I lost my mom to cancer when I was 12 years old. I was a fairly unpopular kid at school. For quite a few years, there weren't many pockets of happiness that I could find. Summer camp, where I met Matt as maybe a 14-year-old, was one of the few places where I was just happy and present. As one of a handful in my close friendship group at camp, Matt played such a huge role in creating this healthy and supportive environment. He really helped take me out of a dark place and propel me forward into a life that I'm now happy to live. Friends can do this in different ways; some you confide in and share your deepest secrets with, and others bring such a vibrant and positive presence you can't help but to get lost in them, forget all of your worries, and just enjoy the moment. For me, Matt fit firmly into the latter; there was always something about him that brought a real visceral warmth throughout my body, the type that you never want to leave. I'd primarily credit that to his sense of humor, as he was one of the funniest friends I ever had. Minutes would turn into hours when we hung out together in our senior boys lodging area. We'd laugh, speak in silly voices, joke about anything from the Star Wars prequels to girls we were working up the nerve to dance with. And there was never anything toxic or destructive in the way we joked; nobody put anybody down, it was just pure silliness and goofiness, the kind that can absolutely heal the soul of somebody without many social ends to rely on. We spent several summers together. I was lucky enough to meet his younger brother and sister through camp, and they both had (and I am sure continue to have) that same incredible spark about them. 

As most of these types of friendships tend to go, we drifted apart as we ended high school, speaking occasionally on Facebook whenever the chance presented itself. I was always happy to see that he was doing well, and was devastated to learn that he got sick. His loss is nothing short of a tragedy to those he's leaving behind. My only hope is that his son grows up to know how lucky he is to have had Matt for a dad. The world is lucky to have another Vance, spreading joy to those who need it.

Matt, Bri, and the Vances, 

My second lost family, I’m terribly sorry to hear all of this. I wish I could’ve been more apart of your life’s. Matt was if nothing a strong, smart, and hilarious human being. And I have always referred to him as my brother. However, I fell out of touch. I’m sure he would forgive me! We spent ton of or days together adventures in the fields and around the neighborhood. We used to write stories, play board games and video game. I lived at the Vance’s for a short time when my family was having a hard time. I was like a “son and a brother”. He and I had some rough patches but in the end we were distant friends in passing. I regret not reaching out sooner. I had gone through difficult times but I always meant to talk with all of you guys again. However, the long lost son/bro (me) isn’t it really ever was me. I never got to tell him my real story. And so as a last final Farewell. I will tell you Matt, and of course but you have to figure out who I am! Matt and I used to kinda invent double meanings or riddles all the time to communicate to each other. So he probably already guess who I am… (the names won’t match who you’re think of so why would that be…? Lol) I will miss you dear friend! 

My condolences to all! And Let your ship sail across the cosmos! And maybe by chance we’ll talk again my brother. 

Like wise email me seriously if anyone wants to! I don’t use social media so yeah! 

Hi Matt,

I'm so sorry to learn about what you've been going through.  Definitely makes me wish I'd been better at staying in touch with you and Bri over the years.  

It's fun to reflect on our time together in Troy.  Playing Halo and eating pizza rolls at your house is imprinted in my mind as one of those token "childhood memories."

Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts.  Please let me know if I can be supportive in any way.

Matt,

I thoroughly enjoyed working with you for several days at Clark-Shawnee. Your quick wit and ferocious sense of humor were a welcome commodity. You, Eric and I would share antedocs that I have come to remember fondly. Loved having you in the district. 💪 💪 

Matt and Family, 

Shawnee has been a better place with you working alongside Eric in our IT Department!  Your work was more respected than you can ever know.  Anne and I truly enjoyed the times when we had a chance to talk with you and to hear about your family, as it was clear how important they are to you. 

Continued prayers,

Brigitte Williams (Shawnee Art & Videography Teacher)

I will never forget a parent teacher conference I had with you all. Emerson wanted Matt to make something out of some modeling clay. If Emerson requested a dinosaur….. POOF...Matt would make a dinosaur. If Emerson requested a rocket ship… POOF… Matt would make a rocket ship. These creations were nothing less than professional! Lol! I was waiting for Matt to pull out a magic wand!!!

Thinking of all of you!! Emerson has Matt's smile....that will forever live on!!

BIG hugs!! ❤️

Matt, you have been one of my favorite people since I started working at CSLSD. You have always been beyond kind, funny, helpful, patient, and I enjoy trying to make you eat unhealthy snacks. 

I am thinking of you and your family as you navigate this chapter.