Matthew E. Hansen

Matthew E. Hansen, 54, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 21, 2025, following complications from pneumonia.

He is preceded in death by many who loved him-most especially his brother Bryan, who is undoubtedly giving Matt the tour of his life on the other side.

Matt was fostered and raised as a beloved son by Les and Donnis Mager of Nampa, Idaho, since his teens into adulthood to present and was a cherished part of their family. He was courage personified, with a contagious soul and an ever-present smile.

He is survived by two sisters, Jodie (Brad) Arendt and Kendra (Don) Taylor; four nephews, Stephen (Topacio) Irish, Jason (Danae) Perkins, and Travis (Kelsi) Perkins, Aaron (Katrina) Henderson: five nieces, Kaylee (Chad) Humphries, Bailey Arendt, Kaitlyn Arendt, Jessica (Connor) Badten and Victoria Taylor. Along with his immediate family came a large extended family of great-nieces, great-nephews, and a circle of endless best friends who adored him.

Matt was a quiet strength in many lives-a steady, good-hearted presence with a witty sense of humor and a genuine love for connection. Whether it was a strong handshake, a hardy welcome with your name and "Okay, you know what?", a bright smile that lit up the room, or his calm, accepting presence, Matt was known to all as a truly happy cool guy.

In his younger years, Matt was an active participant in the Special Olympics, with basketball being his favorite sport. He loved traveling, attending social events, bowling and making memories with his family and friends.

Some of his favorite moments were telling everyone his dad was Elvis, post-bowling ice cream trips to McDonald's, and Friday morning donuts while on vacations in Utah with his sister Kendra, riding horses and going to rodeos with his sister Jodie-simple joys he cherished deeply.

Matt had the opportunity to experience apartment living with Progressive Behavior Systems of Boise in his latter adult life for a couple of years and made even more friends. When asked what he loved the most, he would quickly respond-"Jodie, she works across the street and pizzzzzaaaaaa"-Yet again the simple joys.

He was famously consistent with his Christmas list: a 24-pack of soda and a dress shirt. True to his generous nature, he'd always offer you a can-though not without a classic, "Come on, are you sure?"

Matt loved to dress his best, always donning a sharp outfit and a pair of snazzy shoes. Being dapper and cool was part of his image, and he wore it well. A proud fan of Boise State University, Matt could always be seen in his BSU ballcap-even in his final days.

Matt's memory will live on in the hearts of those who considered him family-not just by foster or blood, but by choice and by bond. He leaves behind friends and loved ones who will forever carry the echo of his compassion, humor, and quiet courage.

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the Medical Staff at St. Alphonsus, Nampa for their exceptional care and attention to Matts comfort as well as Life Care Center of Boise for their fast response, and Home Health Choice Hospice, who extended their love and compassion swiftly to Matt and the family. Amy, his hospice nurse, Thank You-your gentle silent love was felt in your tears. The entire team is a testament of how instantly far and wide; Matt could touch lives.

A celebration of his life will be held September 16th, 2025 at Crooked 8 Events located at 1882 E. King Rd. Kuna, Idaho 83634 with an open house from 4:00-7:00. A dedication to his life will start at 4:30pm, food and ice-cream to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages small acts of kindness in Matt's honor-because that's how he lived: Making the world a little lighter, one heart at a time, no matter the roadblocks he faced.