So begins a terribly sad e-mail I received moments ago from the wife of our beloved Lobster Runner Matt from Colorado who succumbed to complications of his cancer on Oct 19.

I've already received permission from Donalyn to share this with fellow Lobster Runners and now you. Others will chime in - including with pictures - but I can tell you it was my and my wife's honor and privilege to have spent time with Matt and Donalyn, and not just because they came, by far, the furthest distance.

As participants know, as part of the "Run" we had a poetry reading by my friend Robert Gibbons. What NONE of us knew was that Matt was a poet himself and, indeed, read from his book of poetry (about what else but a car?) and gifted me the book after reading from it. (You should have seen the smile on his face after reading it...priceless). Needless to say I will cherish that book for as long as I live.

I told Donalyn that I will share some of the comments written here so feel free to add what you will.

He was a gentleman as well as a gentle man. He will be missed.

Best regards,
A saddened Jay

 

It can be said that the internet and social media can be a cold land of superficial relationships but in this case it showed us something different and allowed many of us to meet a kind and gentle talented soul who was willing to cross the majority of the country to spend a long weekend with us all on that trip. It was an honor to meet Matt and his lovely wife and to learn a little about him and the life he had lived. It was this forum that allowed us all to share his love of his new Ftype and to share that common bond that the car culture creates for us all. Matt worked as an professor and engineer, geophysicist and geologist for many years in the petroleum industry helping to find deposits of the precious liquid that fuels our passion. For that alone we should thank him.

But on the Run we got to learn about a good and decent man, who up to that point had beaten this disease and now owned the car of his dreams. He and his wife Donalyn were fun to be with and I think really enjoyed the fellowship and the fastlanes of our journey. In post Run emails he would always recall that trip with fondness which tells me that even though he has passed he won and beat this disease anyway.

We will miss your not being with us Matt but through this forum is just another way you will always be remembered. I'll post some photos later tonight. Rest easy Matt.

 

Also found the following from over a year ago that just sums him up nicely.
?You Cannot Tie This Guy Down? Says Doctor About Man Living With Incurable Lung Cancer « CBS Denver

 

At some point we need to get back together to do a missing man formation.





Matt's IRR coupe, 2nd from the left.

 

That's a great article, Marko. Not sure I realized at the time that his cancer was incurable, but that article sums up his spirit - very positive, and a joy to be around.


Matt and Donalyn

 

 

I never had the privilege to meet Matt but my condolences go out to a fellow car enthusiast and a very respected member of the community. Your familly will be in the center of my prayers tonight

 

Matt was 'mjm3457' here, and his avatar was his TR4. As I recall, the poem he read, which Jay referenced above, was about purchasing the TR4.

 

I think it's a fair bet that the fastest Matt had his F-type was on I-95 north of Portland.

 

When I'm back in the States I will type up his poem - which put a smile on not just Matt's face while reading it but ours - as I'm sure he'd love others to read and enjoy it. It's quite charming and many of us here can certainly relate.

I've been corresponding with Matt's wife Donalyn and will share some amusing thoughts and comments she has already made to me when the time is right.

Those are some wonderful pictures and memories of Matt; thanks guys, thanks Dave! Love your thoughtful and well-written comments Marko! Love the idea of the missing man formation Unhingd!

Best regards,
Jay

 

A couple of additional photos. Matt next to his pride and joy. The second was of the poetry reading with Robert reading his verses to us after Matt has graced us with his.

 

I often think to myself that life is so rewarding, yet my faith taught me that the afterlife is eternal. His passing from earth will be a reuniting with the greatest generation ever to live, of which my parents, grandparents, family members and friends are now. They await us all, and especially those who lived a good life.

From what I read, and what I feel, although I never met him, I will pray for him and wish his soul eternal rest in an afterlife that we can only dream about, but never experience until it comes along.

May God rest his soul, and to his wife, whom i don't also know, I wish you peace and the happiest of memories and for every beat of your heart a love for your husband forever. God Bless you also!

Deepest Sympathies, Joe from New Jersey

 

In lieu of my typing out Matt's wonderful poem - and my sense is not everyone will want to read it - please PM me [with your e-mail address] and I will happily scan it, tomorrow while at my office, and send you a copy. I re-read it today and it's as charming as it is well-written.

Best regards,
Jay

 

That's such sad news

Thanks for letting us all know Jay. Never had the opportunity to meet Matt but that he inspired such kind words and thoughts on here tells you all you need to know.

Thoughts and prayers are with Matt's family and friends at this sad time.

 

No question Matt fought the good fight (See Marko's link above). You also have to give it to a guy, and his wife, for driving 100 miles West of Denver all the way to Portland, ME to attend this event. The beaming smile on his face - throughout the event but in particular while reading his poem during the poetry reading - continues to put a beaming smile on my face, even as I write. That I could provide the impetus - unknowingly - to provide such an occasional that obviously meant so much to a poet/man provides me with extreme satisfaction and gratification.

His passing shouldn't have to remind each and everyone of us to embrace life and enjoy every damn minute as we're all just one breathe from the end.

 

+1000

 

Condolences to his family and friends. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest.

 

So sorry to hear...best wishes to his family and R.I.P. Matt.