Garrett Michael Matthias
July 06, 2018
Garrett Michael Matthias
AKA “The Great Garrett Underpants”
3/26/13 – 7/6/18
My name is: Garrett Michael Boofias
My birthday is: I am 5 years old
My address is: I am a Bulldog!
My favorite color is: Blue….and Red and Black and Green
My favorite superhero is: Batman…and Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and Cyborg
When I grow up: I’m going to be a professional boxer
My favorite people are:
• Mommy, Daddy, my sister ‘Delcina’ (Delphina),
• The grandparents with the new house (Fredric and Cheryl Krueger),
• The grandparents with the camper (Daniel and Nita Matthias),
• My cousins: Grady, ‘that guy I took down that one time’ (Luke), and London Marie,
• My Auntie Janette and Stinky Uncle Andy (Andrew and Janette Krueger),
• Those two guys, you know, my uncles (Kristopfer Krueger and James Taylor)
• Batman!!
The things I love the most: Playing with my sister, my blue bunny, thrash metal, Legos, my daycare friends, Batman and when they put me to sleep before they access my port
Things I hate: Pants!, dirty stupid cancer, when they access my port, needles, and the monkey nose that smells like cherry farts…I do like the mint monkey nose like at Mayo Radiation and that one guy that helped me build Legos (Randy)
When I die: I am going to be a gorilla and throw poo at Daddy!
Burned or Buried: I want to be burned (like when Thor’s Mommy died) and made into a tree so I can live in it when I’m a gorilla
Big or Small Funeral: Funerals are sad: I want 5 bouncy houses (because I’m 5), Batman, and snow cones
Emilie and Ryan Matthias will honor Garrett’s final wishes by having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14th from 5pm – 11pm at 2377 132nd Ct Van Meter, Iowa
Note: Symbolic Asgardian burial ceremony and fireworks will be held just after sunset
A private burial of Garrett’s ashes will be held at a later time once his parents figure out how the hell to get his ashes made into a tree and locate a nature preserve, so his tree resides in a protected area.
Donations can be made directly to the family https://www.gofundme.com/garrett-mathiasmathias-family or in Garrett’s honor to a few of the many non-profits that helped Garrett along the way: The Little Al Foundation (https://www.littlealfoundation.com), The Pink Tractor Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/PinkTractorFoundation) and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon (https://dancemarathon.uiowa.edu)
We are so grateful to the many doctors, nurses, child life specialists, musicians, art therapists, and volunteers that worked tirelessly to cure Garrett of his cancer. The reality for Garrett and so many other children is pediatric cancer is an ugly, nasty beast that leaves a path of destruction. For Garrett and many others before him – cancer kills. Those that are ‘lucky’ enough to survive endure long term debilitating side effects and the constant fear of relapse. We will fight for a cure until no other kids are robbed of their childhood, no other siblings lose their best friends, and no other parents have to bury their babies.
Garrett endured nine months of hell before he lost his battle with cancer. During that time he never lost his sense of humor and loved to tease the doctors and nurses. From whoopy cushions and sneaking clothes pins on their clothes to ‘hazing’ the interns and new staff doctors, he was forever a prankster. Nothing caught people off guard as his response to ‘see ya later alligator’:
See ya later, suckas! - The Great Garrett Underpants
Orlando
07/16/2018
My deepest condolences to the family. As i was reading and watching Garrets obituary i felt his presence here with me! I want to just say that this little boy will forever hold a special place in my heart! Thank you for sharing his story.
Brian
07/16/2018
Thanks for sharing your little boy's wonderful thoughts with us. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jose P.
07/16/2018
May Garrett be welcomed into Valhalla with roaring cheer as the first poop-throwing gorilla viking!
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this special guy at this time. May God allow you to celebrate his life and colorful what's-to-come with exuberance!
Sue M.
07/16/2018
I felt your son's spirit while reading his obit on Today.com. I am a private person who normally does not respond to these, but in this case I felt compelled to do so. Garrett IS and will always be so special as well as his family. This truly was the most moving obit I have ever read which is an inspiration to all. God surely is hugging your son in heaven while blessing you all forever.
Teresa from Dubuque
07/16/2018
Dear Garrett! I feel like I know you! My nephew was like you, stuck in a hospital for months and months enduring treatment after treatment. To your Mom and Dad: Please consider writing a childrens book entitled Great Garrett Underpants to share your superhero with the world! Peace and prayers!
Lisa in California
07/16/2018
I saw that you were looking for a way to turn Garrett's ashes into a tree. You can do that!
www.betterplaceforests.com
A few friends have already made their arrangements.
Mason Family
07/16/2018
Emilee and Ryan, words cannot express the heartbreak we are feeling for you and your entire family. We were so fortunate to meet Garrett on the 11th floor during our sons battle with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. His spirit and practical jokes he played on the care staff resonated through the halls. Will remembers him from super hero day and activity time on the 12th floor and has asked to adopt a gorilla for him from WWF. So that is what we will do today. Adopt a gorilla and name him Garrett. Thank you for blessing our lives with a wonderful little boy. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
Miguel Perez
07/16/2018
I did not have the privilege of knowing Garrett, but i just read an article telling his story. I can tell he was a wonderful young man. I was touched by his story, Superheroes were something that fueled my childhood as well. I am so sorry for your loss. Though short, i can tell he lived beautifully, touching the lives of those he met. Personally, he has inspired me to be better, like all Superheroes do and I am sure I am not the only one.
Mannyb
07/16/2018
My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss.
Have you heard of bio-Urn.
It is a way of turning someones ashes into a tree of your choice. I am thinking of having it done myself. I hope I have offered something that can be useful to you.
Ken DuBois
07/16/2018
I am offering my heart felt prayers to you parents and to any who knew this amazing young man, God Bless and keep you always.
Drew G
07/16/2018
see ya later, indeed. godspeed.
Jeni Herrera
07/16/2018
What an amazing little man!!! Our sincere condolences to the family.
Tim V
07/16/2018
You only lived a short time, Garrett, but you were a MAN. You've taught a lot of people what grace is. You live on in those who love you.
Christine
07/16/2018
Here is a different kind of burial to become a tree
The site is capsulamumdi.it
Tammy Allen
07/16/2018
Garrett,
We heard this morning about your brave battle with cancer. You touched our hearts and lives all the way down here in Florida. You are a super hero, a tree and the gorilla you wanted to be. God speed little one and forever watch over your mommy, daddy and sister. Thank you for making our world a better place.