Matthew McClellan Fitch

1940 - 2024

Matthew McClelland Fitch

August 8, 1940 - March 2, 2024

Eagle River, Alaska - Matthew M Fitch was born in Oakland, California to Geraldine and Robert Fitch. As a pre-teen they moved to Pleasant Hill where Matt was a star basketball player and graduated from Pleasant Hill High in 1958. Following two years at Diablo Valley College, he transferred to Sacramento State. In 1962, during his senior year he met Ruth Dale at the fall dance and they married 6 months later. Matthew graduated and the two California kids moved to Wisconsin to attend graduate school. After a year, graduate school had lost its allure and the pair moved back to California and Matthew got his first teaching job in Modesto,CA.

During this time, their children Joelle and Gavin were born. After a detour to Pasadena, the family moved to Elk Grove where Matthew taught Western Civilization and coached basketball at EGHS for over 30 years. In addition to being a teacher and coach, Matthew was union leader and served as the President of EGEA and as the lead negotiator for many years.

Matt and Ruth lived in Elk Grove till 1990 when they decided to try urban life and moved to downtown Sacramento. After Matthew's retirement, they traveled and spent a great deal of time with their grandchildren in California and Alaska. Matthew and Ruth relished being grandparents and traveled frequently to see their five grandchildren who brought them unbelievable joy.

Matt and Ruth were very active at Trinity Cathedral where they served on countless committees, Matt served as a Stephen Minister, volunteered with Family Promise and filled backpacks for kids for Floyd Elementary school. Matt was also active with the Luna Vista Rotary in Woodland.

When Ruth died in 2021, Matthew moved to live with their daughter Joelle and her family and to join a group of the Fitch clan that had relocated to Eagle River, Alaska. His last three years were spent enjoying the frosty winters and the sunny summers of the Arctic.

Matthew was known by all as a kind, loving and extremely patient man. He taught and coached countless kids during his time at Elk Grove High. His colleagues remember his intellect, thoughtfulness and the leadership he showed for his fellow teachers.

Matthew is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ruth and his parents Geraldine and Robert Fitch. He is survived by his brother Joel Fitch and wife Clydene (Codie, Jody), his children Joelle and Mallie Hall ( grandchildren Emmett, Ruth) and Gavin and Karin Fitch ( Priscilla Fitch and grandchildren Talon, Parrish, and Ariss)

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Trinity Cathedral Family Promise ministry.

A service honoring his life will be held Mar 23, 2024 at 2pm at Trinity Cathedral. Reception to follow.