Friends of Matt

A note from Kristin

2006-11-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

It has taken me a long time to read the things on this blog. I miss my brother very much and feel robbed that he was taken before I got the chance to make up all the years we missed together. If I had known I would have been a better sister and called, and visited more often. I cannot express how bad it hurts to know I can never make it up, but I am very glad that he touched so many people’s lives living his. Matt had more charm in his pinky finger than most had in their entire being so I am very glad he got to have a child and pass it on. Well I miss him and hope he knows that I do and I am sorry for everyone who lost this wonderful man.

Love, Kristin

Top of the World!

2006-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

We wanted to share a picture, a memory, with Matt's friends and family. This past March, Laura asked Will Harmon and Dave Bednarczyk to take some of Matt's ashes to the mountains of Colorado. The picture is at the top of the Continental Divide, a place for Matt to stand watch and keep an eye on all of us down below. We love you Matt!!!

Note from the Family:

2005-11-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.
------------------------------------------
To Matt's many friends: You have no idea how much we appreciate reading your stories of Matt. Thank you to each one of you for being a part of his life. He was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. Your messages are a source of strength and comfort to our family. The pain of his loss is softened by your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

-Dick, Debbi and Maci Crowder

Dick & Debi and the whole extended Crowder family, Although Matt has only been a part of our family for about four years, we want you to know that we feel blessed to have had him as a son-in-law for the past three years. He always made us feel welcome,as did all of you, and for that we are truly grateful. We only wish that we could have had many more years with Matt. We know he will be remembered in many different ways by many different people but his lasting legacy to us is the beautiful grandson that he and Laura have given to you and to us. Although we don't understand why Matt was taken at such a young age, we do know that he lives on in all the people whose lives he touched in his short 27 years, but most especially through his son, Griffin. God has truly blessed us and may he continue to always hold us in the hollow of His hand. We love you.

-Grif & Lynne Callahan (Itmann, WV)

To use this forum...

2005-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

If you would like to make a post to this site, please click on any "comments" link that is located below a post. We will then publish your comment as a post and will update the site several times throughout the day. You don't need to sign up for anything. When you leave your comment, select anonymous, but be sure to sign your name at the end of your comment if you'd like your name to be seen on the post. If you need any clarification on posting, feel free to email us at friendsofmattwichita@hotmail.com .

One of the Toughest Competitors...

2005-11-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

My prayers, thoughts, and heart go out the Crowders during this time. I was shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Matt, as I have many fond memories of him. He was always a friend and a joy to know. I will always remember Matt.

-Liz Hentges (Wilson), (Houston, TX)

Matt, I am going to miss you very much! I cant tell you how much you meant to your friends and everyone else in your life we will miss you. Thank you to the Crowders for bringing matt into everyones lifes!!!

-Ryan Schultz (Olathe, KS)

Sorry I have just now been able to sit down and write something. I didn't find out until Saturday night that this had happened. I never had the pleasure of meeting Matt but I do know his wife from Dr. Crowders office. Dr. Crowder has treated 3 of my children. He is a wonderful and kind person so I can just imagine what kind of wonderful person Matt was as well. Laura is always a delight to see when we come in for appointments. She always has a beautiful smile on her face and is so friendly. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

-John and Lori Feikert and the Feikert Family, Maile, Paige, Brooke, and Larkin

I knew Matt briefly as a Realtor W/JP Wiegand in Andover. The last time I spoke with him was when he was waiting to find out the sex of his new baby. His smile lit up the room!
Thank You, God, for blessing this family with a wonderful little blessing before his Daddy's passing. Matt was so young but left so much.... be strong Crowder family, you are in all of our prayers.

-Joanne Coleman

Matt was one of the toughest competitors that i have had the privelege to play against. He was the only one who could make pickup family basketball seem like the final four. Sure he always talked alot of trash but he justified every word of it with the effort he put out. It never ceased to amaze me how he could keep up with us younger guys by sheer indomitable determination. I'm gonna miss him and i can't wait to enjoy the peace he now has from not having to compete anymore.

