good-bye to a dear colleague
In December 2000, Bear, Jona, and I drove to Matt Key's house in an icestorm. Matt had invited the family to spend the night while he and I worked till morning editing my first book, Until The Whole World Knows. Matt has designed every website and resource since then all the way up to the launch of our new website earlier this year.
This past Saturday, Matt suffered severe brain trauma while boating with his beloved family. I received a call from Christie on Sunday while I was waiting to catch my plane home from New York. Several phone calls later I spoke with Matt's daughter, Brook, in the NICU waiting room. She said, "Dad needs a miracle." As soon as I landed in Springfield I went straight to the hospital and the family gave me the opportunity to say good-bye to Matt. Now, he is in Jesus' arms.
Over the years, countless friends have commented on the art of the resources, the continuity in the graphic design, and how the "look" accurately reflects my heart and style. That was all Matt. He had the ability to hear the spirit of this picky artist and capture those impressions in design.
Beyond being the most gifted graphic designer I have ever seen, Matt was a devoted husband for thirty years to Robin, and an incredible father to his five children. In the last few years he became a grandpa and his eyes always sparkled when he talked about his tribe.
I've been crying for days now. I'm sure others who interacted with Matt in ministry felt the same. He always believed in me and offered his excellent gifts with a pure desire to serve Jesus.
We spoke a few weeks ago and the last thing he said to me was, "I just love being a part of what you do. I'm happy to help anytime you need me."
Well, Matt, you've been an integral part of every resource I have ever created. Your giftings are irreplaceable but they are not what I will miss the most. I will miss your faith and integrity and servant spirit. I will miss your example of excellence without arrogance.
And I will be praying for your incredible family.
Enjoy basking in the presence of your Original Artist.
This past Saturday, Matt suffered severe brain trauma while boating with his beloved family. I received a call from Christie on Sunday while I was waiting to catch my plane home from New York. Several phone calls later I spoke with Matt's daughter, Brook, in the NICU waiting room. She said, "Dad needs a miracle." As soon as I landed in Springfield I went straight to the hospital and the family gave me the opportunity to say good-bye to Matt. Now, he is in Jesus' arms.
Over the years, countless friends have commented on the art of the resources, the continuity in the graphic design, and how the "look" accurately reflects my heart and style. That was all Matt. He had the ability to hear the spirit of this picky artist and capture those impressions in design.
Beyond being the most gifted graphic designer I have ever seen, Matt was a devoted husband for thirty years to Robin, and an incredible father to his five children. In the last few years he became a grandpa and his eyes always sparkled when he talked about his tribe.
I've been crying for days now. I'm sure others who interacted with Matt in ministry felt the same. He always believed in me and offered his excellent gifts with a pure desire to serve Jesus.
We spoke a few weeks ago and the last thing he said to me was, "I just love being a part of what you do. I'm happy to help anytime you need me."
Well, Matt, you've been an integral part of every resource I have ever created. Your giftings are irreplaceable but they are not what I will miss the most. I will miss your faith and integrity and servant spirit. I will miss your example of excellence without arrogance.
And I will be praying for your incredible family.
Enjoy basking in the presence of your Original Artist.
posted by alicia britt chole at
12:23 PM
4 Comments:
I am saddened for all involved. What a blessing to know that he is with our Lord now.
May God comfort you, Matt's family, and his other friends.
Alicia:
Thank you for sharing your pain and joy with us. I don't know why this strikes me so, but it does, and I appreciate your tribute of Matt and honoring his obvious presence in your life and ministry over the years.
A well lived life, it seems. May the abiding and deep presence of God be your portion as you walk through these mellow days of mourning.
peace~elaine
Beautiful tribute. It is so hard to lose those who are dear to us, even if their lives are better. Praying for you and his family.
I grew up with Matt and he was probably my best friend through High School until we went our separate directions. I met him in 5th grade when my family had moved to Union City during the summer. I didn't know anyone and I saw him and one of his friends at the local library. When they rode off on their bikes he had forgot his jacket over a railing. I grabbed the jacket and sped off on my bike to take it to him. He said, Thank You and we became good friends from then on. I spent weekends at his house and ate many a suppers with his family.In middle school we rode our bikes home for lunch. We rode mini bikes together and ice skated down the hill across from his house when it would freeze up in the winter. When I heard the news last night something inside of me was lost. To just not be able to see him every few years and talk about the times we had growing up will be missed. He was truly a trubadour for God and has left a place in my heart that I will always carry with me. Thank you for honoring his life also in your blog. It seems that we both were better off for knowing him in our lives. I know it is pretty early in the moring, but I couldn't sleep and just had him on my heart. Thanks, Jeff Clark
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