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
Penny
07/12/2018
My condolences to your family. You raised a very special and young man. Sharing his story is making a difference. My prayers to you. Several months ago I saw a site on green burials www.thelivingurn.com. They have beautiful trees. I dont know if this is what you are looking for or not. I have no affiliation with the company. Thank you for sharing Garretts story. He is showing all of us how we should be living our lives.
Sara Perez
07/12/2018
Condolences from Virginia. We were so touched reading about Garrett and want his family to know they are in our prayers. Rest easy, sweet boy!
Chris B
07/12/2018
That is one special guy that you have. And just think, God and Heaven now have to watch themselves with your little Prankster.
Bob Howell
07/12/2018
God bless your son and your entire family. I lost my sister to this dreadful disease when she was 2. Thank you for sharing Garrett's story, sounds like a great little man. Bless you all.
Robyn Carbo
07/12/2018
First my since sympathy to Garrett's family. Second my sympathy to Garrett, I am so sorry you had to deal with something so terrible in your young life. Life should have been filled with playing with friends, laughing and not having a care in the world. I wish I could explain to you why God sometimes allows these thing to happen but I cant. But know you were and are loved dearly and enjoy being a gorilla and climbing in trees. Peace be with you Garrett.
Janet Vierra
07/12/2018
I know you are in the arms of God, and you have your own tree so you can be a gorilla and throw poo at your dad. You are so beautiful and your heart touched me all the way over here in Spokane, WA. Will you do me a favor and take care of the lions from Jugamaro? Don't worry, they are tame. My husband needs help as he is caring for many animals in Heaven. Thank you!! Love Janet
Denise
07/12/2018
thank you for sharing your little boy with the world by sharing yours and his story. I would like to send my condolences to your whole family. Im gonna think about this story, keep thinking positive no matter what keep a imagination. when I need some uplifting. I will pray for you and your family.
Christina Nevitt
07/12/2018
What a bright light your son is. While we do not know one another, his story (and his obit) touched me. I cannot imagine your grief, but know your sons light still shines in the spirit he has left behind that will continue to inspire others. Prayers to you all!
Mary
07/12/2018
I saw the info on my news feed. I am so sorry for your loss. Your son sounds amazing and hilarious! I will be thinking of your family on the 14th. God Bless.
Lisa Wright
07/12/2018
Id tell you to rest in peace but gorillas prefer to play I bet. Especially big strong brave gorillas like you. The world needs more gorillas and way more Batman! I feel so lucky that I got to read your story today. I hope you are having all sorts of crazy fun adventures right now. Im sending you and your family all kinds of love.
Chris Pugh
07/12/2018
Sincere condolences to the family. What a happy, fun soul Garrett was. Irrespective of the situation, this leaves no doubt that his pure heart was unscathed and remained true to who he was. That speaks volumes to his resilience as well as the love of those around him.
Big John
07/12/2018
God Bless you little one...there's a special place in heaven, and in our hearts, for you.
Karl Duval
07/12/2018
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Fly high little man!
Gordon
07/12/2018
Cheers to this amazing young man. My heart breaks for your loss. Godspeed
Crystal Caines
07/12/2018
Oh my little guy you are a true hero. It broke my heart to read ur obituary but your amazing lil guy. My family and I send our condolences. No more pain sweetheart no more needles no more radiation or chemo it's your time to fly.. everything you ever wanted to be you can be now. You did such an awesome job writting your own obituary.. you have such a creative beautiful Mind. God bless you and your family and spread your wings and fly little man because now you can fly with bat man you are a true hero.. my family sends their condolences and prayers for your family..FLY HIGH BATMAN JR. God's little precious angel.