To Joe's family, I wanted to leave some words here to let you know how important he was to us, and to offer my sincere condolences.

It's been one long and emotional week since I got the call that our friend had passed. I've been thinking a lot about him and what he meant to my family.

Joe would show up at our house regularly with a big smile on his face, mostly because he was visiting his feline friend Seymour, and we'd immediately begin talking about whatever the subject of the minute was. We always had interesting and fun conversations, and I'd often see that mischievous grin he'd give when saying something he knew would drive you a little bit crazy. It was hilarious.

I'd sometimes ask about his new work, which was so close to completion, but I never pressed him on it. Besides, he was always being creative and productive in other ways. Even something as simple as his frequent social media posts were part of what made him special. Sharing personal memories and musings on things that mattered to him, and always in a relatable way. A little window into his mind. One of the many things I'll miss.

He'd always speak of his family, friends and associates, few of whom I knew personally, but I feel like I did. I'm seeing all of your posts here too. It's awesome. Clearly you were all so important to him.

For those of us lucky enough to have him in our lives, we all know that what we got from Joe, we aren't going to get anywhere else. That amazing JOE MATT energy...inside of him was an entire universe of knowledge, ideas, unusual observations and enthusiasm. A true original!

I'm going to share something Joe messaged me in regards to my own father's failing health, because this shows how kind and thoughtful he was. I'm so grateful to have known him and we miss him so much.

-Mike, Marika & Seymour.

From Joe:

"As for your father... I feel your pain. In July, 2014...I had just spent 2 weeks at my dad's house (with Vicki, who selflessly came along)

I'lI cut to the chase. The morning I was to catch a plane, back to LA, he dropped dead that night…on his bed, around 4am, after getting up to pee. Nancy screamed at 6am, when she realized he was dead. 6:15 AM, I spent what felt like an eternity, sitting alone, next to his body, as it slowly turned purple in the face and arms. I was upset…but, imagined his spirit might still be lingering about. I tried to convey my gratitude to that spirit..for everything, as endless scenes of us, in my youth, played back. I felt unusually calm and strong... then, someone came and took the body away.

My strength didn't last long. Vicki and I extended our visit by 3 more weeks..for the viewing and funeral..where I wrote and read a eulogy. But...all other times....in Target…...or out, walking...I couldn't stop crying. I had never experienced a loss of that magnitude. Anyway... those feelings never truly stopped and time hasn't healed much, 8 years later. Moments like now are slowly forging you, so you'll be better equipped for what's coming. I'm sorry it has to be this way, but we don't get to choose. Just hang in there. Happy moments still lay ahead…..including the UK! End of sermon! Goodnight!"