Mourning the sudden loss of Matt McKnight

To say that Matt McKnight will be missed does not come close to describing the pain of losing him. He was such a huge presence in any space he occupied. The house was never full until Matt walked through the door and everyone knew the party couldn’t start until he arrived.

No matter what room Matt was in he filled it up with his big personality, silly jokes, and of course his opinions.

At just 36 he was taken from us in his sleep. Just the night before he had been baking cookies, playing with his dogs, and laughing with his wife, Emily.

The home they made together is filled with unfinished projects - pictures to hang, landscaping in the backyard, and his woodworking in the garage. Evidence of all the dreams he shared with Emily to make their first house a home.

This September would mark the end of their first year in this house and October their second year of marriage.

Matt called his mother almost every other day and visited her just about every weekend. They shared a bond like no other. Like his mother, Matt absolutely loved Christmas. He was a stickler for tradition and bought the perfect gifts (sometimes a year in advance). Of course, he had no shortage of opinions when it came to the tree and decorations.

Matt never planned on having children, but his pets were his babies. Despite never having children of his own, he was a rockstar uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was nothing short of incredible with kids. No one could play like Matt. He was able to have fun in a way that most adults can’t with impressions and voices that were always on point.

Anyone lucky enough to call him a friend knows what an unbelievable person Matt was. They also probably know that he lived in the moment. He was too busy living, loving, and laughing to plan for something like this. Times are difficult and no one wants to be the one to ask for help, but his family could really use support from anyone who is able and willing.

Money donated will go directly to support funeral costs and his wife Emily.

It is so important to her to keep their home as well as their pets and the memories they created together.

She has lost her husband and we feel that the last thing she needs is to lose the home and family they built together. Any help provided is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please just keep Matt, Emily, and their family in your prayers.

If you are reading this and know Matt personally we are sorry for your loss. Matt made such a positive impact on everyone and will be deeply missed.