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
Magda Quinlan
07/15/2018
I don't believe in God, but I think your little boy went straight up into Heaven. I am wordless about how to state how sorry I am for your loss
Ellen
07/15/2018
Thinking of this most wonderful little boy makes me cry. Yes, God did need another little angel and Garrett was chosen. I wish I could have met him.
daveene Lawhon
07/15/2018
What a touching little angel. This little man was very strong and looked up to by many. I don't know you or your son but this story really touched me. I am very sorry for your loss. Rest easy Garrett.
E. Guy
07/15/2018
Many blessings to your family - it's incredibly sweet his final wishes were honored! I hope you find a place for him to throw poo!
Robbie Stevens
07/15/2018
What an amazing Man, he reminds me of the Man the Lord allowed me to have here for 14 years until Rhabdomyosarcoma ended his life on 7-19-13. The Lord only allows certain people to be the parents of such wonderful souls, not just anyone is capable, be encouraged and live like Garrett. with Love Robbie, Jackie, Ariel, Garrett and Chad Stevens. {Chad is in heaven}
Jess Wagner
07/15/2018
I cannot get over the bravery and strength Garrett carried in his heart, he is a true inspiration! I know he passed that on to you, his family, with the knowledge you will continue to walk strong. Plant his tree (just be careful when you walk under it and cover your head for flying poo!) Sending you love from PA!! Thank you for sharing your precious son with all of us!!
Marie Oberempt
07/15/2018
Words cannot express how saddened I am to read of your loss. I love that you have carried on your sons personality. If you havent found a way to turn his ashes into a tree yet, look up Bios Urn. Hoping you are able to find strength and peace in the days ahead. I will be thinking of your family while eating a sno-cone today.
Melissa Velasquez
07/15/2018
A friend of mine shared Garretts story on FB. Its the first thing I read this morning.
Bless your sweet angel, poo throwing gorilla.
Garrett sounds like such a character and it sounds like he knew exactly how to celebrate life!
Prayers for Garrett and all his loved ones.
~ San Antonio, Tx
Kathi Irwin (MA)
07/15/2018
The hero in my life and the inspiration that has driven me for years was a 9 year old (SNP-Super Nick Power) who lost his 6 year battle with cancer. I taught him in my Kindergarten class in 2008. To the friends and family of Garrett, I offer prayers for comfort, and prayers of thanks, for sharing this awesome child with others. I have gained another hero and heaven has truly gained another angel.
May you take joy in your memories and feel peace in your hearts for a life, although too brief, well lived! God bless you and keep you strong.
Love from Kathi Irwin
soumya verma
07/15/2018
hey dear gorilla, you are such an inspiration. For your brave soul may rest in peace. Strength to your family in such a tough time. Love from India.
Betsy Todd
07/15/2018
It would be far from home, but... I hope some of Garrett's ashes can nourish a tree in a place where gorillas live.
Peace and love to your family.
Danni
07/15/2018
My condolences.
I can only imagine the sorrow and grief that relatives and friends of Garrett feel now.
I hope he is well where he is now, and that he will soon be reborn as a mighty gorilla, and live that life to the fullest full of joy, fun and happyness.
Greatings from Denmark.
Dacosta....
07/15/2018
May his souls rest in perfect peace...sorry for the lost of such a good hearted person ...He must be forever remembered.. R.I.P Garrett.
DW
07/15/2018
So I have had a run of bad luck. An illness, no work, and now far away from my two boys and fighting depression, preoccupied with dark thoughts.
But no more.
I followed the trail here from the Times article and your son's story put front and center how much we should value every single stupid day, the trivial and the great.
I too am coming back as a gorilla and throwing poo at all my loved ones. They'd better prepare.
In your grief and loss, know that Garrett helped someone he didn't ever meet, who didn't really deserve his help, but who's very grateful for it.
Mary Ellen Hale
07/15/2018
Thank you for sharing Garrett's story. He was a hoot! God bless you all as you mourn his passing. With love from Idaho