"I was sad to learn of the passing of Matthew in reading my recent NMU Alumni magazine. Matthew had a tremendous influence on me as a student leader and later as an employee of the University. He was a mentor, and always made time to help a young person on there life journey. My condolences to the family."
In loving memory of
MATTHEW J. SURRELL
April 2, 1938 - February 27, 2019
Matthew J. Surrell, a proud son of Michigans Upper Peninsula whose career took him to the highest levels of government, politics, media and academia, passed away in Marquette on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. He was 80 years old. He died very peacefully as a result of a recent illness.
Matt Surrell was born in Newberry, Michigan, on April 2, 1938, during the final throes of the Great Depression. The Depression would end, and his father Dr. Matt Surrell, then went to serve in World War II as a medical doctor for General George Patton for five years, until the end of WW II.
Despite the circumstances, his childhood life in Newberry was adventurous and memorable for the young Matt Surrell. As a member of one of the towns founding families, he had an abundant supply of brothers, cousins and friends.
He graduated from Newberry High School in 1956 and went on to earn a bachelors degree from Michigan State University in 1960 with a major in broadcast journalism.
In 1962, while working his first job at W-SOO radio in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He and his new wife, Arlynn, were dispatched to Fort Hood, Texas, where their first son, Matthew, was born.
Soon they would make their way back to Michigan as Surrell took a job at Pontiacs W-PON Radio as news anchor. It would be a short stint as he soon ascended to Detroits WJR, one of the nations preeminent stations known as the The Great Voice of the Great Lakes. Never was this more true than when Matt Surrell was behind the microphone with his distinctive, professional voice recapping the news of the day.
During this time, he would befriend such colorful characters as legendary Tigers announcers Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey and many of thriving Detroits business and cultural leaders. At the same time, the family was growing with the addition of his sons Jeffrey (1965) and Christopher (1969).
Surrell hosted The 5 PM News, and because WJR was a powerful clear channel station, he could on occasion be heard in every corner of the country. He was a favorite to tens of thousands of Detroiters and soon became known to the executives at CBS Radio who sought to recruit him to join CBS News in New York.
While considering life in New York City, a Michigan United States Senator intervened. Michigans Robert P. Griffin, the number two Republican in the United States Senate needed a talented press secretary. In 1969, the family of five made the move to Washington and, at the age of 31, Matt became an essential part of Senator Griffins staff.
During his time in Washington, Surrell would become increasingly active in Republican circles. This set the stage for his future work on the campaigns of Michigan Gov. William G. Milliken and President Gerald R. Ford.
Matt was then highly recruited by NMU, and he ultimately accepted a position at Northern Michigan University as assistant to President John X. Jamrich. President Jamrich was NMUs renowned leader from 1967 to 1983.
He was ultimately promoted to serve as the NMU Vice President for University Affairs and also served as the Secretary of the NMU Board of Control. He proudly served three other presidents: James B. Appleberry (1983-1991) William E. Vandament (1991-1997) and Judith Bailey (1997 - 2003). As board secretary, he considered it to be an honor and a privilege to serve dozens of board trustees, especially its former chairman, the late Gilbert L. Ziegler, one of his dearest friends.
Surrell enjoyed a broad portfolio in his position as vice president. He oversaw the Universitys image and reputation, solidified and maintained its relationship with Michigans congressional delegation in Washington, directed the television and radio stations and was instrumental in securing the Universitys status as a U.S. Olympic Education Center.
For decades on the first Saturday in May, one could hear Surrell reading the names of every NMU graduate. He took great pride in enunciating the exact pronunciation of the many difficult Finnish, Swedish, and Polish surnames so common to our Upper Peninsula region.
Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and commendations. He was proud to be named by Associated Press as Michigan Newsman of the Year in 1961, an award for excellence in individual reporting. In 1968, Gov. George Romney recognized Matts outstanding contribution to journalism and reporting on Michigans business and industry.