-Aaron Scott

I only got to know Matt, four years ago when he came into my niece Laura's life. I was given the gift of spending a vacation week with him and Laura at Myrtle Beach. I knew immediatly that Matt was going to fit in fine with our crazy family. He jumped right in one night, when two of the uncles decided to have a 2 hour argument over weather or not we really went to the moon. Matt was brand new to this family, but he was front and center in the debate. I feel sad that I am now not going to be able to get to know Matt better. I do know that for the rest of my life, every time I look at our Griffin, I will be seeing Matt. He is his father's son. I attended the funeral and listened to all of his friends tell wild stories about Matts love for life, and I kept thinking about one of my favorite quotes written by Abraham Lincoln. "And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
I love you Laura.

-Fran Pitotti (Winchester, VA)

I'm sorry to say I never knew Matt (I knew Ric and Adam at MD camp), but I wanted to express my sympathy to your family. May he be at peace.

-Dawn M. Allenbach (Inman, KS)

We worked with Matt at the Andover office of JP Weigand. When Matt and Laura first started in the real estate business his brash, somewhat over confident attitude took many of us by surprise. It wasn't long before many of the other agents were a little weary of his tendancy to voice a strong opinion on just about any topic. It didn't seem to matter to Matt that often is opinion was not widely accepted as informed. One day, after being chastised by Matt about my near addiction to a diet soft drink, I mentioned to him, privately that he was alienating many of us in the office with his "know-it-all" attitude. He seemed to reflect on this and slowly, over a period of time we began to see a change in Matt. Over the last year or so Matt had matured and the change was remarkable. He became someone who we all looked forward to seeing and spending time with. Whether it was just a quick talk about the KU basketball team or sitting next to him at the poker table, Matt's exuberance and true love of life was manifested in all he did. About 6 months ago I told Matt that after a rocky start in our office, he was becoming a well liked and respected friend. He thanked me for saying that. The last time I was with Matt was at a recent birthday bash for a friend. I played poker with Matt. After having him, good naturedly point out some of my mis-played hands, I was able to get Matt to bid into my hand, which ended up being four threes. Matt went "all in" and he lost. After several minutes of him telling me and the rest of the table that it was impossible for me to have won, he stood up, smiled, shook my hand and said, "you suck!" Matt, from one "know it all" to another, I am deeply saddened by your leaving us and our prayers are with Laura, Griffin, and your family.

-Pam & Bruce Peterson

Hide and Seek with Matt

2005-11-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

I still vividly remember the first time I met Matt. It was at Dr. Crowder's 40th birthday party and we were playing hide-and-seek. Matt scared the living daylights out of me as he jumped out from behind the couch...and I taught him a lesson to never do that again as I slapped him right across the face! I think heaven must have been getting a little boring and in need of some good debate style conversations, so God knew bringing Matt there was the best way to fix it! He truly enjoyed life and was enjoyed by everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers are with Laura and his family.

-Lindsay Sproul (Kansas City, MO)

We worked with Matt at the Andover office of JP Weigand. When Matt and Laura first started in the real estate business his brash, somewhat over confident attitude took many of us by surprise. It wasn't long before many of the other agents were a little weary of his tendancy to voice a strong opinion on just about any topic. It didn't seem to matter to Matt that often is opinion was not widely accepted as informed. One day, after being chastised by Matt about my near addiction to a diet soft drink, I mentioned to him, privately that he was alienating many of us in the office with his "know-it-all" attitude. He seemed to reflect on this and slowly, over a period of time we began to see a change in Matt. Over the last year or so Matt had matured and the change was remarkable. He became someone who we all looked forward to seeing and spending time with. Whether it was just a quick talk about the KU basketball team or sitting next to him at the poker table, Matt's exuberance and true love of life was manifested in all he did. About 6 months ago I told Matt that after a rocky start in our office, he was becoming a well liked and respected friend. He thanked me for saying that. The last time I was with Matt was at a recent birthday bash for a friend. I played poker with Matt. After having him, good naturedly point out some of my mis-played hands, I was able to get Matt to bid into my hand, which ended up being four threes. Matt went "all in" and he lost. After several minutes of him telling me and the rest of the table that it was impossible for me to have won, he stood up, smiled, shook my hand and said, "you suck!" Matt, from one "know it all" to another, I am deeply saddened by your leaving us and our prayers are with Laura, Griffin, and your family.

