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BORN
1956
DIED
2022
Matthew Gambee Obituary
July 18, 1956 - Sept. 4, 2022
Dr. Matthew Jude Gambee died unexpectedly Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022.
Matthew Gambee was born July 18, 1956 in Omaha, Neb. He was raised in Portland, Ore., and graduated from Jesuit High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor's degree and medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha. He practiced medicine in Vancouver, Wash., and Portland for 35 years.
He loved cycling, skiing, golfing, training his dogs, and most of all being with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, L. Phaon Gambee; mother, Patricia Gambee; and sister, Mary Gambee. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaret Ahlers Gambee; children, Michael Gambee (Kathleen), Erin Kamp (John), Kevin Gambee, and Molly Gambee; grandchildren, Fiona and Bridget Gambee and Thomas, Margaret, Henry and Theodore Kamp; siblings Joan Gambee Mahalic (Drew), Martha Gambee Sensenbrenner (John), Louis Gambee, Valerie Gambee DeVoe (Patrick), Edwin Gambee (Karen); brother-in-law, Michael Mulholland; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, at St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a private burial. A reception for all family and friends will be held at Waverley Country Club at 5 p.m.
Remembrances may be made to Jesuit High School in Portland or Family Fish Camp at Camp Angelos in Corbett, Ore.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Gambee
Sponsored by The Family.
Andrea Hollander
June 10, 2025
I am saddened to learn today (June 10, 2025) of Dr. Gambee's death. He was a terrific physician, who took great care of me and from whom I learned a lot. It was because of him that my back healed (from a fall) without surgery. My deep condolences to his family.
Moulton Avery
January 17, 2025
I just learned of Dr. Gambee's passing today when I wanted to make an appointment to see him again. I'm 76, and was his patient on two occasions. He was, by far, one of the finest and most compassionate physicians I have ever known. He treated me like a treasured friend, and under his care, I always felt heard and respected. My greatest sympathy to his family and friends. Moulton Avery, Vancouver, WA
Judy
September 3, 2024
Work is not the same without you . I pray your family is doing well knowing they carry your memory with them today and always .
The Donovans
December 12, 2023
Heading to the JHS food drive soon and will take an extra box for you!
Ralph Starks
December 11, 2023
Dr Gambee gave me numerous steroid shots in my back and other problems I had with my back and shoulder. He was an awesome guy. So sad .
Lisa Weiss
September 6, 2023
I looked up my favorite, and long term doctor today for a friend. I was shocked and saddened that this wonderful doc is no longer here. My sympathy and best wishes go out to his family. Lisa W
Doug Wells
September 3, 2023
I will miss his "Caddy Shack" quotes & jokes. What a great sense of humor. Doug Wells
Susan
December 2, 2022
I am shocked to find out of his passing. And so sad. Prayers for his family and friends. He was an amazing dr
Deborah Kumle
October 22, 2022
Dr. Gambee treated my sciatica, and was an amazing doctor. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Martha S Bibb
October 20, 2022
Dear Family of Dr Gambee,
We´re are saddened to hear of the loss of Dr Gambee. Word is slow to get to us in South Central Idaho mountain towns. My husband travelled many miles and hours to receive care from Dr Gambee. Coincidentally he is also the doctor of his daughter who lives in Vancouver.
Please accept our late but heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Martha S Bibb, DMD(retired)
Barbara Earle
October 3, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to the Gambee family. I wish I could carry this burden for you.
I was a patient of Dr. Gambee´s and he was the best!
Cindy Dols
September 25, 2022
I remember the positive influence Dr. Gambee had over my son Nicholas. He was such a great role model for so many. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ellen & Bill Valburg
September 22, 2022
Matt came to our ranch in S.D. (Valburg Sky Ranch) hunting pheasants several times.He was a pleasure to have in our home-such a gentleman & fun to be around.
I recently heard that Matt had died-it's just hard for me to think that he's gone, but we will meet up again in heaven.
Bryan Laycoe
September 21, 2022
I learned of this today. Matt was a close friend and colleague. He provided care for my wife in a comforting and caring way. I was trained in the Oregon Orthopedic program at Emanuel in the mid 1970s. Phoan Gambee was also a joy to know and work with. Matt was a joy to associate with. He will be remembered for all these good things as I still remember Phoan.
Jim Mooney
September 19, 2022
Remember Matt fondly from high school at Jesuit. May he find rest and peace in the Lord.
Larry Leese
September 15, 2022
Dr. Gambee performed some type of nerve testing on me in 1989. The machine picked up a local oldies radio station. Every time I hear Come On Down To My Boat, I always think of him. Came across as a genuinely nice guy.
Stephen Kost
September 14, 2022
Matt was a tough, but great dad. I remember doing plenty of manual labor as a kid being one of Michael's friends. Condolences to the family. His passing was way too soon.
Chris Garrett
September 14, 2022
Dr. Gambee will be missed...he was one of a kind. I have worked with him since 1994 and have many many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gambee family, may your love and memories bring you peace.
Jim Dorigan
September 13, 2022
I was fortunate to have met Matt when we were both freshman at Jesuit. We have remained in contact and friends through the years. Matt was passionate about many things especially Margie, his children, grandchildren and siblings. He would always update me with pride regarding their lives and accomplishments. Matt will be missed. My sympathy and prayers go out to the Gambee family. Jim Dorigan
Erin DeKlotz
September 13, 2022
May Matthew rest in peace. I know he was a wonderful father, given that he raised such loving and good people in Michael, Erin, Kevin, and Molly. I pray for courage, strength and peace for you all (and Kathleen). Much love, Erin DeKlotz
Kim Jarvis
September 13, 2022
Dr Gambee will be so missed by us at Rebound. He was a kind, wonderful doctor. My sincere condolences to his family.
