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University of San Francisco

Matthew Ahern Obituary

January 7,2015
Matthew John Ahern, age 36 passed away on Wednesday January 7, 2015 as a result of complications from emergency heart surgery. Matt was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. He earned a BA in Communications from the University of San Francisco in 2001. Matt was a natural athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball. He loved the outdoors especially the Texas Hill Country and the Mountains of Colorado. He was a skilled musician who loved to write, play and record music. Matt was a kind, gentle soul who dedicated his life to helping others heal through yoga, connecting with nature, creativity and his wise counsel. He was a strong advocate for the environment and preached and lived Sustainability Local and Organic.

He is survived by his parents Jim and Caroll Ahern, brother, James Ahern Jr., girlfriend, Debby Andersen, Grandmother Blanche Olsen, Aunt Anne Gariepy and husband Larry, Aunt Karen Bonner and husband Richard, Aunt Jeannie Terilli, Cousins Amanda Ahern Lloyd and husband Chase, Carie Miller and husband Gregg, Bonnie Maynard and husband Blake, Beth Harris and husband Scott, Carlye Carlock and husband John. He was preceded in death by Uncle, John L. Ahern, Grandparents Gerald and Margret Ahern and Kenneth Olsen. He will be truly missed by ten second cousins and countless friends.

A gathering to celebrate Matt's life will be held at 1pm Sunday, January 11, 2015 at The Argyle, 934 Patterson Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78209. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Matthew Ahern Healing Arts Foundation 3510 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio TX 78212.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Ahern

Sponsored by Caroll and Jim Ahern.

28 Entries

Lisa Tauferner

April 8, 2015

Mr. and Mrs. Ahern, I have been thinking of Matt quite a bit the past few weeks. I can't believe it has only been 3 months since he passed. I thought of him when I visited India recently - not for yoga or meditation, actually a work trip - and I really have noticed on and off that in just thinking about him, I can easily feel his laugh and smile. I hope you have had such moments of remembrance of him and that even just the short time I knew him in working together through the healing workshops he brought to College Station, he brought a light into my life and many others that is and will be ever lasting. Love to you.

One of the blessings burned at Matt's Memorial Meditation Servicewith MeditateFortDavisgroup on1-12-15.

Becky Greathouse Wren

January 15, 2015

I'll try to add some photos from our Memorial Service for Matt this past Monday (1-12-15).

Becky Greathouse Wren

January 15, 2015

Our deepest condolences to Matt's family and the significant people in his life. We met Matt on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at a yoga breathing workshop he was giving in Marfa, Texas. Most of our meditation group (MeditateFortDavis) were there, and in the 30 minutes of interacting with Matt in that workshop was all it took for us to all feel very connected to him. He had his problem start during the workshop and was rushed to the hospital in Alpine via ambulance. We kept abreast to his progress, and we're so stunned and saddened to learn of his death. On Monday, January 12, 2015, our meditation group (MeditateFortDavis) devoted our session to a Memorial for Matt. We meditated, did one of his breathing exercises, and followed a Chinese tradition for loved ones who have just departed from our lives. On Joss paper we each wrote a blessing to Matt, then burned them so to reach him in the spirit world to journey on the other plane with love and good guidance. It was obvious that Matt was an extraordinary person who quickly touched the lives of those who were lucky enough to meet him. In his short life I'm sure he helped thousands on their own journeys through this life. This world was blessed to have him. We will miss him dearly. Sincerely, Becky Wren and MeditateFortDavis.

Campbell LeFlore

January 13, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the Ahern family and all Matt's friends. Matt was such a unique and inspiring person. I am grateful that our paths crossed a few times and I'll remember him always. Peace.

Leonard Bentch

January 13, 2015

Jim and Carol,

I was profoundly saddened to learn of Matt's death, so unexpected and so tragic. His life seems to have been one of searching and helping. No doubt he will be remembered for the love and peace he helped others find within. A kind spirit, Matt must have embodied the very best of you both.

Charles Worrel

January 12, 2015

Jim and Carol, I am overwhelmed with just the thought of the loss you must be feeling now. I haven't seen Matt since he was a small child, but from the other writings here it seems that two of the best people I know raised a son who mirrored their own quality. Angelia and I will pray for Matt and for you both during this incredibly difficult time.

Clayton Harrison

January 12, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was truly an amazing person and I'm lucky to have known him. He will be missed greatly and your family is in my prayers.

Marcy Halterman-Cox

January 11, 2015

Dear Ahern family, you are in my prayers for comfort and solace. I got to experience Matt when he came to College Station on a regular basis to teach breathwork. He was a very unique teacher and soft, kind soul. I too am continuing his breathwork in the yoga classes I teach and with the patients I encounter that need an extra dimension of health. Know that your son touched many people with his gift of healing.

jane welsh swanson

January 11, 2015

i have been so impressed-and greatly saddened, too- by the outpouring of love that has been sent to Matt and his family, at his sudden loss. what a beautiful legacy he leaves behind. although we are heartbroken he left us so soon...