-Pam & Bruce Peterson

Pushing me to do my best!

2005-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Crowder Family, You all are in our prayers in this time of sorrows. I only met your son at basketball practice 3 or 4 times but he was always pushing me to do my best and giving me comments about my talent. So he will be deeply missed by me and i'm sure the rest of the Andover Central Boy's Basketball Team.

-Daniel Taylor

Matt, when you and Laura walked into my office, I said "what have I done?" As usual, you proved yourselves and became part of me. I will never forget how we would talk about our personal lives and so how much love and passion you have for your family and friends. Thanks Crowder's and Scott's for sharing him with me. "Mother Mary!"

-Anonymous

Matt: The True Champion

2005-11-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

To Laura, Griffin & Crowder Family,

When I agreed to coach 3rd/4th grade jr. football, I called Will and asked if Matt could help us. Without hesitation Will said it wasn't if Matt wanted to help us, it was if I was ready for Matt!! During a game Matt called one of his brillant plays and the kids executed it perfectly and Matt turned back to me and yelled (Jesus these kids are studs, just like me) Another time we were 4th & 30 yrds to go and he called a play resulting in a touchdown. Of course Matt was running up and down the sidelines cheering on his boys and yelling Jesus I'm brilliant. At the end of our season He asked me if he could tell me something without hurting my feelings, after saying yes he wispered and said he thought most of the boys liked him more than me. I agreed with him, & if pictures were worth $1,000,000 I,d be rich. I am already richer by knowing Matt as a Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Friend, Coach and true Champion!!!

-Larry Harmon

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

I met Matt through mutual friends only a couple of times over the last few years. The first time we met, even though I did not know him, he befriended me immediately and it was like we had been friends for years. This tells you what kind of person and great man that Matt was. I also could tell Matt had passion for life and lived each day to the fullest. I'm sure he left an impression on everyone he met as he did me. Matt will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his wife, Laura, and son as well as the entire Crowder family and friends.

-Mark Douglass (Chicago, IL)

Dearest Dr.Crowder, Debbi & Family,
My heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with each of you. The years I have known you as a family and the love you share will give you the strength needed at this time. I am having a mass said in remembrance of Matt. Love & Prayers, Paula Garlock (Former "Smiles" Staff Member)

-Paula Garlock (Shreveport, LA)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Laura, Richard, Debbie, Ric, Adam, Maci, other famly & friends,
I'm sorry for your loss of a great father, son, brother and friend. Over the last year, I saw Matt 6-7 times and really got a chance to visit and catch up. I was devestated to hear the news of his passing. I saw him less than two weeks ago. He was so excited about being a new father. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

-Gina Bauer (Wichita, KS)

Please accept my heart felt sympathy. Sherrill Tooley, Todd and Rob Taylor's mother.

-Sherrill Tooley (Bothell, WA)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May God bless and comfort you during this time.

-Doug, Alicia, & Havely Wolff (Overland Park, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

I worked with Matt and Laura at J.P.Weigand in Andover. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the memories of Matt give you all comfort.

-Bonnie Sue & Carl Hultgren (Kechi, KS)

Dear Dick,Debbie,Ric,Adam,Maci and family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I always loved our times together and thought you have such a beautiful family. May all of your warm and wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort. May you feel God's powerful love at this time and always.You are all in my thought's and prayers.

-Ann Litton (Whitewater, KS)

Matt we will miss you. You were a good football coach.

-Blake LaCrone (Wichita, KS)

Heartfelt sympathy is extended to you in the loss of Matt. My thoughts and prayers to the many friends and family Matt left behind.
-Kelly Reiboldt (Mission, KS)

Miss you much!

2005-11-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

Matt, I am going to miss you so much. I have many memories that I will cherish forever. I feel so blessed that I got to spend time with you the last time I was home. The Crowder family is in my thoughts and prayers.

-Shanda Brier (Dallas, TX)

Matt was always such a joy when he would come to our home to see Shanda. Our prayers and hearts go out to his wife, his son, parents and family. We all will miss him.

-Pete & Kim Brier (Wichita, KS)

Matt: The Intense Competitor

2005-11-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

Perhaps Matt's most dominate characteristic was his intense competitiveness. We could think that his heart problem is the one thing he could not beat. I prefer to think that he beat it for 27 years before it finally won a set against him. God's timing is perfect and we cannot understand it. However, I know that Matt fought the good fight. He loved God, his family, and all of life. If only all of us could be so lucky.

