Matthew William Bunnett

Matthew William Bunnett
April 14, 1989 – July 15, 2025
"Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." - Stitch
Matthew William Bunnett was called to his Heavenly home on July 15, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 36. Born on April 14, 1989, in Long Beach, California, he was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in May of that same year and confirmed at Bethany in May 2003. He graduated from Lakewood High School in June 2007.
Matthew was someone who truly lived life with heart. He was a talented soccer player and coach, loved snowboarding, traveling, and found magic in all things Disney, a love he especially shared with his mom. Matt's favorites were Chip & Dale, Stitch, and the Haunted Mansion, and his collection of these three is extensive and impressive! He had an endearing trademark smirk and a fantastic sense of humor. In the last few years, Matthew embraced a new chapter by moving to Portland. It was a big step, and he truly thrived – finding independence, discovering new opportunities, and building a future that reflected God's plans for him.
Matthew worked at Disneyland, a place that perfectly matched his love for wonder and belief in making memories every day. Later, in Portland, he joined PBP Services at Portland International Airport, where he was loved and respected by his entire team. In a recent Celebration of Life at his workplace, they honored Matt by wearing Disney clothing and Mickey ears and telling stories of their kind, detailed, and ambitious coworker and friend.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Tami and Bill; his brother Allen and sister-in-law Tiffany; his grandfathers Robert "Opa" Bunnett and Donald Buma; his uncles and aunts Robert Ernst Bunnett, Cheryl (Jeff) Schrader, Renee (Larry) Mustard, James (Brittany) Montella, Thomas Montella, Nicole (Norm) Bakker, and Donnie (Cindy) Buma; his cousins Andrew (Amanda) Schrader, Ella Marie Schrader, Sophia Bunnett, Benjamin Bunnett, Brian Mustard, Lauren Stedman, Michael Montella, Nicolette Montella, and Dean Bakker; his nephews Ramzie and Cyrus Buma; and his niece Symphonie Buma.
He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and coworkers who loved him dearly, including his close friend and chosen brother, Montgomery Covert,
and his loyal furry companion, Teddy.
Matthew was called home to be with the Lord, joining his grandmothers, Florence "Oma" Bunnett and Grace Buma, his aunt Borbala Bunnett, his uncle James Buma, and
his "Uncle" Jerry Tucker. We find comfort in knowing that he was greeted into the loving arms of his Aunt Borbala and Oma, that they are together again, surrounded by love and peace in God's presence.
Matthew had a gift for making people feel genuinely cared for. He would discover your interests and learn everything he could about them, just so he could have a meaningful conversation every time he saw you. Whether you were family, a friend, or someone he'd just met, he had a way of making you feel like you mattered. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Matthew had a special place in his mother's heart, one that remains intertwined forever.
A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 20th at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4644 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, California.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider honoring Matt's memory by making a donation to Apollo Support & Rescue. This dog rescue held a very special place in his Aunt Borbala's heart and any donation would be honoring both of them.
(https://www.apollosupportandrescue.org)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you to the very end of the age."
Matthew 29:19-20