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
Jon Lumi
02/10/2023
I wish for Better Days Ahead for you. What a special person your son was.
Melisa
02/10/2023
I was so touched by his Obituary!!! He absolutely rocks!!! Im so sorry for your loss, How blessed to be with such an amazing little man!!!
JoAnne Conners
02/10/2023
Your son was very special and like someone said he lived so much in his 5 years. Children seem to take death so easy. I love him and know he is having just as much fun in heaven. Pray for both parents and family.
Rosemarie DGinto
02/10/2023
What we could all learn from The Great Garrett Underpants. So very sad for the loss of your absolutely quick witted child. I know his memories will flood the internet for years to come and you will cherish every aspect of seeing them. Big hugs to your entire family.
Rosa M Oliveras
02/10/2023
As a Speech Pathologist working for a Pediatric Hospital, I have seen and treated many kids with cancer. Most of them are still fighting, but some of them had lost the fight. And when that has happened, I have cried a lot for them too. My condolences to Garret's family, knowing that his pain is over. We are going to meet him again. My prayers are with all his family.
Karen
02/10/2023
I saw Garret's message today while I was scanning the internet. What a beautiful kid. I cannot imagine how much you miss him. Even though he was hurting he brought love and laughter to everyone around him. I want to be like Garrett.
Amanda
05/27/2022
I am a stranger, I did not know you or your son but your story touched my heart. I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful child. I loved his story. His sense of humor is amazing and speaks volumes of how you raised him to be, a happy child. I almost lost my daughter, I didn't, but almost, I can't imagine the pain you feel. No words will heal that pain, but you are now in my daily prayers.
Take care,
All the way from manitoba, Canada.
Your child has touched hearts near and far.
Sending your family so much love
Linda Dionizio
05/26/2022
What a beautiful little boy. He was an Angel here and will forever be your Angel. I too lost a son 3 yrs ago. I feel your pain and sorrow. Grieve at your own pace and forever if thats what you need. I am sending hugs and prayers for all of you. 👼🏻❤😇
Jenny
04/27/2020
Rest In Peace little Angel, so sorry for your loss??????????????
Debbie
09/17/2019
My heart feels for your loss of your gorgeous little man/ baby. He has inspired more in his five years than most do in fifty. Love to you all and you are in my prayers.
Linda Hodges
07/01/2019
So sorry for the loss of your little man. Garrett was such a sweetheart. I can see that he has a great personality. I just love him. Thank you for sharing his story. I am praying for you. Jesus,
I lift this family to you. Bless them beyond what they could imagine and fill them with joy in your presence ??????
Ruth from ireland
06/25/2019
I am a grandmother of 5 girls . My heart goes out to you and your family I am so very sorry for your loss
God bless
Sharon Albert
06/25/2019
I understand what your son wanted those days of the sorry sad funerals are over there is an quote from the tv show little house and it goes remember me with joy and happiness but to remember me in sorrow and tears then don't remember me at all I have cancer but even though I have had treatment and great results I still worry if I go out of control again your family I'm sure has great memories of your son like I had with my dad who also died of cancer still stay strong for your son
Diane
06/24/2019
Sorry for your loss I wished I could of had a chance to meet the great Garrett underpants what an amazeing little man
Christi G
05/18/2019
Im so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. What a courageous small human being full of life! May the wonderful loving years you had with him bring you comfort. May you embrace the hope found in Gods word in Acts 24:15 And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection.... Psalms 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth,And they will live forever on it.. Please know death was not in Gods original plan as he put eternity in our heart, ...He has even put eternity in their heart...(Ecl 3:11). Please know there is hope to hold your little boy in your arms again here in the near future on Earth made into Paradise as God originally intended.
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