-Mike Todd

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Crowder Family,
We pray that God will cover you with his peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

-Keri (Jamieson) Jenkins (Andover, KS)

Though I only met Matt not quite eight years ago, being his biological brother, this is very tough for me. I have nothing but good memories of him, and wish that there could have been more. He was a great, great guy, and he is irreplaceable. To Laura, Griffin, and the rest of the Crowder family, I'll be praying for you, and I'll see you all soon.

-Cole Keleher (Watertown, NY)

I will never forget all of the fun childhood memories of growing up with Matt. I was two years old when he came into Dick and Debbie's life and I called him "Baby Matt". You are all in my prayers.

-Angela Fields-Serafin (Wichita, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

Having only met Matt a few times, I quickly understood the impact he must of had on many, with his pleasant smile, polite demeanor, and witty personality, he quickly made me feel part of the gang. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Crowder family.

-Melissa Tucker (Wichita, KS)

Matt was such a wonderful guy. My earliest memories are of Matt, playing in the neighborhood, running around. He was always there, just across the street. My deepest symphathies go out to the entire Crowder family and you all are in my heart.

-Julie Jacobson (Alanta, GA)

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

-Billie Lies (Adams) (Andale, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Crowder's vivaciousness for life will live on forever within our hearts. He was truly a unique spirit. In his death we are able to celebrate his life. I have many fond memories, that still make me laugh, and always will. Thank you Matt for being a good friend.

-Amanda and Del Hinnen and Blue (Idaho Springs, CO)

What an amazing family that you guys have. Our families have known each other for a long time, and our hearts go out to each one of you. I loved running into Matt and hearing about you guys. I just saw Matt two weeks ago and he was so proud of his new son and family. Matt will always be remembered by his smile. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
With Love,

-Katy (Kiser) Sebastian (Wichita, KS)

Dear Crowder Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of Matt's family and friends. I know the guys will miss playing poker with him.
Best Wishes,

-James & Tiffany Stepien (Andover, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Family of Matt, our hearts are saddened to hear of Matts' passing. Our memories of Matt are all good, his caring and loving nature was very evident in this world. We will carry those memeories w/ us the rest of our days. May the strength of our God be with you as are our most sincere prayers.
-The Hudsons' (Wichita, KS)

I was saddened and shocked to hear of Matt's passing. I remember going to Crestview for Junior Golf, tennis and of course Bingo. Matt was there--always smiling. When I had braces, I remember seeing his picture hung proudly in Dr. Crowder's office. You are in my prayers. God bless!

-Molly Novascone (Phoenix, AZ)

I had the pleasure of having Matt in my life nearly 12 years ago when I attended Andover High School for just a year. Matt's smile is something I will never forget, he will truly be missed. God Bless.

-Abby Fellingham (Des Moines, IA

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

To the Crowder Family,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Matt. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you in his care.

-Steve, Rhonda & Rowan Pendergraft (Wichita, KS)

Dear, Precious Crowders...
We are so sorry. Words are totally inadequate, but God is faithful and is wrapping you all in His arms as you remember all the good things about Matt and the joy he brougt to all who knew him. We're praying.

-Rod and Barb Feese (Houston, TX)

To the Crowder Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

-Jennifer Gregg (Wichita, KS)

Matt Crowder: The Invincible

2005-11-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Matt will always be one of the most unique and memorable characters in my life. Our friend, Andy Watson, summed-up my feelings perfectly while we were talking on Tuesday morning when he said, "this could not have happened-Matt Crowder is invincible." While we all know that is just our perception of Matt (and certainly was Matt's own perception as well), that is how I will always remember Matt: strong-minded and independent, and with more confidence and charisma than anyone else I knew. I will also remember him as a great friend. That is why I loved him, and why I will always miss him.

-Anonymous

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Richard & Deb I'm sorry to read about your loss in the newspaper. May God wrap His arms around you and your family to comfort and strengthen you. You will be in my prayers.

