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Michael Hennessey Matts

Michael Matts Obituary

Michael Hennessey Matts Tragically on February 4, 2012 in Osaka, Japan at the age of 23. Remarkable son of Noreen and Richard; beloved brother of Megan. After attending Waseda University in Tokyo in 2009 - 2010 and graduating from the University of Arizona in May, 2011 with degrees in East Asian Studies and Economics, Michael returned to Japan to teach in July, 2011. He died in the country he loved. Michael's grandma, uncles, Tom and Jim, aunts Susan, Lou and Marcia, his eight cousins and his godparents, Nancy and George, believe Michael hung the moon. His friends and colleagues agree. Michael: you are our hero. We love you and we will miss your beautiful presence for all of our lives. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Saint Thomas More Newman Center at 1615 E. Second Street on the University of Arizona campus on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. A reception to celebrate Michael's life will follow at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm Street at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona where Michael volunteered. Please go to http://g.co/maps/gq6um for directions to the Newman Center and for alternative parking suggestions.
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Matts

Not sure what to say?





Jim Howard

March 3, 2012

Noreen:

I was so sorry to hear of your sons death. I have thought of you and your husband often since. I wish I could do more than express my heartfelt condolences. I know he must have been and extraordinary young man. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

February 29, 2012

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Matts,
I am sincerely sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We met when I was visiting my daughter, Sarah Harrell, in Tokyo at the hotel. Sarah went to Waseda with Mike and was very disturbed when she learned of his death. Please accept our most sincere condolences for your lose.

Sincerely,
Sarah R. Harrell, Rome, Georgia

TJ Robinson

February 27, 2012

I would first like to express my deepest sympathy to Megan, Aunt Noreen, and Uncle Richard. Not as a friend, not as an acquaintance, but as a cousin and a nephew. Michael was undoubtedly one of the funniest people I have ever met, with a form of humor that not only showed deep intellect but also a unique perspective on life. He was one of the few people in my life that I could truly talk to about anything. I grew up looking forward to seeing him on our vacations to the beach and at grandma's for Christmas. Each occasion always brought new memories. I looked up to Michael, and his opinion always mattered greatly to me. His memory will live on in our family, as he has changed us and influenced how we have all grown together as a family. We love you Mike!

Diane Spurney

February 23, 2012

Dear Noreen, Richard, and Megan and family, Our sincere deepest sympathy in the sudden loss of Michael. Our prayers are with you that you be comforted by wonderful memories of him. Love and God Bless, Diane and Jack

Kristin Paganini

February 21, 2012

Michael was someone who you could just share a laugh with whether it was at the beach or at Grandmas he could always put a smile on your face. He will be missed by everyone that loves him. I would be one of those people. His passing devastated everyone in our family.Michael you will be missed forever and always We Love You Michael

Sue Hasson

February 21, 2012

Dear Noreen & Richard,
I am a long-time friend of Susan (or Pittsburgh Sue as we so fondly call her) in Florida. She has spoken of you and your family often. My heart aches for you and all of your family for this tremendous loss. I hope you find comfort from your friends and family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

with my deepest sympathy,

February 21, 2012

Michae was someone who you could just share a laugh with whether it was at the beach or at Grandmas he would put a smile on your face.He will be missed by everybody who loved him. I know I will miss him.Everyone in my family was devastated by the loss.We Love You Michael Forever and Always

Carol Griffith

February 21, 2012

Noreen, Richard, Megan and family,

My heart just breaks for all of you; I can't begin to imagine what you are all feeling. When the breath of life returns to your souls, and in remembrance, take a piece of Michael's legacy and carry it forward as your own. Special people spread their joy, love and knowledge all over the world. The world is grateful for Michaels time with everyone he touched. May your faith, friends and family sustain you through this unfathomable event. Michael will always be in your hearts, your lives and your souls. Bless him and all of you. With my deepest sympathy, love and hugs for strength.

Derek Paganini

February 21, 2012

There are hardly words that would offer any sort of solace for the entire Robinson family, especially Aunt Noreen, Uncle Richard, and Megan. I wish so badly that I could be there to celebrate Michael's life in Tucson. I think he would want us all to remember the good times we had together; whether it be family trips to the Outer Banks or Christmases at Grandmas. Michael was always such a unique person inside and out, which I greatly admired about him. He was always so intellectual and you could tell whenever he would think deeper to himself about a topic of conversation. I will miss his odd sense of humor and his kindness, but I feel that these are all things we as a family can carry with us throughout the rest of our lives. We love ya Mike!

Maria Magana

February 21, 2012

To the Matts family - My sincerest condolences for your loss. Prayers and hugs to all of you.