While Surrell was focused laser-like on his career for much of his life, he always made time for family and certain leisurely pursuits.
His heart was never far from Newberry and Luce County where his parents resided. Fishing was an important part of his life. With brother Jim or cousin Tom Taylor at his side he explored many of the same pristine streams that grace the Upper Peninsula and were frequented and notarized by Ernest Hemingway. He also had a deep love for old movies, preferably those featuring Abbott and Costello, W.C. Fields, James Stewart, and many others.
Like most men his age, he played golf, but more for the fellowship than any deep love of the game. He loved the Detroit Tigers, Michigan State Spartans and, because his father was an alumnus of its medical school, the Michigan Wolverines. He was a devoted Lions fan for much of his life, but finally gave up and started cheering for the Packers in the 1990s.
He had a zest for civic engagement until his final days. He was very active in Rotary, served as chairman of the governors Advisory Commission on Substance Abuse, was a trustee for the Tahquamenon Education Foundation and was always a reliable partner for charitable organizations like the United Way and various womens shelters. He would never say no to eulogizing a friend or emceeing a charity event or retirement dinner.
He enjoyed deep, unbreakable bonds with many friends whom he loved like brothers. He was a wonderful father and brother. He will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Matt Surrell once wrote that, he would want his epitaph to read as follows:
Because he loved,
Because he laughed,
And because he learned,
He truly lived.
Those who knew him can attest this is the life he lived.
Matthew John Surrell is survived by his three sons Matthew (Jane) of Marquette, Jeffrey (Mitra) of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Christopher (Stephanie) of Johns Creek, Georgia; brother Dr. James A. Surrell; his former wife, Arlynn Morton; grandchildren Mark, Meredith, Molly, Ryan and Emily. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Matthew A. Surrell, Mother, Agnes Mickey (Costello), brother, Steven Surrell, and grandson, Aaron L. Surrell.
The family would like to thank the clergy of St. Michael Catholic Church as well as the caring staff of Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, and U.P. Home Health and Hospice for their gentle and compassionate professional care throughout Matts final months.
A visitation and Funeral Mass will take place at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette on Monday, March 4th with Rev. Gregory Heikkala and Rev. Brandon Oman concelebrating. Visitation will start at 10 AM at St. Michaels with the Funeral Mass starting at 12 Noon. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 at St. Michael's. Spring burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following organizations in the memory of Matthew J. Surrell:
- Tahquamenon Education Foundation (TEF) https://www.tahquamenoned.org 405 Newberry Avenue, P.O. Box 482, Newberry, MI 49868
- Northern Michigan University (NMU) Foundation https://foundation.nmu.edu
607 Cohodas Hall, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home of Marquette is assisting the Surrell family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Our heartfelt sympathy to Matt's family. We will never forget the first day Matt walked into Whiskers---instant friendship. Many wonderful memories and thanks for helping us with commercials for Whiskers and business issues. After we moved to Tennessee, Gary would call Matt at least once a month and he would always remember who Gary was. Rest in Peace Matt. Gary and Barb Lewinski"
"We have never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Matt Surell but what a beautiful man he was, his obituary speaks volumes. We are however blessed to know his wonderful brother Dr. Jim Surrell. The kindness runs in the family. We will always remember our fun times visiting with Dr. Jim and Kevin Vanatta at Newberry Motors. Wonderful memories and we look forward to adding more. Our love and prayers to Dr. James Surrell and the entire family. God bless you!! Lola (Lawrence) Sell and daughter Sylvi Sell"
"Matt was such a vital part of my children's transition to "college life" and a great adviser for my husband as chairman of the board. So very grateful, good memories. Condolences to each of you, a great loss. With much affection. N. Sell"
"To all in Matt's family-my thoughts and prayers go with you. I am among the many fortunate to have crossed paths with Matt over the years while attending NMU. He was a great mentor and friend and contributed much to the world around him. He helped me a great deal. God bless. Dave Forsberg"
"I was so fortunate at NMU the day that Matt asked me to join his office as his Administrative Assistant. I learned so much from Matt and he always encouraged me to expand my writing abilities to the point where I could actually draft some of his correspondence/letters and he would sign them and put a sticky note on them that would say "good job". Matt's writing and speaking abilities were amazing, as were his abilities to deal with people of all ages and ethnics! His smile and crazy sense of humor were contagious. And watching those three adorable sons of his, Matt-Jeff-Chris, grow up to be such fine young men was frosting on the cake! Every time that I visited Matt at Brookridge he always greeted me and we would go for a long walk and talk about all of the Commencement speakers and Board of Control members and other dignitaries from 30 years ago and he would remember them and say something about them. His sharp mind was still evident. Rest In Peace Matt, Rest In Peace!"
