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
Kellie from Pennsylvania
07/17/2018
As a Mom of three rocking boys myself, I find myself laughing through tears reading your beautiful boys obituary. Your family obviously found a way to handle a parents worst nightmare with grace, dignity, and daily smiles. I have never commented on an obituary for someone I do not know personally, but just couldnt help myself. Truly inspiring. May the Great Garrett Rest In Peace and his legacy remain forever!
Ivan
07/17/2018
I read about your son's obituary on the BBC news website. What a brave and lovely little boy. My Sincerest Condolences. A BIG HUG to Garrett. Thank you.
Ivan from Scotland.
Dhanya Arun
07/17/2018
I read about your son's obituary on the BBC news website. My deepest condolences to your family. Touched by his perception of life as seen through a 5 year old.
Dhanya Arun (mom of a 5 year old), Virginia
Cheryl Elias
07/17/2018
I don't know the name of the company but there is one that specializes in environmental burials using the remains to feed a tree that is planted above it.
God bless you and this beautiful child.
Lisa T.
07/16/2018
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful one. His obituary has reached and touched many hearts. Sending you love.
Lisa T., Quebec, Canada
CB
07/16/2018
What a star! Thank you for shining into my life this evening. Smiling and thinking of Garrett
David Barrows
07/16/2018
Shooting stars perhaps were never meant to shine forever but to grant us a gift, a wish. I offer my deepest sympathy and thoughts.
Tricia from Boston
07/16/2018
Garrett lives on and on, breathing his gorgeous spirit into the lives of all touched by his story! I wish you all peace.
Richard D Labish
07/16/2018
I am writing in regards of a thought of mine to remember Garret with . Plant an Ash tree where you can watch it grow and take care of . Then each year sprinkle a little of Garrets ashes around the tree to help it grow as Garret would of . By doing so Garret will fulfill your life in many wondrous ways ..
Windy
07/16/2018
I'm writing this message all the way from the Cayman Islands. Reading Garret's obituary today made me very happy, surprisingly. I also want to believe in reincarnation because gorillas are splendid beings. My sincerest condolences to all who loved Garrett.
Ian
07/16/2018
Rock on, Garrett Underpants! I'll remember to save a banana for you...Just know that that sunshine on your back is me, and keep the den warm until I get there...Love, your bud, Ian
Lori
07/16/2018
I read your family's story through a Facebook post. I can only imagine the sorrow you feel in losing your boy. I suspect you already know how blessed you are to have had such an amazing little man in your lives. I feel honored to have heard his story. Prayers to you through your difficult time. Remember he will always be with you watching from above.
Nicki Firman
07/16/2018
I'm ever so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how you must feel. However, I sincerely hope youll take the wonderful outpouring of love from strangers all over the world, hold it close to your heart and recognize that your son is a hero- he taught the world a wonderful lesson. Godspeed Garrett! Im going to eat a sno-cone in your honor, little dude!
Cassie C.
07/16/2018
I read about this amazing little boy via a Facebook post. Reading his obituary, I giggled and sobbed. He obviously touched so many lives and will continue to touch lives with the amazing spirit he had. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
Elinor
07/16/2018
To The Great Garret Underpants, may you rock the heavens the way you rocked the earth!!! Fly high, you inspiring little man!
To The Great Garret Underpants wonderful sister and parents, my heartfelt condolences.
Thank you for sharing the story of your amazing super hero.
Love from Germany