Matthew Arnold

Our son, brother, and friend Matthew Beach Arnold was released from his physical limitations and disabilities and welcomed home on Sunday, March 31.
Matt was born on December 5, 1983 in Price, Utah, to Brent and Melinda Arnold. As their first child, he brought so much joy to his parents and grandparents. His two younger sisters Emily and Rebecca joined the family a few years later, and Matt was a great big brother to them. Even though his sisters outgrew him in stature, he could tease like the best of them.
During his early years, Matt's parents noticed that he was not meeting typical developmental milestones, and he received early intervention and schooling at Castle Valley Center in Price. After moving to South Jordan in 1992, Matt continued his education at Jordan Valley School. Matt loved going to school and grew close to teachers and friends who stayed with him for many years. He brought home countless stories, crafts, and printed lunch menus that hung on the fridge even after he had graduated and moved on. In school, Matt was also involved in Special Olympics and loved to bowl throughout his life.
After graduating from Jordan Valley School in 2005, Matt joined a number of day programs and clubs over the years. Most recently, he went to RISE and Imber and had many special friends and staff that brought him happiness and gave his life meaning.
Matt was a constant friendly face to everyone entering his neighborhood. He spent countless hours on his three-wheeled bicycle riding up and down the street, waving at anyone passing by and using pop-it fireworks to "block off the road" or smash snails that neighbors would put in the road for him. He kept good tabs on everyone coming and going, and he was quick to check in and ask anyone he saw, "are you okay?" Or, "are you going on any trips?"
All throughout his life, Matt especially loved vacations and getaways with his family. From weekend trips to visit his beloved aunt Georgie, to dozens of vacations at Disneyland, Matt was quite the traveler, and we always thanked him for helping us skip the lines at Disney or getting free entry to national parks. Matt's favorite rides at Disney were the Autopia and Haunted Mansion, and he could never quite decide if he liked the "regular" or the Nightmare Before Christmas version of the Haunted Mansion better.
Matt will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and we will always remember him when we share a cheeseburger, churro, or Otter Pop. He is survived by his father, Brent Arnold, sisters Emily Arnold (Youssef Ait Khouya) and Rebecca (Ryne) Vogel, and nephews Bennon, William, and James Vogel. Matt was preceded in death by his beloved mother Melinda Jensen Arnold, his "old" Grandma and Grandpa Jensen, his "new" Grandpa Arnold, and his aunt April Jensen.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel on 2550 West 9800 South. Viewings will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway in South Jordan, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on April 4 at the aforementioned chapel. Interment will be at the South Jordan City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Special Olympics Utah.