Mathew Russell Hand

1976 - 2018

April 26, 1976 - July 18, 2018
Mathew Russell Hand passed away peacefully from cancer on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, surrounded in his final days by his family and friends. Mat was born in Santa Monica, CA to Russell Edward Hand and Karen Frash Hand. Before he started walking, Mat was drawn to anything with a wheel, be it a boat or an automobile. Some of his fondest childhood memories were sailing to Catalina and boating in the Pacific Northwest with his parents and friends. Mat attended St. Matthew's Parish School and matriculated to Harvard-Westlake. He attended Boston College where he graduated with honors in 1998. During a semester in Seville, Spain he developed and refined his love for Spanish literature and poetry. Always gregarious and approachable, Mat formed countless, lifelong friendships at each of these schools. East coast winters brought Mat back home to Los Angeles. He soon moved to San Francisco to join an automobile startup. This marked the beginning of a career in the automobile industry, that included running the family dealerships with his father and uncle, Ray Hand. In addition to family and friends, Mat's great loves included the LA Lakers, Boston College basketball, fishing, Pink Floyd, the 4th of July and Cadillac Margaritas. Most of all, Mat's sun rose and set for his children, Ashby and Declan. Mat's good nature and humor gained him many friends. He did not sweat the small stuff and lived life with enthusiasm, optimism, gratitude and kindness. Mat was a class act throughout his life until the very end. Mat was predeceased by his father, Russell Edward Hand and survived by his mother, Karen Frash Hand, wife, Katie Moroney Hand and two beloved children, Ashby O'Rourke and Declan Russell Hand. Additionally, Mat is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws and dear friends. A memorial will be held Tuesday, July 31st at 3:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Parish Church, Pacific Palisades. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mitchell Thorp Foundation at www.mitchellthorp.org.