-Kathy Hough (Wichita, KS)

Matt's legacy certainly will be his passion for life and his love of family and friends. When we think of Matt, we smile with memories of a young man who lived life to its fullest and a person who leaves a lasting imprint on the many lives he touched.

-Dr. Dean and Nancy Wright (Wichita, KS)

You will be missed.

-Tim Shaver (Wichita, KS)

To Matt's Family----I'm so sorry ad you are in my prayers. Matt was an awesome guy and a great friend. He will be missed dearly. This world won't ve the same without Matt Crowder.

-Jennifer Green (Kansas City, MO)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

To Matt's Family,
We are praying for you all. He was a great guy and a great friend to us. We will deeply miss him. He was so proud of his wife, and his new son. Matt was a great father. He was a great KC Chiefs fan... God bless your family and give you strength.

-Diane Ward (Wichita, KS)

You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Our deepest prayers go out to the family.

-Jeremy, Josh, Janee Comley (Wichita, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Crowders and Scotts,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your great loss. My heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers.

-Karen Sanders (Cedar Crest, NM)

We grieve with you all in the loss of your son Matt. May our God of comfort ve your strength in these difficult days, and know that you are being lifted up in our prayers.

-Dan & Kim Sullivan (Wichita, KS)

Dear Richad, Debbie and Lisa, I work in the office at Central Christian Academy and want to send my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to your family. You can only imagine now how sorry I am for your family! Our daughter, Lestie, was killed 9 months ago in an auto accident during an ice storm at age 26. She left a husband and an 8-month old daughter. I can TRULY say, "I know how you feel"! She was our only child and our lives have changed forever. The hole her absence leaves in our hearts will never heal. The hurt is unimaginable! But our faith in God, knowing He holds the plans for our lives in His hands, sustains us. One day we will be together for eternity and what a glorious reunion that will be. Debbie, if you ever need to "talk," just let me know! You and your family are in our prayers. In Christ,

-Carol Cook (Benton, KS)

Obituary Excerpts...

2005-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

We will miss Matt greatly. We have many fond memories of growing up with Matt that will stay with us forever. Your families are in our thoughts.

-Logan & Morgan Overman (Fairway, KS)

Please know that all of you are in the thoughts and prayers of our family. We mourn your loss and grieve beside you. May the Lord be gracious and merciful to you all and may He wrap his loving arms around you and draw you near.

-Robert, Natalie, Ric, and Margaret Ann Browning (Memphis, TN)

Matt's Smile

2005-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

I will never forget the smile on Matt's face the day Griffin was born. When we got to the hospital I saw a pure joy over him that only a proud daddy has. I am so glad he was lucky enough to experience that. Life is full of different seasons and I think parenthood was one of Matt's finest. I will remember Matt as he was that day. We will always love and miss you Matt!

-Mindy Brown

We will miss you dearly

2005-11-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

There's so much to say and yet I don't know what to say. I will share a portion of one of Matt's finest moments. It was an evening at the Brown's house. Justin and Sabrina, Mindy and Mike, Jamie and Janae, Matt and Laura and Ryan and I were all playing a game of Cranium. At one point in the game we were all trying to get our partner to guess a certain word. What Matt did made us all laugh so much that we couldn't pay attention to anyone but him and Laura's face was priceless. One of Matt's many passions was poker and he was good. I can remember several times when we went head to head on a hand I never should have played and won on the river, it would make him so mad and he would make sure I knew I shouldn't have played that hand. That was Matt he was such a great competitor and a tough one at that. "Be life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for." David Starr Jordan, Educator and WriterI know we would all agree that Matt's life was more than complete.

We will miss you dearly,
-Angela and Ryan Minton

Always Climbing Mountains

2005-11-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

Matt, I remember the time you, David Woolf and I climbed Mt. Cachura in Colorado. Half way up you quit and then decided you weren't a quitter. It was 80 degrees at the base, we were all in shorts, and it snowed on us at the top of the mountain. I remember watching the clouds form at our feet, and I remember the look on Woolf's face when we grabbed him from falling off that cliff.

Matt, I'm going to miss you buddy. You were always climbing mountains!
-Will Harmon

Matt's Service

2005-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

Matt's service will be held at 2pm this Friday (11.18.05) at Central Christian Church. 2900 N. Rock Rd.