Matthew George Wright
June 14, 1980 - June 5, 2017
Matthew Wright was born June 14, 1980 in Fargo, North Dakota to George and Sandra Wright. He left us on June 5th, 2017 due to complications from relentless medical problems following the hemorrhage of an AVM in his cervical spine in 2009.
Matt's growing up years were spent first in Fargo and then in Salt Lake City with short moves to Euless, Texas and La Quinta, California with his dad's work. When his family returned to Salt Lake City in 1999, Matt decided to join them and made Salt Lake City his permanent home.
Matthew was truly "one of a kind" and filled his life with adventures and experiences that were definitely unique. He was an avid reader and his treasured library was filled with books on subjects challenging to most. He was a writer, a musician and often a comedian. He could catch anyone with one of his practical jokes and yet was gentle, sensitive and very compassionate with friends and family. Matt was in awe of the beautiful Utah outdoors and had many favorite spots for camping and hiking with his most special group of friends. He respected nature and the unspoiled treasures of Southern Utah and was a strong advocate for responsible care of the environment. Matt's work experiences were wide ranging but the job he treasured most was working for the Sundance film festival and summer labs. He had a great interest in film, music and the arts and hoped that would be his career path when his life suddenly changed in 2009. Although his life veered in a direction he never anticipated, he faced his new challenges with determination, optimism and an amazing inner strength.
Matt's friends were his "brothers" and we are so very thankful to each one for the special touch they had on his life. He was proud of his Scottish-Icelandic heritage and loved the trips he was able to make to Scotland and North Dakota to visit family and get to know cousins. He was especially fond of his grandmother's house in North Dakota and dreamed of being able to go back there one day.
Matthew is survived by his parents, his uncles Danny (Ellen) and Charles, his aunt Nanette and many cousins. He is also survived by his longtime friends who truly were "his family".
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 14th at 3:00 PM in Vikur Lutheran Church, Mountain, North Dakota. Burial will be in the Gardar Pioneer Cemetery, Gardar, North Dakota. A celebration of Matthew's life for his Salt Lake City friends and family will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Intermountain Therapy Animals, 4050 South 2700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84117.
In Loving Memory
George: I was so sad to hear about Matthew's passing. I know it had been a struggle since 2009, but unthinkable to lose your child. I think of you so often as I drive by Sunrise and still feel such intense appreciation for your caring leadership and love extended to all who entered there. Blessings and peace to you and your wife on this next part of life's journey.
Deb Elstad
Salt Lake City, Ut
We are so sorry to hear about Matthew's passing. You've been such dedicated parents to him. May God bless you during this time. Our love and prayers are with you. Love, Dallin and Heather
Dallin Bailey
Opelika, Al
I was shocked to hear about Mathew's passing. You have been amazingly dedicated parents and caregivers. May you find peace in happier memories of his life. Losing a child is losing a large part of your heart. God bless you and Sandy at this very difficult time. Love, Dini
Dini Droguett
Salt Lake City, ut
We were so very sorry to hear from Pastor Chris today about Matthew's death. Our deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. Prayers for you both. Kathy, Mike, Ally and Katie Moore
Kathy Moore
North Salt Lake, UT
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. Death at any age is difficult. May you find comfort in the words found at 1 Corinthians 15:26. It says: And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. And Hosea 13:14 says "From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; From death I will recover them." A wonderful promise from Jehovah God who cannot lie.
CB
Newark, Nj
My condolences on the loss of Matthew. I am so sorry to learn of his death this many months later. Your family held a very special place in my mother's heart. You were always in her prayers. God be with you and comfort you.
Patricia Schott
Omaha, NE