. He graduated from USC with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. He is the founder and president of Serial Killer and Hot House Distribution, an international apparel company headquartered in El Segundo. He had an unrelenting quest for knowledge. He loved politics. He was a profound writer, a talented pianist (who didn't read music!). He wrote lyrics and performed on his first and only CD, "Arms of America". His profound sense of humor, intelligent wit could not be matched. Matt's silent generosity benefited so many. His sensitive loving nature was beautiful. All of these attributes brought him the love, respect and admiration of hundreds of friends that never strayed. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, 2006 at Rice Mortuary in Torrance, from 4 to 8pm. A memorial service will be held on the sand at his favorite surf spot, 19th Street and The Strand on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 10:00am. The spreading of his ashes in the Pacific at 19th Street will be private. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established to recognize his love of surfing and children. Donations may be made to the Matt Man Surf Kids Fund, 124 Center Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, which will provide the beach experience to underprivileged children. "Matt Mann" is survived by his mother, Rena McAfee and father, Michael McAfee of Manhattan Beach. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. To send the family a message, share a memory, or for directions to services, please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew McAfee
Damon Wyler
August 2, 2006
Mike and Rena
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, yet so greatful for the opportunity to have had him as a friend. Many of my best gut busting laughs have been with Matt. He was the biggest gentlemen with my wife out of all of our friends. Matt was so good (truly impressive) with our daughter when she was born. Matt was so generous, even lending me money once when I needed so badly to bridge a gap. Matt is one of the best souls that I've ever known. His passing has had a profound, and positive affect upon me. I enjoy thinking about him everyday and telling myself "don't take yourself or this situation so seriously". I enjoy thinking about him as I'm jumping in the ocean (now a higher priority) because experiencing life is so important. I enjoy thinking of Matt when I call to touch base with one of our friends, because such a big part of who Matt was. Much of this, I was able to take from the Memorial, for which I thank you. I am very pround to have been friends with Matt and his passing has crystalized the essence of who he was and what I can learn from him. We miss him very much, but keep him with us everyday.
Dan Eberhardt
July 27, 2006
Mike and Rena,
I am so sorry for your loss! As you know Matt and I became very close friends over the last few years. We talked about everything, and he loved you both very much! I feel like I have lost a brother. There are so many great memories I will never forget! He had the biggest heart and touched so many peoples lives with his humor and support. I am at a loss for words.
I hope you can find peace at this difficult time.
All my best! Dan
Carolyn Paulsen & Paula Wilson
July 24, 2006
Rena,
We were so sorry to read about Matthew in the newspaper and truly my heart goes out to you, his father, and your family. There isn't any words that I could possibly describe the pain you and his father must feel of this great loss in your lives. I just wanted to let you know that were thinking about you, and that your in our prayers and thoughts.
Wanda Ashburn
July 24, 2006
Michael,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at the most difficult time in your life. Words can not express the sadness I feel. May you find some comfort in prayer and know Matt is now at peace. God be with you and your family.
Wanda Ashburn (Reseda)
sylvis smith
July 22, 2006
dear matts family my grandson mark was taken under matts wings when he had some issues. we are very saddened to hear that he is gone but never forgotten. a wonderful son and friend he was.i am sure you know he was very special to everyone
Shawn Case
July 21, 2006
To Matt's Family,
I did not get the chance to know Matt as well as other people. I was very aware that Matt did indeed touch many lives and brought happiness to many. For that, Matt made this World a better place. This was his gift that he left for us. Thank You Matthew McAfee, and God Bless your family.
Larry stahly
July 21, 2006
Rena
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never met Matt but you always spoke so fondly of him and his pursuits. Your pride could not have been more evident. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Let's try to stay in touch.
Larry and Gloria Stahly
Brent Broza
July 20, 2006
McAfee Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Matt was an incredible person. I will miss his positive energy, smile and amazing sense of humor.
Regards, Brent Broza
Jennifer Westhead
July 20, 2006
Dear Mr. & Mrs. McAfee
My deepest sympathy is with you during this most difficult time. Your son was an amazing person, very generous and creative, loved by so many and will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. I will be praying for you.
