MATTHEW MICHAEL IRVIN

Matt and I were in Junior Achievement together and later worked at Con Gas together. It was because of Matt that I fell into computers - one night I went with him to Duquesne University after JA to watch him finish a computer project. I was very intrigued and several years later when I discovered my parents couldnt send me to college, I remembered that Matt had written computer programs while in high school. I decided if he could do it, I could do it too. So I went to computer school and made a career of it. Ill always be grateful to Matt for that evening at Duquesne. It made a huge difference in my life.
Matt was a really nice person, always a gentleman to me, and Im so sorry that he left us way too soon. My belated sympathies to his family.

I worked with Matt at Thrift Drug and we both loved music. A good man and a good friend. I'm *so* sorry for your loss.
- Walt Haynes

Matt got me to the Hi railers and many other friends. He will be missed by all associated with him, but mostly to the kids who attended the shows. Somewhere he will be at all the shows Good bye my friend keep your rails shinny
John Kripp

Sorry for your loss, Pat -- and I hope my brother-in-law's (Bob Fryman) mention of me from SBA brought back some goooooood memories of school so long ago -- and deflected some of your pain. I know that Bob worked with your hubby and Bob mentioned talking to you today. Peace to you and the family. Bob recognized your name from one of our reunion booklets years ago.

So sorry for your loss. May the love of God surround at this time.

Sorry to read of your loss please find comfort from God's word. 1Thessalonians 4:14

Here are some responses from fellow model train enthusiasts when they heard of Matt's passing:

Yes, this is sad to hear. Matt definitely was an ambassador of the hobby, particularly with kids.

I just realized I owe my membership in the HiRailers and my interest in modern trains as well to Matt. It was Matt who invited me to bring my Railking 2-8-0 to run at Northway Mall in 2004 or so. He set an example for all of us.

Matt was great to all kids. He must have passed his TMCC controller to hundreds of kids. We all learned a lot from him. Let us pray for him and his family.

He was one of the main reasons that my 11 year old son Mateo is hooked on trains and he always looked forward to seeing him at the shows. I can't even bring myself to tell him! God bless Matt.

I echo your comments...he always went out of his way to make my kids and all kids at the shows feel welcome to investigate and operate the trains.

I'm very sad to hear this news. He was a fine man.

Matt was the 1st highrailer I met and he made sure I met all the others and made me feel at home. A gentle and kind friend who will be forever missed by train people and new kids. May he forever rest in peace running the greatest layout of all. RIP Matt

Sorry for the bad spelling but I can't think. I can't even see through the tears. I will miss him very much. We always conferred about the pictures etc.

So sorry to hear this, we just talked about him last night here in the parking lot of the York Fairgrounds. Condolences to Matt's family and friends.

That is really sad news. When Matt's name comes up, I the first thing I think of is how nice he always was to my kids. My condolences to his family.

Very sad to hear. We had a lot of good times, fixing and building modules. Best wishes to his family.

Here are some responses from fellow model train enthusiasts when they heard of Matt's passing:

Yes, this is sad to hear. Matt definitely was an ambassador of the hobby, particularly with kids.

I just realized I owe my membership in the HiRailers and my interest in modern trains as well to Matt. It was Matt who invited me to bring my Railking 2-8-0 to run at Northway Mall in 2004 or so. He set an example for all of us.

Matt was great to all kids. He must have passed his TMCC controller to hundreds of kids. We all learned a lot from him. Let us pray for him and his family.

He was one of the main reasons that my 11 year old son Mateo is hooked on trains and he always looked forward to seeing him at the shows. I can't even bring myself to tell him! God bless Matt.

I echo your comments...he always went out of his way to make my kids and all kids at the shows feel welcome to investigate and operate the trains.
I'm very sad to hear this news. He was a fine man.

Matt was the 1st highrailer I met and he made sure I met all the others and made me feel at home. A gentle and kind friend who will be forever missed by train people and new kids. May he forever rest in peace running the greatest layout of all. RIP Matt

Sorry for the bad spelling but I can't think. I can't even see through the tears. I will miss him very much. We always conferred about the pictures etc.

So sorry to hear this, we just talked about him last night here in the parking lot of the York Fairgrounds. Condolences to Matt's family and friends.

That is really sad news. When Matt's name comes up, I the first thing I think of is how nice he always was to my kids. My condolences to his family.

Very sad to hear. We had a lot of good times, fixing and building modules. Best wishes to his family.

Matt and I shared years our passion for Model trains. We belonged to many of the same clubs. Matt loved doing the Set ups with the Fort Pitt Hi-Railers and the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers. He really enjoyed letting the Children run his trains at shows. Thoughts and Prayers to Patty and all his Family and friends.
Will miss you my friend.