Matthew Parker Laird

Eugene - Matthew Parker Laird

July 27, 1969 – Aug. 29, 2024

Matt Laird died unexpectedly in Eugene, Oregon, on Aug. 29, 2024.

He was born July 27, 1969, in Portland to Robert Laird and Mary Peot. He grew up in Beaverton, graduating from Beaverton High School in 1987.

Matt graduated from Oregon State University and Portland State University with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He finished his education at night while raising his daughter, Lindsey, and working full time. He later had a son, Grant. Matt was very proud of Lindsey, Grant, Jackson, and Emma, his newest children from his marriage to Amy Jackson. One of Amy and the kids' favorite memories is when Matt taught them all to drive.

He went to every sporting event the children had, which was a full-time job with four kids! Matt was a bucket of love – he loved people and made them feel special. You could count on many phone calls, memes, and groan-worthy jokes. He was a devoted family man and had an unfailingly positive attitude. He was just the best guy to hang out with – when you were with Matt, you knew he had your back.

Matt loved football: the Oregon State Beavers and the Ducks out of obligation, but he was a Packer at heart. He loved music and food and enjoyed trying new restaurants. He grew up fishing and hunting with his dad and especially loved to hunt. Matt always looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Deer Camp in Tiller, Oregon with his long-time friends.

Matt had over 20 years of Oregon land planning experience with Coos, Columbia, and Lane counties, as well as the cities of Grants Pass and Cottage Grove. While working for Lane County in the Land Management Division he led the complex task of converting their records from paper to electronic storage. Matt often said that the favorite part of his jobs was spending time with people and helping them plan out their development projects.

For the past 22 months, Matt worked as the Community Development Director for the city of Veneta. His co-workers' favorite part of Matt's work was his asking them to guess what song was in his head while sharing time over lunch. He effortlessly provided encouragement and mentorship.

Matt is survived by his wife, Amy Jackson; children, Lindsey and Grant Laird; Emma and Jackson Anderson; sisters, Deven and Brenna Laird; and cousins. Both his parents preceded him in death.

We know you're still singing and dancing, Matt!