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
Carey
07/13/2018
Garret, I hope God grants your every wish in the After Life.Your sense of humor in the face of such trying times is an inspiration. May you continue to spread that humor and good cheer to all as you watch over us. I have a smile while reading your words and thinking of my grandchildren, thank you. My sincere condolences to your whole family. From a Tamayame' (Pueblo Native from New Mexico) writing from Dalian, China
Jill
07/13/2018
Garrett, you must be keeping Heaven busy by putting whoopee cushions on St. Peter's chair. And the disciples are probably wondering how clothes pins keep getting on their robes. Thank you little Buddy for the joy you brought to those who loved you. Thank you Mom and Dad for sharing. God Bless from Alabama.
Diane from Quebec, Canada
07/13/2018
Dear Garrett
You touched my heart. Repose en paix cher petit ange. Rest in peace dear little angel
Greg Salmon
07/13/2018
From Walnut Creek, Ca. I tell my boys they are made of stardust and will become trees. Garret, your star must have burned bright, and your tree will surely be mighty. A tip of the hat to your wonderful family.
Rose Sailcat
07/13/2018
Garrett--you're something else little guy--I loved reading about you and I know that your parents feel blessed to have known you. I grew up in Iowa too (Shenandoah) and I'm sure there's a wonderful place for your big plans and that tree, giving hope to those who need it. You are loved by people who never met you--that's some special stuff honey.
Nancy Walker
07/13/2018
Garrett, your bright and playful spirit has touched many, many lives. Even though I never met you in person, I know you spread so much Joy during your brief in-body visit here. May your eternal spirit be assured that you made a Big Positive difference while your human self was with us. Blessings and thanks to you ... and sincerest condolences to your parents and all who knew and adored you. NGW, Austin, TX
Tee
07/13/2018
Hi Little Amazing man,
Thanks for your impact on the world in such a short time span. Glad you gave it your all. Fly high. Condolences to your family. May they have a great celebration that your great imagination suggested.
Love, joy, mourn, and strength for you all.
Peace Shalom
Tee
Grandma Leah
07/13/2018
To The Great Garret Underpants, fly high, Buddy! Be the best gorilla in the jungle! You deserve all the peace and joy!
Jan A
07/13/2018
Great Garrett, indeed. Reading Garretts words, I could feel his spirit and how he must have cheered anyone who crossed his path. My deepest condolences to all who loved this effervescent little boy. Wish Id known him.
Patricia Hess
07/13/2018
Sweet boy! We never met but, I sure wish we could have! Sounds like you had a wonderful sense of humor and would of had me laughing so very hard! I pray Mommy and Daddy fufill your wishes, and are comforted in knowing what a strong and brave boy you are! I hope to meet you when I get to Heaven!!! Maybe we can do some cool things! (Don't know when that will be). Prayers for your family, friends,and other loved ones you left behind!!! Fly high with Jesus!!!
Believer
07/13/2018
God has gifted you with a taste of heaven. God has called one of his guardian angels back to heaven. He works in mysterious ways. One day. U will see and understand. Look upto the heavens and be assure. He and all the heavens are with you and your family. Keep the faith.
River K
07/13/2018
Buddy , we never met but I wish we did. I myself am quite the prankster and love Batman.
When I was your age I hated pants as well. My mommy got me under roos. I had Superman and Batman. I would use a close pin to fasten a towel around my neck for my cape.
Iet me tell something I am sure Batman,Thor and yes Iron man think of you as their super hero.
When your tree is made and you come back as a gorrila . I will come and meet ya but promise me you wont throw poop at me.
Safe travels my Super hero.
Linda, Boston MA
07/13/2018
My deepest sympathies to the loved ones of The Great Garrett Underpants. May you find comfort knowing that this brave and beautiful little angel is at peace and with God. His obituary had me smiling and in tears. He has touched so many in his five short years and his memory lives on in our hearts.
Melissa W.
07/13/2018
You are strong sweet Brave little man. Wise beyond your years. Love Blessings & prayers with you & your sweet parents. I hope you show up in their world to watch over them in an incredible symbolic way. So they know you're always near. My mom shows up to me in pennies, sunsets & big beautiful yellow butterflies. I know you'll pick something amazing to remind them you are near from the other side of the veil. Im so sorry you had to deal with this disease at such a tender innocent age. I was 41 when I started my journey & I wasn't ready. I wish peace Love & light to you & your sweet family. Love your sister in pink
James Letherbarrow
07/13/2018
Sincere condolences all the way from Sydney, Australia. Garrett, your story has touched the hearts of many. Youre the super hero now! Rest In Peace little man.