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Matthew Bruder Obituary

MATTHEW DOUGLAS BRUDER, beloved son of June and Paul Bruder and brother of Nicole Bruder, passed to his Lord on April 26, 2008. Born on April 18, 1973, in San Diego, California, Matthew was raised in Northern Virginia and Houston Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering, Magna Cum Laude, in 1995 from Vanderbilt University and his Master of Business Degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. Between time as student at Vanderbilt and UT-Austin, he served as a Supply Corp Officer with the United States Navy, highlighted by deployments in the Southeast Pacific and the Persian Gulf. After four and a half years of service he left holding the rank of Lieutenant. Following graduation from U.T., Matthew and a close friend established a student laundry business serving the students of Ol' Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. More recently he worked as a free lance photographer in Austin, Texas. Matthew was a fun loving yet serious lover of life and a great adventurer, traveling throughout the world surfing the best seas, diving in far flung oceans, and skiing the black diamond Mountains of Utah. His sister, Nicole, writes, "Our dear, sweet Matthew, the world has lost so much light. Travel peacefully on your journey now, "Little Bear" [his boyhood name as an Indian Guide]. We love you with all our hearts." Matt is survived by his parents, June and Paul Bruder and sister, Nicole Bruder of Houston; his uncle Robert Ponzi of Temperance, Michigan; cousin Jonathan Malone of Canton, Michigan; cousin Dawn Marie Anderson of Crystal Beach, Texas; cousin Georgette Mogish and her husband Andy and son Thomas of Nashville, Tennessee; Uncle Frank Knezovich of Huntsville, Alabama; and aunt and uncle Betty and Thomas Ponzi and their son James of Clearwater, Florida. Matthew will be buried in the veterans section of the City of Grand Junction, Colorado, cemetery. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Services, 8507 North IH 35 Austin. Please, in lieu of flowers, kindly Provide expressions of sympathy in the form of a contribution in his name to "Planet Cancer", a not for profit organization that provides "A world of support for young adults affected by cancer". Donations may be sent to Planet Cancer at 314 East Highland Mall Boulevard, Suite 306, Austin, Texas 78752 or on line at www.Planetcancer.org.

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

Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Bruder

Not sure what to say?





Nicole Dockrey

May 27, 2022

Nicole Dockrey

May 27, 2022

Nicole Dockrey

May 27, 2022

Nicole Dockrey

May 27, 2022

Nicole Dockrey

May 27, 2022

I only heard about what happened later on, and am still heartbroken. Matt was really special and kind, funny and smart. I miss him, his parents, and Nicole as I have wonderful memories of everyone. I was uploading old photos and wanted to share a few.

Nicole Bruder

July 14, 2008

I just created this website last Saturday, and I'm still working on it. If you have any information or memories of Matty, you are more than welcome to put them up on the website. Or, if you'd just like a place to blog, this is the place to do it, too. This is not only a memorial to Matt, but a place to celebrate his life, and a place to express our feelings over his loss. You can contact me by clicking the 'contact' button. (My email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]) Nicole

a fun night at carnaval in Austin in 2002...together with Matt!

Rominder Varma

June 1, 2008

Dear Bruder Family, I have been truly very saddened when I heard aout Matt. He was one of the first friends I met when I moved to Austin. We hit it off right away and shared a lot of good experiences...not to mention fun times hanging out and enjoying times as students in Austin. I just want to say that Matt was a good person and enjoyed life. He had a great perspective for what he did and what life should offer. I will miss him. I can find solace that Matt is looking at us now and knows for sure that we are thinking of him. I want him to know that we smile for him. To his family I want to say that you raised a great person. I will never forget Matt. Be at piece my friend.....we all miss you!

Kelli Lawless

May 29, 2008

Goodness am I missing that boy! I keep turning around and waiting for him to interject a witty comment or to see him in the midst of our pack with some pretty young thing hanging on his every word as we all cross the street to our next adventure.

I remember meeting Matt and finding out we went to Vanderbilt at the same time and thinking...how in the WORLD did I miss him? Its not a huge campus. But I am so glad that I got to know him here in Austin. He made me laugh, he made me think and he made me feel like the richest of friends just for knowing him.

Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. Our lives are deeper for counting him as a friend.

Paul Bruder

May 23, 2008

Thank you for your expressions of love and comfort. Many have asked, "How did Matt die?" We now have the formal M.E.'s report. He died of a "subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured vertebral aneurysm." A significant condition contributing to, but not resulting in the underlying cause was, "...hypertensive-type cardio-vascular disease."

Again, thank you. We love you all.

Paul and June Bruder (Dad & Mom)

Anne & Chris Spahr

May 8, 2008

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Matt's passing. We always looked forward to our visits to Austin and to spending time with Matt. There was never a time we did not see him smiling, and his fun-loving attitude was contagious. We will miss him.

Kevin Fleming

May 5, 2008

I met Matt three years ago in Texas, he always had a smile on his face and was always in a great mood. I wish I had gotten to spend more time with him, he was always fun to be around. My heart goes out to his family, I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy. I will miss him.

Paul Shank

May 3, 2008

Paul & June - you are all in our prayers and I think of you daily.

Lee Revere

May 2, 2008

Paul, June, and Nicole,

It saddens me to hear of your loss. I can only image how much pain this is causing each of you. I will keep you my prayers.

Simone Seeley

May 1, 2008

My thoughts are with all of you who counted Matt as friend and family. That huge, goofy smile and all the belly laughs he inspired will be sorely missed.

Michael Seegers

May 1, 2008

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this terribly difficult time. I met Matt at Vanderbilt and our friendship extended post graduation. I can assure you, I have never met a more interesting, adventurous person! His stories of traveling the world were no less than hilarious. He lived life to the fullest and was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed.

Thomas, Betty,& Jim Ponzi

April 30, 2008

Thy Will Be Done

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of
Mine," He said,
For you to love the while he lives,
and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years or
thirty-four or thirty-five,
But will you, till I call him back, take
care of him for me?
He' ll bring his charms to gladden
you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as
solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since
all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down
there I want this child to learn.
I've looked this wide world over in my
search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd
life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to
take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord,Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that
comes and try to understand."


Dear June, Paul, Nicole, and Bob,
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to you in this time of mourning.

Uncle Tom,Aunt Betty,and Jim

April 30, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Many of us suffer from various forms of sickness; however, as we learn at Isaiah 33:24 we can all look forward to a time when no resident will say that I am sick. Your loved one enjoyed his life and as you reflect on his life and legacy, treasure your many wonderful memories.

Dawn Anderson

April 30, 2008

Paul, June & Nicole:
Words cannot express how saddened I am by the loss of Matt. He always approached life with that little smile and those big eyes. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of Nicole, Matt and I hanging out on our trips to Virginia and y'alls trips to Colorado. There is another bright star over Texas tonight as Matt's light will shine over us for eternity. And don't worry, I know my dad will look after him in Heaven.

All our love,
Dawn, Michael, Charlie (and baby) Anderson

Ann Rollins

April 30, 2008

Paul, June and Nicole,

What a terrible shock to hear news of Matthew's passing. I will always remember his beautiful brown eyes, mischievous smile and the incredible adventures we had forever. I had such wonderful times growing up with your children. As it sounds, his adult life was as rich and full as our younger years, and there is much to be thankful for in that.

Please know that our dear ones don't travel too far from us. Trust in that.

Love,
Ann

E Decker

April 30, 2008

As part of our 10-15 person group of thirty-something Austin singles Matt could always be counted on to keep us entertained. He could crack a joke and make you laugh and then in his next breathe say something to make you ponder the meaning of life. He had a wealth of wit, never ending boyish charm, and an easy going feel about him that always put everyone at ease. He was a blessing to know, and a wonderful friend to have. He will be incredibly missed.

Jay Tombaugh

April 30, 2008

Paul, find strength in our Lord during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.

Olga Gonzalez-Wong

April 30, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prays are with you during this difficult time.

Darlene Coone

April 30, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. I remember the great pride with which you constantly spoke of Matt and the great love that shown through those conversations. Our sincerest heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.

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