Susan Hastings Tiscornia
September 12, 2022
Sending prayers to the entire Gambee family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Levi Query
September 12, 2022
Dear Margaret and family:
I am heartbroken for your family, for Rebound and for the world that Dr. Gambee is now in heaven. I knew him first from the happiness and fun he added to the life of my late partner Mike Markham in his work at Rebound. Dr. Gambee always had an interaction with Mike that added to Mike´s JOY and he would come home and share it with me, usually laughing and smiling. Then recently I was blessed to see him professionally. His warmth and passion for life was evident. He made me feel like I was the only person in the world. In that short time, he also sang your praises in such a lovely way...I felt so honored to have met him and felt his greatness. It seems as if God takes the good ones.
This poem brought me some comfort and hope it does for you also. "LOVE brings heartbreak that no one can heal. . .and LOVE brings memories that no one can steal."
Sending love and prayers to you all, Levi Query
Dawn Stob
September 12, 2022
Oh how saddened I was hearing about Dr Gambee's passing. I worked with him at Rebound for 18 years and loved the ribs and laughs we got from each other. I will you on those special ride events Matt. But I know you'll be pedaling every morning at 5am in the heavens. Sending love and prayers to the Gambee family.
Rick Hood
September 11, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Matt when he first started in Vancouver. It was helpful to have a physical medicine specialist practicing in our community and Matt was fun to work with. We also enjoyed a few rounds of golf together. I am sorry to learn that he passed at a relatively young age.
Rick Hood (Physical Therapist)
Victor Takla
September 11, 2022
Many condolences to the Gambee family. Louie, I haven´t spoken to you in years, but your brother treated me just last month and we spoke of you. He was a really nice person and skilled clinician. So sorry.
Cheryn Brant
September 11, 2022
I was stunned and saddened to hear this news. I am so sorry for your loss. I am going to miss him. He was the best doctor I'd ever had. He was kind and genuinely cared about my health and well-being. May the comfort of friends and family help you during this sad time.
bob keerins
September 11, 2022
crisp October mornings, hot coffee from a thermos mug, energized hunting dogs, the flush of a rooster, the pop of a shotgun, the satisfaction of a long retrieve by Matts dog. sometimes we won, sometimes the roosters won, some days it was a draw. finishing off the day with some brown water (Jamieson.) I will always remember these days
with a BIG SMILE. see you on the High Ground brother....
Margie C.
September 11, 2022
I worked with Dr Gambee for many years and always enjoyed hearing him speak of his children and his great love for his grandchildren. He was a kind, intelligent and sometimes greatly funny man who always kept us upbeat in the OR. He will be truly missed. Prayers to your family at this most difficult time.
Anna Maio
September 11, 2022
Maggie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt was in my med school class graduating in 1983. God knows he gave us some memories.
As always, Anna Maio and Family
Tom & Connie Jackson
September 10, 2022
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Gambee family. Matt was a GREAT person (cousin as well) to all. As his younger cousin, Matt looked out for me at Creighton. RIP Matt & God Bless Your Family.
Trent Spolar
September 10, 2022
Stubborn, but honorable. To him a spade was a spade, but he also had a heart. He believed. He truly cared. He was one of us, an old school doc and a friend. I cried. Trent Spolar M.D.
Amy Charlton, Hand Therapist
September 10, 2022
I worked with Dr. Gambee at Rebound for 23 years. He treated me and my family with respect and warmth and great care. He often teased me about my Eastern Oregon roots, but he also loved the snowy mountains over here. Will miss him-great man.
My condolences to his family.
Anna and Jack Donovan
September 10, 2022
I am so glad the Donovan´s got to know the Gambee family and Matt. Matt was a caring, sympathetic, loyal, and all around great person. I wouldn´t stand by him at a game but that just speaks to his passion and caring. I am going to miss catching up with him at the annual food drive. Rest In Peace be it way too soon.
Kathryn Wells
September 10, 2022
I always looked forward to shooting the breeze with Matt at Ahlers family get togethers. I'm thinking of all the Gambee clan and am so sorry for your loss. Cousin weddings just won't be the same without him.
James Luce
September 9, 2022
Dr Gambee was my Doctor, and a good Doctor and man he was. We spoke during our appointments of the importance of family - ours and his. That is how I will remember him.
Dennis Morrisette
September 9, 2022
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Gambees passing. He was my doctor and treated my spine for pain. He injected me on Friday the 2nd. Dr Gambee was very helpful and kind explaining everything as we went along. My prayers and thoughts go with Dr. Gambee and family. I am so sorry - Dennis
Denise Smith
September 9, 2022
I will always remember Dr. Gambee for his kindness, passion and witty sense of humor. He always felt that he saw - me. It meant a lot during my 11 years at Rebound. My condolences go out to the family, especially the grandchildren whom I know he loved dearly. Denise Smith
Mary Storm
September 9, 2022
I'm so taken aback and saddened by Matt's sudden passing. I worked at Rebound for 20 years and quite a few of those directly with this wonderful man in different capacities. My words won't help but sending here my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his whole family. Rest peacefully Dr. G.
Judy
September 9, 2022
Ive worked with Dr. Gambee for years and always love his upside down smile (serious look) he loved teasing me about my daughter and her watching MMA fights. I will miss him very much. Prayers to his family
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