Thursday, October 1, 2026
Our son and brother, Matt, only 54 years of age, passed from this world the morning of Feb. 12, and is currently in the loving arms of his Creator.
Matt was born Nov. 6, 1971, in Pasco, Washington, after which his family moved to Bend, Oregon, then Longview, Washington, and to Olympia, Washington. In 1983, he graduated from Olympia High School in 1990 and attended both Yakima Valley Community College and Pierce Community College. Matt graduated with an AAS Degree. He began his career as a Journeyman Lineman Electrician and was a proud union member of IBEW #77, working in the states of Washington and Hawaii, among others.
Matt will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and his sense of adventure, which was the source of many stories, some injuries, much laughter, and the occasional eyebrow raise!
He loved hiking, dirt biking, hunting, camping, boating, fishing, kiteboarding and rafting. He hiked several portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and had dreams of doing so again someday.
Matt loved his family and cherished his friends. Once you were in with him, you were in for life! Many of his closest friends have been around for 40+ years.
He was a great storyteller, often embellishing (because nothing should get in the way of a good story.) In his final days he reminisced with us about Hawaii adventures. And ... for years to come, we’ll be talking about the time he needed an emergency dentist in Mexico, the time he took a nap on his way to his campsite, and the time he got caught by the Game Warden in Alaska. And we’ll never forget the time he dressed up as Snow White to Trick or Treat with his niece.
Matt is survived by his parents, Gary and Sharon (Olympia); his sister, Heidi (Scott Cope); his niece, Madeline Cope (Seattle); and nephew, Daniel Cope (Bellingham). He is also loved by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Matt on Tuesday, March 10. A funeral mass will be held at noon at Saint Michael Parish in Olympia, followed by a catered reception, around 1 p.m., at the church.
There will be a video! And there will be a microphone for those who would like to share memories of Matt.
Please RSVP, if you can join us. Email RSVPs to Gary & Sharon Fasnacht at FASNACHT@COMCAST.NET
Please no flowers! It’s Lent! Instead give a little to your favorite charity!
