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Matthew Tufts Obituary
November 30, 1997-August 3, 2014
Matthew was born in Salem Oregon to Tony and Marsha Tufts; he grew up in Salem and would have been a junior at North Salem High School. He was getting ready to return to school where he was an honor student and proud to be a part of the JROTC program, he was planning to go into the military. Despite having epilepsy he lived his life to the fullest. He was determined to do all the activities that he loved, such as swimming, playing pool, football, camping, wrestling, watching movies, fishing and more. He was not living in fear of when an epileptic seizure would come.
Matthew was loved by everyone he met. He was kind hearted, loving, energetic, helpful and nice to everyone. He went out of his way to meet the people in his community. He enjoyed playing with children, washing cars for the elderly, walking dogs for neighbors, showing kindness for disabled teens and was a comfort for friends feeling down. He will be missed by all who knew him and was an inspiration on how to live selflessly.
Surviving family members include his parents Tony and Marsha Tufts, younger brother Jacob Tufts, grandparents Terry "Gramps" Tufts and Katherine "Nana" Tufts, Uncle Bradd and Aunt Cynthia Brunkal, cousins Cassidy, Lance and Grant Brunkal, extended family and best friend Ben Carson.
A memorial service and potluck will be held at Lakeside Village Clubhouse at 3110 Turner Rd Salem, Oregon on August 17th at 2:00 pm. Close friends and family are invited. The Tufts family is accepting donations to help cover funeral costs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Tufts
Aunt Susie Burns
August 4, 2024
Marsha and family, I am so sorry. May GOD be with you and your family. Love, Hugs and Prayers, Aunt Susie Floyd Burns.
Susie Floyd Burns
August 4, 2024
Marsha. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much Love, Aunt Susie Floyd Burns.
Jean Floyd Howell
August 4, 2024
Marsha, to you and your family:
my heart goes out to you today!!
You are in my prayers
Aunt Jeannie
Chattanooga TN
Aunt Jeannie
August 4, 2023
Marsha, Tony and Jacob,
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you on this anniversary. May God surround each of you with His love and His comfort.
I wrote to you on August 4, 2020 on this sight. The next day, my oldest son passed away. I know how you feel, if you ever want to talk.
Love you,
Aunt Jeannie, Chattanooga TN
Jeannie Howell
August 4, 2020
Dear Marsha, Tony and Jacob,
Thinking of you all today. And
Do something you enjoy that Matthew would want you to do.
Love to each one of you,
Marsha, I still remember the great time we all had at Aunt Susies house and then we went to Disney World. I know that was a long time ago but I still remember what an awesome time we all had.
Aunt Jeannie. Chattanooga TN
Bridget Marcano
August 18, 2014
The joy matthew brought to our family will never be forgotten he was a blessing when our son left for job corp and when he came and visited my husband and to see if there was anythinh he could do to help round the house to earn a few bucks or juat to help. He was kind to our eight yr old daughter when many of the older kids weren't. Matthew was a huge part of our xommunity and it saddena me that it took his passing to see what an impact he had in oura but in everyones life who he was kind to or just waives to... natthew the angels have received a man who is going to spread those wings and ahow them how to fly..
Marsha thank you for blessing my family with opportunity to know Matthew. ..
Love
The Marcano Family????
Cari VanOsdol
August 17, 2014
Tony,Marsha,and Jacob We are praying for a special peace and healing for you during this very difficult time. Matthew was such a special young man and I am so blessed to have known him. He will be missed! May God surround you with angels and hold you close as you begin to heal.
Love, Cari and Rick VanOsdol
Angie Craig (your cousin)
August 11, 2014
Never is there an explanation of why those that we love, are taken away from us -all too soon. Marsha, Tony and Jacob, this is that time, where in your lives the answer to "why", will never be explained. Except, know that while Matthew was here with you, he knew unconditional love, had a family that adored him and friends who admired him. Such is a blessing - to have the privilege of being a parent. May God give you guidance and I pray that with God's love, you can find healing as love is the only thing that can mend a broken heart. Grace to you and your family.
michelle aka Shelley
August 11, 2014
Mathew u were a great young man, Eric peschel was honored to have been your friend. We hope u are in heavon looking down on us all with a big smile on your face and the comforting touch u always had helping others in need Mathew you were a very Special young man. May u dance with the angels and keep guiding us every day God bless your family...
Dorothy Lakin
August 10, 2014
Dear Marsha, Tony and Jacob, we are so sorry for your loss! Matthew was friendly, cheerful and respectful to us. He made a difference in life for Felicia. He brightened our day with his smile and some of his antics. He was funny, yet thoughtful! He had an ornery streak too, he enjoyed splashing us in the hot tub or pool, He was a boy and did some stuff he shouldn't have a times, but he was never mean! I miss his waving and his smiles and running into him! I'll look forward to him lighting the path for me to join him in heaven someday! If you need something I can help with let me know! Love, hugs and prayers. Felicia Harmon and Dorothy Lakin, & Draven Harmon
Susie Burns
August 10, 2014
Marsha, Tony and Jacob, May GOD give you special comfort in this time of sorrow. Love, Hugs and Prayers, Aunt Susie
Matthew & Carolee Gage
August 10, 2014
Gage family sends their deepest sympathy to your family durning this most difficult time. We will miss Matthew's shining light. In Heaven he will be a beacon to everyone that enters the gates of Heaven.
Mickey McDowell
August 10, 2014
We at North salem high school custodial Department.
Are saddened by the news of the loss of your son. We sending prayers to you and your family..
Pamela Thompson
August 10, 2014
Matthew was a great part of our family. A good friend to Zachary they watched WWE together, DS games and Matt would take Zach to play pool. He will be truly missed. Love and prayers to his family. The Thompson/McQuarie family
Alicia Vaandering
August 10, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marsha, Tony, and Jacob. We are so sorry for your loss. Billy and Alicia
Jeannie Howell
August 10, 2014
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you, Marsha, Tony and Jacob at this time in your lives. We all love you and think of you often. Aunt Jeannie
Michelle FitzHenry
August 9, 2014
May you rest in peace.
August 9, 2014
Matthew just to let you Nana and Grandpa and jacob and everyone they all miss you so much look over all of them , they all love you.
August 9, 2014
To my son Matthew I had the joy of being your mom and it breaks my heart to know that you are not here but are a greeter in heaven like you were in the community and you will always be loved by all,take care of us and look over us and the light will be your sign that you are watching over us with all my love your mom forever.
Barbara DeBellis
August 9, 2014
Marsha, Tony & Jacob, I am very sorry about Matthews passing. What a very difficult time loosing a son & brother. I fondly remember Matthew as a kind and curious student. It was a joy to hear of his accomplishments as he grew. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Barbara DeBellis
Carol Anthony
August 9, 2014
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Matthew was a kind and gentle, wonderful, young man who will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him.
William Floyd
August 9, 2014
Dear Marsha & Tony -
Words can not express the feeling I have for both of you and your other son, Jacob. The love you have for your children is forever, and my prayers and thoughts are with all three of you right now.
Love,
Bill Floyd
Tampa, FL
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