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
Greg in Los Angeles
07/12/2018
Dude,
You, sir, sound like you were an AWESOME young man. I am very sorry I won't get to meet you - but I sincerely look forward to hanging with you in gorilla form some time soon. Safe travels Mr. Underpants - and well done - it sounds like you lived the days you had very well.
Michelle
07/12/2018
What a cool dude, a loveable personality. I feel the same way about funerals, that is why I refuse to have one (I'm having a skating party). Glad the parents will honor his wishes, Love you guys. My deepest and warmest sympathy
Erika Rosas
07/12/2018
Amazing little boy! May your memories give you comfort.
And Dad....watch out for that gorilla poop!
Rest In Peace in that beautiful tree little guy!!!
Cindy Barnes
07/12/2018
This little guy...a light too bright for this world. You can bet he is living his best life on the next plain, cancer free and shining like the sun. Shine on sweet angel...
Leigh
07/12/2018
Garrett, you are an extremely cool little boy whom I just read about but will never forget. Thank you for being you, and to your parents for celebrating the special person you are. I bet youre in a big bouncy house up there, making angels smile.
Madelyn
07/12/2018
As a kid myself, I cant even imagine going through what your son went through. I read the story from CNN and I just had to say how sorry I am for your loss. From the information I read, Garrett seemed like such an amazing kid who was unimaginably brave. I dont normally pray, but for Garrett and you guys, I give my prayers.
Robin Hawkins
07/12/2018
I am so sorry to have never met this amazing person!! How proud you must be! How much he will b missed! Treasure your memories!!!
Felicia Howard
07/12/2018
The Great Garrett Underpants I only knew from the news story but you touched my heart and I pray for your family and friends! You were such an incredible brave young man
Diane
07/12/2018
Most sincere synpathy to the loved ones of this incredible boy. A boy whose heart was as big as all outdoors and a beautiful golden soul. Grow big and strong gorilla Garrett, play in your huge tree. You may have had cancer, but cancer did not have you.
xoxo Diane
maryhansen
07/12/2018
Pay attention to this: betterplaceforest
Tiffini
07/12/2018
Garrett, you were one amazing dude. We didnt know each other, but I loved your story. I hate cancer too buddy. I hope you are loving being a gorilla, and I'm sure mommy and daddy will get you made into a tree soon. You were so loved little one. Rest in peace now. No more needles for you. Much love as a mother....Tiffini
Kristin from Avon Lake, OH
07/12/2018
I just came across the article about your son and wanted to express my heartfelt sympathies to your family. What a courageous and beautiful son! I hope you are flooded with messages from near and far... knowing that mere strangers are thinking of you and your son in Heaven!
Jessica Trewhella
07/12/2018
Hi,
I saw your story on CNN. Your kid is one cool dude. I say is because his energy is all around. I look forward to seeing this tree.
Jess
Christina OHearne
07/12/2018
To The Great Garrett: You have made my heart sing. You are DEFINITELY a mighty Gorilla!!!!
You wrote the most beautiful obituary ever!!! Tell G-d your beautiful stories now!
My heart goes out to your family and friends who love you so much!! And, my heart goes out to you brave, magical boy!!
Christopher Rice
07/12/2018
As a parent I have no words.. As a human being that little man has affected in me a sense of strength, humility & perseverance that I shall not soon forget and will hold close like the insights we learn everytime we loose some one special, someone dear. May Gods grace be with your family, may your sons warmth go with you and his spirit live on in you ForEver. What an Incredible Spirit.