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
Sara
07/12/2018
Like others I saw this story on my news app and hope that many others are able to share in this amazing story as well.
My heartfelt condolences to Garretts entire family and friends I cant imagine what you all are going through. My heartfelt admiration to his parents for this beautiful obituary what an honor to your son. I wish you peace as you move through this journey and know that someone in Massachusetts wishes she could have met this amazing young man.
John Ruicci
07/12/2018
You're a cool boy, God will love having you in heaven.
Patti - New Jersey
07/12/2018
Garrett will be there on Sat among those wonderful kids in his bouncy houses having a truly excellent adventure. This sweet boy won the lottery with precious parents like you. Enjoy this celebration and that beautiful tree. I think Garrett (the Gorilla) has started his own revolution .... XoXo
Connie Long
07/12/2018
What an amazing young man! Cancer stinks! Garrett's story touched my heart. What a strong , loving and kind hearted young fellow. May you find comfort in knowing that every person your son came in contact either in person or by the internet will forever be changed by his presence on this earth!!
Firefighter Hofstad
07/12/2018
God Speed Son!
I hope your aim with the poo is spot on!
Jesus has you now.
Lisa Stewart
07/12/2018
What a little Warrior! Praying for the family.
Brenda Aubuchon St.Louis, MO
07/12/2018
My condolences to mom, dad, big sister and the rest of the family. Such a brave and smart little guy to have known what he want his obituary to say. And to know he wanted his remains burn and planted to become a tree. Sweet sweet baby boy may you climb, hang and play in your tree as long as you want. GOD Blessing and peace be with you.
SHANNON
07/12/2018
Im so sorry for your loss. He sounds like an amazing kid! I have a friend that lost a child and they used his ashes to grow a tree. What a great idea! Google urnabios, they offer that ability.
Darrin & Sheriffa (Wright) Jones
07/12/2018
Emilie & Ryan - I was so sorry to hear about Garrett and that you and your families have had such a heart wrenching year. Our prayers are with you as you embark on his memorial. What a wonderful way to remember him. What a legacy he will leave with a big strong "giving tree". Thoughts, prayers and sympathies to you, your daughter, and extended family.
Amy
07/12/2018
What an amazing tribute. I am an internet reader who has been following Garrets story. Such a strong boy. There are companies that use his ashes to plant a tree, Living Urn is one. I hope he grows into a big strong tree that will provide shade and beauty for your family! Prayers!
Erin
07/12/2018
I'm an internet stranger who was moved to tears by reading your son's story. What an amazing child. You may want to try www.thelivingurn.com for planting Garrett as a tree if that helps any.
Maggie Murray
07/12/2018
What an inspiration. I have never met your son or his amazing family, i only know my heart is breaking for all of you. May God hold all of you in his arms and give you strength with esch passing day. God's blessings to all.
Patricia Prijatel
07/11/2018
Sending virtual hugs to what sounds like a wonderful family. Garrett was obviously well loved, and he loved well in return. What a legacy. Thank you for sharing his memory with those of us who didnt have the privilege of knowing him. My condolences on the loss of a great little boy.
Nick
07/11/2018
I did not know your boy, but he seems like a wonderful child and you seem like an incredible family. It is horrific what you went through, but his upbeat and postitive attitude and your candor to him seem inspirational to us all. I hope you get the tree made and from my family to yours we wish you find comfort through this and look through like Garrett.
Erin
07/11/2018
Tears. My heart breaks for you all. What an amazing little guy.