Elizabeth Cauthorn

January 11, 2015

Drew and I were so saddened to hear of Matthew's death and hold you both in our hearts and prayers.

Christine Broll Yovanovich

January 11, 2015

Jim and Caroll,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was your babysitter when Matthew was a baby and James was a toddler in Monte Vista.

Gayle DeGeurin

January 10, 2015

Jimmy and Carrol, your feelings of sorrow in the reality of your beloved son's loss must be almost unbearable. In some way I feel it in my bones. Mike and I send every ounce of sympathy from our hearts. With love,
Gayle

Caitlin Menard

January 10, 2015

I was Matt's nurse for the three days that he was in the hospital. The news of Matt's passing came after I had left during the day and it was truly heartbreaking. Through the ups and downs of Matt's care Debby Jim and Carroll welcomed me with open arms each night. From each of their stories about Matt I could tell he was a kind, loving man...and from day one his entire room was filled with love from his family.. Matt's story is one that I will never forget. As nurses, many think we go home and dont think about our patients..but I continued day after day to pray for Matt. I continue to pray for the healing of the whole family during this difficult time. And on behalf of everyone that took care of Matt, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shannon Ingram Bourland

January 10, 2015

I haven't seen Matt in years but I know the world lost an incredibly kind soul. Praying for Gods peace and comfort to embrace you during this tragic time! Im so sorry for your loss.

Yvonne Varney

January 10, 2015

My heart has been very heavy since the news of Matt's passing. I had gotten to know Matt through the friendship with my sons, Shane & Kenny, at Alamo Heights High School. I had always been very fond of Matt and got to reconnect with him this past year at yoga classes. What a gentle soul! I will truly miss the kindness, positive energy, and bright light he shared whenever I was around him. Everyone that knew him is feeling the great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ahern family.

jeff vexler

January 10, 2015

As sweet a man as the Earth has ever known. Gentle and kind. Full of laughter and love. The world is worse without him.

Chuck Nolan

January 10, 2015

To the Family of Matt Ahern: I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was truly one in a million, a spiritual guide and healer, with wisdom well beyond his years. Over the last 2 years, Matt taught me the practice of breath work meditation which I am incorporating into my Palliative Care practice caring for patients (and their families) at the end of life. This will be my enduring tribute to Matt and the spiritual healing guidance he offered me and so many others. Chuck Nolan, MD (Director LIFE Care/Palliative Medicine, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, Sequin, TX)

Patti Williams Haugen

January 10, 2015

I haven't seen Matt in years but babysat both boys A LOT in Olmos Park and truly enjoyed them and the family. Life is so very precious. I pray for the family in hopes of finding peace and understanding.

Carmen Silva

January 9, 2015

I am so very sorry. Matt was a wonderful person and friend of my daughter Erin at USF. Fun to be around. A beautiful person. Carmen Silva

Angela

January 9, 2015

So sorry for your loss. I don't know you and didn't know your son, but his heart shines in his smile. May you find comfort.

Rebecca Gonzalez

January 9, 2015

Matt was our special vegetable farmer. He was the first person who taught me about gardening. He was a very special person to me and my husband. One didn't have to spend much time with Matt to discover the type of person he was. There was an immediate connection and openness that he had, generating warmth and goodness. He was the type of person who remains with you in a good way, long after they have left.

Barbara Finch

January 9, 2015

Dear Carol and family, I'm sorry to hear of the "oh too soon" loss of your handsome son Prayers for strength to you.

Kim Brusenhan Youngblood

January 9, 2015

Carol and Jim,
I am so, so sorry for your devastating loss! There are no words that can provide the comfort that I hope you will find in all the wonderful memories you have. I remember him when we waitressed together at the Bright Shawl! What a very special, talented young man. We cannot understand when a life is ended so early, but faith, knowing where he is and that you will see him again is helpful. Much love, Kim

Lisa Vaughn

January 9, 2015

Dear Carol and Family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God will give yall the strength to get through this tough time.

Carol McGuire

January 9, 2015

Jack joins me in expressing our sympathy on the loss of your son. We have such fond memories of that group of boys on Jim's baseball team. God bless you and yours during this journey of grief. Carol McGuire

Louise Burke

January 9, 2015

Jim & Carroll,
We remember Matt playing basketball at AHS with our son Michael. May you find peace in your fond memories of dear Matt. Our deepest sympathy.
Louise & Mike Burke

Kelly Alvarado

January 9, 2015

My condolences to the Ahern family. I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. Matt and I attended elementary, middle and high school together. My heart is heavy for the weeks to come. May God bless and give you strength. Prayers sent to all of matts friends and family.

Becky Losey

January 9, 2015

Jim and Carroll,
My heart breaks for you and the tremendous loss of your beautiful son. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.

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