"I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. My heart goes out to all of you. You are a wonderful family. My thoughts are with you."
In loving memory of
Matthew Atkinson
Matthew Obbie Atkinson died in a tragic accident on June 21, 2014, age 21. He leaves behind a legacy of love for the outdoors and passion for service to others. Matt gave selflessly to friends, family, the poor and needy, and cared for animals lovingly throughout his brief but rich life. His love for the outdoors, marksmanship, and fishing took him on adventures in deserts and forests across the country. Matt is survived by his parents, Joe and Fran, and his brothers, Blake, Grant, and twin brother Luke. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, Central & Missouri, 5510 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ 85012. In lieu of flowers, donation to Heifer International and Arizona Humane Society.
Tributes
"Matt was a good friend and classmate. He cared about others, passionately contributed to causes, and he will be sorely missed. It was a pleasure to be on the Academic Decathlon team together during junior year of high school, and it would not have been the same experience without him. In the brief time I got to know Matt, he was a naturally admirable person, liked by everyone at school. He touched many peoples\' lives. My deepest condolences go out to the Atkinson family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time."
"Fran and Family, I was shocked to hear of Matthew\'s passing! I am so sorry for your loss! I cannot imagine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Joe, Fran, and family. We are so sorry to hear of Matthew\'s death. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. We wish your family strength. We wish Matthew eternal health and happiness. Ken, Jude, Chuck & Weilan Moyer"
"Dear Fran and Atkinson Family, I can still remember the boys all playing t-ball so many years ago. I cannot think of your boys without thinking of \"Mattie\" and \"Lukie\". My heart aches for your pain and loss. I will pray for God to give you strength and comfort. The Estrada Family"
"Joe, Fran and the entire Atkinson family - There are no words I can say or actions I can take to ease your pain. Only time can do that. But know that you are in our thoughts and prayers so that God may grant you the strength to go on during such a difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss."
"Joe, Fran, Blake, Grant and Luke- We are so very sorry for your loss. There simply are no words. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Cindy Rainey Rosamond, CA"
"Dear Atkinson family, Although we have not seen each other in many, many years, we are very sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds as if Matthew grew into such a fine young man and the world has lost someone very special. Our thoughts our with you. The LeBrun family"
"Joe & Fran So sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg & Deb Backes"
"Joe, Fran, Blake, Grant and Luke-- We are so sorry for this untimely and tragic loss of your beloved Matt. Please know we both have had all of you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to all of you. Ken and Katrina Keatts Paso Robles, CA"
"I want to express my condolences to Matthew\'s family. I was Matt\'s second grade teacher and I can picture him as a 7-8 year old. He was full of life and just coming into his own. I was so sorry to hear about his passing. His family will be in my prayers and thoughts. Monique Harpe"
"So sorry to hear about the Atkinson Family Loss. May God help you get through this terrible tragety. My prayers are with Matt and the Atkinson Family. Bob Maresco"