Matt Nelson — The Man Who Always Showed Up

On July 1st, 2025, we lost someone who meant everything to us.

Matthew Timothy Nelson, or Matt, or "Matty," depending on how you knew him, passed away unexpectedly while doing what he had done for years: working hard, helping others, and giving it his all. On an HVAC call in Dewey, Arizona, Matt was working in attic temperatures over 150 degrees when he became unresponsive. Despite CPR from his partner and the tireless efforts of medics, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

He was only 58.

We're his family, his wife, bonus children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandkids, and we're coming together to raise funds in Matt's honor. This isn't just about covering funeral expenses. It's about honoring a man who gave endlessly, laughed loudly, loved deeply, and asked for nothing in return.

Why We're Asking for Help

Earlier this year, Matt and his wife, Clarrissa, purchased their dream homestead — a property shared with Clarrissa's daughter and son-in-law. It was more than land. It was a vision for the future, one that included gardens, animals, family dinners, and a peaceful life rooted in love and legacy.

Matt's sudden passing leaves not only a massive hole in our hearts but also a devastating financial gap. We're hoping to raise $15,000 to:

This is about allowing his family the space to grieve without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Who Matt Was

Matt was the youngest of six kids and the first to make everyone laugh. He was the glue in so many relationships, the one who always showed up, whether it was to fix a busted AC unit, lend a listening ear, or make you laugh so hard you forgot what you were sad about.

He was a devoted husband, bonus dad, Papa, Army veteran, fishing buddy, and diehard Chargers fan (even when they broke his heart). His love for his country ran deep. He served 21 months in Germany and proudly visited our nation's capital this year, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

To know Matt was to know joy, reliability, and a confident, mischievous grin. Whether he was fishing with his wife, cracking jokes around the fire, or working with wires and compressors in the Arizona sun, Matt was present, dependable, and unforgettable.

How You Can Help

If you've ever had someone like Matt in your life, someone who made everything better just by being there, we hope you'll consider donating in their memory. Every dollar helps us ease the burden for his wife and family and ensures his dream for their shared homestead doesn't slip away.

If you're unable to give, please consider sharing this page and sending up a prayer in his name. We feel his absence every moment, but we're holding on to his light, his laughter, and the love he poured into all of us.

Thank you for being part of his story.

With love and gratitude,

Matt's Family