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
Larissa Johnson
07/15/2018
For an amazing kid that was braver than us all, peace be with you.
To the family, thank YOU for sharing your son's story. I'm sorry for your loss.
Curtis Berryman
07/15/2018
I hope you find comfort and peace at this time. I am so sorry for your loss of your special Garrett. I have been a Funeral Director in California for many years, and never before have been so touched by an obituary. I am still trying to dry my tears. Your son must have truly been a very sweet boy. I wish your family all the blessings of heaven. Kindest Regards, Curtis Berryman
Sandra Venerable
07/14/2018
The words won't come through the tears. I'm so very, very sorry.
Jay Lepley
07/14/2018
I am so very sorry. I just read about your beautiful son in the NYTimes and was quite moved. He was obviously a great gift to you and the world, and you were clearly a great gift to him. I know the Celebration of Life must have been magical today!
My Love, Jay
Zoey
07/14/2018
Garrett: my only hope is to live with as much joy over my years as you did in your abbreviated six. You are an inspiration. See ya later, buddy.
Joan
07/14/2018
Thank you for bringing a bit of the light that was Garret to so many of us. He - and you, his family - are an overwhelming inspiration.
Maria
07/14/2018
I read your story via a link on Facebook. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine what you may be feeling. May you find peace in your beautiful memories of your beloved little boy.
Lynn
07/14/2018
Emily and Ryan my heart breaks for you and your family but I will be eternally grateful for your message to the world to stay positive and maintain a sense of humor. My oldest son turns 5 next month and we will be sure to celebrate Garrett's life.
Lynn
Julie Halsey
07/14/2018
I just learned Of your story on Facebook and live in California.My heart goes out to your family and much love to all of you and to Garrett. What an amazing and wonderful boy he is and I am so sorry for your loss. May you forever be surrounded and comforted by his love and light and he will forever be your protection in your life journey and join with you again in heaven.
Joan in Berkeley
07/14/2018
What a gift it must have been to have Garrett Underpants for five years. The joy he brought to everything he did and those he touched is all encompassing and inspiring. I send you all condolences and a wish to continue his exuberance and zest for living. He made me smile and I am grateful to him.
Wess Haubrich
07/14/2018
So sorry for your loss! Garrett sounds like quite the kid: funny and a fighter. His memory will be forever treasured and everybody who read this was made a bit better by it. Rest in Peace.
Clayton
07/14/2018
An Angel visited your home briefly.... he has Blessed your home and left behind memories to carry you along.... God bless your family.... RIP GARRETT!
Carolyn Thomas
07/14/2018
Rest In Peace little guy, no more needles and pain, you were one brave soul, you will be missed. God wanted another angel in Heaven and he picked you. Hoping your family finds comfort knowing you are with The Lord.
Brad in Brooklyn
07/14/2018
My condolences. It's certainly amazing how much living this guy did in his 5 years on earth.
A lot of us have a lot of catching up to do to reach his wisdom.
Godspeed Garrett Underpants.
Liz
07/14/2018
I was so very sorry to hear about your loss. The obituary is really funny, and your son's incredibly brave and mischievous spirit is so clear from his words. Wishing you some peace, if that is possible.