Matthew J. Saito

1966 - 2025

Matthew J. Saito
March 18, 1966 - October 13, 2025
Matthew J. Saito was born on March 18, 1966, to George and Masako Saito. He was raised in Nyssa, Oregon, in a close-knit family and community.
Matt was born with Down Syndrome and at that time, the family was told it was going to be a very difficult and long road. Matt's parents embraced their miracle baby boy and asked themselves "how can we provide the best life for our son." Matt was afforded every opportunity to experience activities and engage in as many different events as possible. From early on, his parents sought out the best educational opportunities for Matt. Matt attended the Mary Kay School in Ontario, Oregon, when he was younger and then later transitioned to the public school system in Nyssa, Oregon. School personnel and administration were inclusive and accommodating and Matt engaged in special education classes as well as mainstream classes. This was the start of Matt's ability to garner friendships with just about everyone he encountered. One of the highlights of his high school years was being able to graduate with his fellow classmates and receive his diploma.
Matt eventually moved from his home in Nyssa to a group home in Ontario. Matt continued to live at the group home until his passing. The compassionate the loving individuals that helped care for Matt for more than 31 years were also his family. And the other residents quickly became life-long friends. There are countless trips to different Treasure Valley events, annual trips to places such as Walla Walla, Cascade, and McCall, and treasured memories that are captured in pictures that bring smiles to his family. Matt was so comfortable in this setting that he vocalized that he would not want to move to Meridian to be closer to our family. Matt would go to the Witco workshop during the week and had miscellaneous jobs over the years and he enjoyed having tasks to do that provided him with purpose.
Matt was involved in Special Olympics at a very young age. Matt thrived when he was participating in his events which included swimming, floor hockey, bocce ball, and bowling. This fostered a kindred spirit for him, as well as his family. His room was decorated with all of the ribbons and medals he won over all those years and he was proud to display them all. Matt was chosen to attend the 1987 World Games in South Bend, Indiana. His parents drove cross-country from Oregon to see him in all of his glory. Not only was Matt chosen to represent Idaho, but he was also invited on stage at the Opening Ceremonies and received a kiss from Mary Lou Retton. Matt was inducted into the Special Olympics Idaho Hall of Fame on October 13, 2022, and had his plaque proudly displayed in his room. Participating in Special Olympics was so meaningful to Matt and his family. They became strong advocates for the wonderful organization.
Matt's family would be remiss if it were not mentioned that Matt was a Boise State Bronco fan. He had enough Bronco clothing to open a store, and his room was decorated with banners, posters, Buster Bronco blankets and pillows, and other memorabilia.
Growing up there was never a lack of opportunity to get together with his cousins, aunts, and uncles. It did not matter whose home it was. True to Saito fashion, there was always plenty of food and beverages, and most of all, plenty of laughter and games. Matt could light up any room with his wit, sense of humor, and infectious smile. He had some of the best "one-liners" that would have his family in stitches. That, and he had a great sense of rhythm and had the dance moves. Music was very important to Matt and he probably had the largest collection of CDs. A song would come on the radio and if asked "who is this," Matt had the correct artist every single time. Matt especially adored his two nieces and nephew, and went along with their antics, even when they wanted him to dress him up as part of a goat when they put on a play "Three Billy Goats Gruff" for the family. He willingly participated in the choreographed dance to the song "All the Single Ladies" by Beyonce at one Christmas gathering. Matt had the uncanny ability to multi-task when he spent time in his room, which was his sanctuary. He would have the TV on low-volume, the CD player going, and would have his clipboard, paper, pen, and sit on the floor and write. Matt developed a habit of staying up until 4:00 a.m. every Friday night and over the weekend. Staying up this late, of course, could make Matt hungry right around midnight or 1 a.m. Stories from his caregivers at the group home are plentiful, one including asking his caregiver at 1 a.m. if she could make him a cheese quesadilla after she asked him what he had in his pocket, which was a block of cheese! This one-time request became a ritual for him and staff always obliged.
When Matt was sent by heavenly father to his family, no one at the time could imagine the pure heart that he would have or the profound impact he would have on his family and others that he met. He embodied innocence, unconditional love, forgiveness, kindness, and all things great. Matt did not know how to hold a grudge, hold onto anger, or did not know hatred. He brought so much loving joy to everyone who knew him. Matt's presence will be missed and he will forever have a place in our hearts.
The family would like to give special thanks to Witco, for his earth angels who protected him, cared for him, and loved him as one of their own. The family is beyond grateful that Matt had the opportunity to be in hospice care at the group home, surrounded by his caregivers and friends. His life span and quality of life was what it was due to his caregivers' loving ways. Also, a special thank you to the circle of healthcare professionals that tended to Matt's medical needs, ensuring that he was kept in comfort and free of pain.
Matt is survived by his sister, Paula Garay, Logan Garay (nephew), and Logan's father, Michael Garay; sister Gigi Vanetti and husband Eric Vanetti, Mac Storey, and Kylie Storey (nieces); and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Masako Saito and both sets of grandparents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, located at 676 SW 5th Avenue, Ontario, Oregon.