Janet Sharpe
July 20, 2006
Rena and Mike,
We are so very sorry we are not with you today - but just know you are here in our hearts - We send our love and deepest sympathy to you both. Matt was a very special young man and will be missed by so many but especially his parents.
Scott, Jan and Jennifer
July 20, 2006
Rena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words that will help you get through this. Please know that I will be praying for you and Matt's soul. Betty Shortridge ( Kenworthy)
Larry Presley, M.D.
July 19, 2006
To the parents of Matt:
Having attended Grandview and Pacific school along side Matt, I had the opportunity to see him grow up into a well rounded, good hearted young man. Every time I "ran" into him in the South Bay, he was always a pleasure to see. His enthusiasm for life was contageous; his love and compassion for others was boundless and his great smile sincere and enduring.
His passing is a great loss, but please do not forget to celebrate his life and all that he accomplished. You raised him with love, kindness, integrity, loyality, and a curiosity for living. All of which he shared with those who had the great fortune of knowing him. You will be in my prayer's.
Pat Herrera
July 19, 2006
Rena,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Pat Herrera
Fotini Douglass
July 19, 2006
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you both. Matt will forever be remembered for his generous nature and spunk. There are no words to describe what a feeling of loss I have for losing my friend. Matt will be missed but never forgotten.
All my love,
Fofo
Boyce Williams, Jr.
July 19, 2006
Rena & Mike
We are at a loss for words. We will miss him something awful. Matthew was one of a kind. The good he gave to all of us will live on in us. And that is as it should be. The rest does not matter.
In Loving Memory of Matt Man
Aunt Kay, Uncle Buzz, Mike and Chris
Eric Epstein
July 19, 2006
Matt-Man,
You will be sorely missed my man. Your grand presence, unique humor, and big heart all touched me greatly and made me appreciate your friendship. We originally met at the gym (not the steam room where I meet most of my buddies) about 10 years ago - I figured the guy who was pushing up the most weight was more than qualified to give me a spot on my colored dumbells...We found that we had many other similar interests including surfing - although we rarely seemed to surf together as I am on the crowded wknd dawn patrol and you were hitting the uncrowded weekday "coffee break". We also found that we had many similarities in each of our long term personal relationships with the ladies. You recognized the incredible woman you had in your life and took action (and recommended that I do the same). We shared many lessons learned and urged the other not to make some of the same mistakes we had each made. Of course, we both ignored each others' advice!
My deepest condolences to your family, Amy and everyone whose life you touched.
I miss walking around downtown Manhattan Band seeing you cruising the south bay with your tatted meat-hooks hanging out of the Rover! The South Bay will never be the same without you. Your spirit will always live on at 19th Street.
May you live in peace forever brother!
Too much love to express in words,
Eric
Raquel Real
July 19, 2006
My prayers are with you both. This is a very sad day for all who knew him, and I know I can speak for most of the people whose lives Matt has touched, enriched, and made a lasting impression that he will live on in our memories. God Bless the family. Amy; stay strong my friend; my prayers are with you all.
Eric Feick
July 19, 2006
To Matt's Family,
First of all, I want to say just how sorry I am about your loss, and know that you are all in my prayers.
While I haven't seen Matt in years, I have some very fond memories of him from Mira Costa where we played football together and had a lot of classes together as well. When we were sophmores, Matt was without a doubt the best human beat box in school!
After high school Matt and I would run into each other at Long Beach and then later at USC. Even though a lot of time would pass between each time we'd see each other, he'd make you feel like you were best friends each time you'd sit down to talk.
I'll miss those "catching up" discussions with Matt...
Eric Feick
Gigi Mulder
July 19, 2006
Rena,
I don't know the details but I was sickened when I saw this news. Please know that it is all right to lean on others when the grieving path is too steep to climb. Here, take my hand and my heart . . . we'll take this journey together. You have my love and prayers,
Michael Gerhart
July 19, 2006
Mike-
I'm so saddened by the loss of Matthew. I will never forget that radiant smile. My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family.
Tammy Long
July 19, 2006
Mike,
We were so sorry to hear about Matt. We have been praying for you and your family.
Kip and Tammy Stiritz-Long
Margie Henandez
July 18, 2006
Dear Rena,
We are so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. Words seem so futile at this time. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
With Love,
Margie and Joe Hernandez
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