Matthew Carrier

I first got to know Matthew (Matt) during youth football where I helped coach the team he played on. Matt wasn't the biggest kid physically, but he was tough and athletic. Quiet and unassuming, whatever was asked of him, he would do without hesitation. On more than one occasion, I would offer the team the chance to end practice early and without wind sprints if Matt could catch a pass I threw. Without expressing himself verbally, he made it clear that he was up to the challenge. So I sent him running and once he was about 30-yards away I would heave the ball in his direction. He caught it every time...even laying out and crashing to the ground with ball in his hands. I'm pretty sure every kid on the team had little doubt that Matt would come through for them. I got to know Matt much better as years progressed as he and my son Harry became close friends. The two of them made quite a pair as Harry was the large and gregarious one and Matt was the smaller, quieter side kick who mostly communicated with facial expressions. The two were drawn to each other with commonalities like genuine kindness, respect, sports, and concern for others. It was a delight to see them together. The three of us went to Chicago for a weekend to see a Cubs game and sample the cities culinary offerings where we had a lot of fun and many great memories were created. Matt was just a wonderful human being that I feel so privileged to have known and spend time with. From the times with our family (where my daughters got Matt and Harry to participate in their home made videos) to all the sports I got to coach him in, I can safely say I have never met a kinder, more genuine person. I'm convinced more now than ever that certain people are not meant to be here that long. That the impression they make on us and the legacy they create is not a result of longevity. It comes from a place of unconditional love that provides us with a sample of how wonderful life can be, and how fortunate we are to have each other. I have this vision of Matt and Harry together again, smiling, laughing, having fun, and wondering why it's taking so long for the rest of us to figure it out. I'll never forget Matt Carrier.