Jonathan Yeh

February 20, 2012

I got to know Michael during the time I lived in Posada San Pedro at the University of Arizona, and enjoyed getting to know him over the two years I lived there. Michael was definitely one that made my time in Posada San Pedro enjoyable, and I enjoyed our conversations in "the Corner" sitting area of the 2nd floor. I am saddened to hear of Michael's passing and I will keep Michael's family in my prayers.

Shelley Smith

February 20, 2012

Dear Richard and family, I was truly saddened to learn of your tragic loss. I can only imagine the magnitude of your grief. I send you my heartfelt sympathy.

Sandra Odell

February 20, 2012

To the entire Matts/Robinson/Paganini families. I am so sorry for your loss. This is just such a sad thing to happen to such a loving and close knit family. Take comfort in each other during this most difficult time. My family and I will be praying with you all. With love, Sandy Odell

February 20, 2012

Dear Noreen and Richard,
I just got the email from Sue. I cannot express fully how my heart feels for you right now. I pray that the Lord will give you and your family strength to endure the coming days. Please know that you will be in my prayers and please accept my deepest sorrow in your loss. Love, Linda (Hendrickson) Heyde

Derbra & Cecil Asher

February 20, 2012

Please know that our hearts are sad for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Asher's

Susan Poelstra

February 19, 2012

Dear Mrs. Matts,

I doubt you remember me. I was one of your students at Sunnyside, over thirty years ago. You perhaps never realized it, but you made a profound and lasting impact on my life.

When I read about your son the other day I felt not just deep sorrow, but marveled over what I read. Although I never met Michael, it's obvious he was truly a remarkable young man. What a terrible loss, not just for you and your family and friends, but for the Tucson community, and indeed the world.

Although I'm a bit late, I hope you will accept my sincere thanks for touching my life with kindness and compassion at just the right time. Please know I have thought of you fondly and often over the years. Your simple acts of kindness as a teacher who cared, had far reaching consequences, just as I am certain Michael's did.

My best to you always,

Susan Poelstra

To help jog you memory, I was the one you took to Mt. Lemmon and sent post cards to one summer from Florida. I was bright but not very cooperative, perhaps even a bit rebellious in the beginning. You helped me see the error of my ways. Later I too became a teacher, after graduating with high honors!

Should I ever be of service to you, please let me know, I may be reached at [email protected]

February 19, 2012

Dear Noreen, Richard and Megan,
Jennifer and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. If there is anything that we can do for you, please just call. With my deepest regrets, Dan and Jennifer Pfendler.

February 19, 2012

To the Matts family,
Words are inadequate at a time like this,
so please know that you are in
our thoughts and prayers.

John and Clair Weismiller

Cheryl Muller

February 18, 2012

Matts family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Michael at the UA and always enjoyed his enthusiasm for learning. My sincere condolences to your family.

Cheryl Muller
Disability Resources -UA

Steve Zhou

February 18, 2012

To the Matts family,
I express my sincere condolences for the tragic loss of your son. Michael and I first met in Doolen in 7th grade, as we had class together. Amazingly, we were also randomly chosen to be roommates in Sophomore year at U of A. Having lived with Michael for a year, I have many fond memories with him. He had a big heart for taking care of his close friends; he would always put his needs aside to help out a friend whether it's with economics homework or relationship advice. Trustworthy, honest, funny, and really smart; he is everything a friend could ask for. Needless to say, I was very saddened to hear the news. Michael has been like a brother to me, and I will definitely miss him.

May peace and comfort be with you all during this time of sorrow.

Julie Ferdon

February 17, 2012

Noreen, Richard, and dear Megan, I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. I haven't seen Michael in years, but it was clear from the start that he was an exceptional person. When I learned of his love of Japan I thought of our own nephew, also 23, who has fallen in love with the country and is in his third year in Sendai taking classes and teaching English.

Please know that my prayers, thoughts, and heart are with all of you.

Carol&Greg Starr

February 17, 2012

Our son Brian, and Michael were friends at Doolen. He remembers laughing a lot with Michael,and was very sorry to hear of his death. We remember him fondly too. Our sincere condolences to your family.

Eric Olsson

February 17, 2012

I'm so sorry, Noreen. I remember Michael and Megan's occasional visits to our offices when they were kids, and I'm quite impressed with Michael's accomplishments as a young man. Please accept my sincere condolences and best wishes for you and your loved ones.

Penny Rosenblum

February 17, 2012

Noreen, Richard & Megan, I do not know if you will remember me. I prepare teachers of visually impaired students at UofA. I have fond memories of Michael as a child. My deepest sympathy to your family and all those who loved Michael.

Kharmyn Guzman-Cousins

February 17, 2012

Noreen and family,
My condolences on your tremendous loss. May his memories give you comfort.

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