Matthew Jared Elam
March 29, 1979 -
May 20, 2017
The life of Matthew Jared Elam flowed with the power and passion of a mighty river. On May 20, 2017, he rounded the river bend and passed from this life into the next adventure.
Matt was born in Boise on March 29, 1979 to Glenn and Viktoria Elam. He was fiercely proud of his Idaho upbringing, which was his "playground" from an early age to his passing. His Soul is forever in the hills, mountains and rivers of Idaho.
Matt is survived by his bestfriend and wife, Tarrah Allmaras-Elam and their three beautiful children Kovis age 2 and Avia and Koen, infant twins. He is also survived by his beloved brother Andrew and his parents Glenn and Viktoria as well as family and friends.
Matt's early years were filled with sports, adventures and friends that would last a lifetime. Tarrah and Matt met early in life and began a love affair filled with world travel and a quest to passionately discover all life had to offer.
Matt fulfilled a lifetime of dreams by accepting challenges both personally and professionally. His natural abilities, athleticism, incredible kindness and intellect enabled him to succeed in every aspect of his life: as son, brother, husband, father, friend, and human being filled with integrity and compassion.
The depth of his work on Earth will forever be felt as the ripples flow outward making the world a better place. His bright spirit and wisdom continue to light the way as he travels farther down the river.
Please join us in a Celebration of Life on June 17th at 10 am at Idaho Shakespeare Festival Grounds.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made through YouCaring.com or 3527 S. Federal Way Ste103-303 Boise Idaho 83705 attn Tarrah Elam

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

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jun. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Elam

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

18 Entries

Brooks Foster

July 2, 2019

I just learned of Matt's passing and found this page. I met Matt in 1999 on my first trip to the NF Payette River. He encouraged my travelling companion and I to run the river with him, gave us confidence, and showed us the lines. This was the start of my deep engagement with the NF Payette, a relationship that always made me think of Matt. I ran it with him many times over the years, especially in 2001 when I lived in Garden Valley and worked for one of the rafting companies. By then I could keep up with him on the river pretty well, and he showed me many different lines through the hardest rapids. I only knew Matt because of the river, but what I knew was unequivocally, 100% good. He was a physical mountain of a man, a great leader, and an ambassador for the sport of kayaking who taught me so much. Words cannot express my sadness that he is no longer with us. I will always remember the many good times we shared. Thank you, Matt, for being you.

P.S., Rae Ann Norrell, if you read this, I also met your son Dave around the same time that I met Matt Elam. I had the pleasure of paddling with Dave a few times in Idaho. A few years ago, I read your book about him (Broke, Hungry, and Happy). Thank you for sharing your story. Please know that Dave, like Matt, made a lasting impact on my life and the lives of so many others, even in the short time period I knew him.

Rae Ann Norell

May 25, 2018

I can't believe it has been a year since Matt passed. I know that this year has been so difficult for Matt's family, Tarrah and the children, Matt's parents, brother and other family, and all Matt's friends. We will never forget Matt and I am so thankful he lead a life filled with love and adventure. I like to imagine Matt and my son David kayaking great white water on the other side and that they are having a blast looking down on us. I keep Matt's family in my thoughts and prayers. E mail me or call me any time. Take care, Rae Ann Norell

Tony and Trish Geddes

June 17, 2017

To all the Elam family, you have our deepest condolences for the loss of Matt. We remember him well as a self-possessed and truly kind, decent teen, and it's apparent from everything we see that he had those great qualities and more in his life as an adult. We know he was deeply loved, and you have our heartfelt sympathy.

George Palmer

June 16, 2017

As a friend and co-worker with Matts dad Glenn Elam I got to hear about many of Matts adventures through out his life. What a ride I had listening to the stories about Matt's life through his eyes father eyes. Glenn knew what a great son he and Vicki had and he loved to tell me the stories.
Matt was a good kid that grew into a great man. His parents gave him unconditional love that I saw while working with dad. He will be sorrowly missed but never forgotten.

Friends of Dave Norell BBQ July 2004, Matt Elam, Shannon Thun, Dustin Urizar, Andrew West, Sarah Thun, Rae An Norell, Dave's mom, ?, Kaysia Mastas, Dave's sister Amy , Lindsey Hazlewood, Graham Wright, 3 I'm not sure

Rae Ann Norell

June 16, 2017

Matt and David had wonderful kayaking adventures together along with other friends. They lived a life of
passion, getting to see beautiful places around the world, following their hearts and doing what they loved. Matt will be sorely missed by his sweet family and all his friends. "Life is not about the number of breaths we take, but about the moments that take our breath away."

June 15, 2017

Matthew - We love and miss you so so very much. You were and are our shining star but now our angel, the wings beneath of feet, that will help us endure life without you. We will always love and protect your lovingTarrah and beautiful children, Kovis, Koen and Avia.
With all our love, hearts and souls,
Mom and Dad

Darcy McDaniel

June 10, 2017

I will miss his awesome smile and kind eyes.

Mac Cleeland

June 10, 2017

Glenn, Viktoria and family,
May you feel the love and support that surround you during this difficult time of loss.
-Mac and M.J. Cleeland, Sedona, AZ

Matt and David Norell WInter North Fork Payette

Rae Ann Norell

June 7, 2017

Gene Fadness

June 6, 2017

Matt was a co-worker and, more importantly, valued friend for several years. It is not a platitude or an exaggeration to say that he was absolutely the friendliest, happiest, charitable guy in the office. Extremely conscientious, a very hard worker and just a real pleasure to be around. Tarrah, I am so sorry for your loss. Hold on to the memories of an amazing life together. I will keep you and your three children always in my thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Carolyn Whalen

June 5, 2017

The river analogy reminds us that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. We are right here, paddling along with you. Thinking of all of you, and please know that we send love and hugs.

Jed Reese

June 4, 2017

I love you bud! We go WAY back and I will always be 'Jared' to you! You will be greatly missed!

June 4, 2017

To the Elam Family,

I am so sorry for your tragic loss.

Sincerely,
Patricia Rich

Susan Pennington

June 4, 2017

Our family is heartbroken for the loss of our Matt. A wonderful human being that will remain in our hearts forever.

Love xo

Lauren Bastion

June 4, 2017

All my love to Matt's amazing family! I miss you all dearly and will forever miss Matt! I wish I could be there to help celebrate Matt! Know that I'll be thinking of you from afar and wishing I was there! Much love

Matt at North Fork of Payette in winter

Rae Ann Norell

June 3, 2017

Rae Ann Norell

June 2, 2017

I just found out from a good friend. I am devastated. Matt and my son David were very good friends, kayaking buddies. Tarrah I am devastated for your loss and your sweet 3 children, as well as for this loss to Matt's parents. I am so sorry.

Stephanie Orndorff

May 30, 2017

My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss.

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