"Unforgettable, with Mrs. Jamrich and me, Matt Surrell remains etched in our memory as a significant friend and colleague; he leaves permanent foot prints of his achievements as my right hand colleague during my Presidency at Northern. Etched are his distinguished qualities of dependability, loyalty, and our mutual sense of devotion to our Northern Michigan University.
Dr. John X. Jamrich
President Emeritus
Northern Michigan University"
"I always enjoying speaking with Mr. Surrell whenever he came to visit Jeff in DC and on the one occasion I had to visit the UP. He had interesting insights about a variety of topics and was always a gentleman."
"I will always remember how Mr. Surrell expertly presided over Jeff and Mitras reahearsal dinner even in the face of rambunctious behavior by certain members of the wedding party, Cantor, McColl and Trysla. As his obituary details, he was a true professional and had the voice of a quintessential broadcaster. The wedding weekend was the only time I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Surrell but it was an extraordinarily memorable one and one I will always cherish."
"Matt and I worked on many radio and tv ads, voiceovers, and other voice projects. I looked forward to these sessions, where we would get the work done and then visit for an hour or two. He had a great voice, signature style, and always wanted to use an old '50s microphone of mine that he called 'his'. What a talent, and what an awesome human being. I feel blessed to work with him, call him my friend, and will miss him. Condolences to the family."
"In addition to Matt's other great qualities, the voice teacher in me always reacted to the wonderful, warm, musical resonance of Matt's speech; what a set of pipes the man had, and he used them so effectively. He had a terrific sense of humor, exemplified when his idea for honoring Bill Vandament with a parody version of "The Candy Man." Rest in peace."
"To Matt's family, He will be missed, as he was an important influence in my life. He was an inspiration to me while working on my thesis on John Voelker. I remember him as a class act giving me "walking around money" as we crossed the bridge & stopped at Annie's for popcorn. He was a comfort at Fr. Beyer's funeral, one of his many eulogies. Many fond memories- from drinking Tab, eating salted French Fries and beyond.. May he Rest In Peace & heaven enjoy his voice! Elizabeth Delene"
"Uncle Matt was one my favorite uncles. I remember way back when I was about 10 or 12 yeras old, I asked if I could join him on his morning jog. I ran the entire 3-5 miles and he was surprised that actually was able to finish with him. Also, recall that when Matt (4) and I got in big trouble when Matt (4) got his truck stuck in the middle of the night and we had to use Uncle Matt's truck to pull it out without asking for permission to take his truck. Our prayers and thoughts are with Uncle Jim and my cousins Matt, Jeff and Chris. We love you guys... Love Jim, Barb and Anna Surrell"
"Thanks to Matt, I went into University Advancement once I completed my graduate degree at northern. After thirty years and over $200 million raised across the Pacific Northwest, I am grateful to have had an exciting career, worked with Fortine 500 CEOs, College presidents and teenage moms. We all want to make a difference and I feel fortunate to have played some small part to make it happen. Matt emphasized the importance of a good memory and he enjoyed a nice whiskey. I can still name the seven dwarfs and enjoy a shot of George Dickel, straight, a little water. Godspeed, my friend! ~Debbie Ameen"