It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” James Matthews, on November 4th, 2023, at the age of 68, at his home in Payson, UT.

Born on May 15th, 1955, in Pomona, CA, Mike was son of Jeanne Lynch and the late Joe Lynch and the late Mike Matthews Sr. and Beverly Matthews.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Cassi Michele Matthews Wolf (Matthew). His mother, Jeanne Lynch, his siblings: Lori Burk (Darrel), Jamie Barney (Rex), Lisa Williams (Jeff), Lori Farris, Jolene Connors (Rich), and the late Christopher Matthews. As well as nieces, nephews, and cousins that will cherish his memory.

From his early days as a mischievous child into his adult years, Mike was a master prankster and harbinger of surprises. His affinity for scaring his mom with fake spiders and chasing his sisters with live snakes created lasting family memories. Christmas brought forth a unique tradition of hiding a plastic skeleton in the tree, sparking a friendly competition among family members to find it first.

He began his career as an ironworker in the early 80s. He was a member of the California Ironworkers Union Local 344 and the Intermountain Ironworkers Union Local 27. Mike took pride in his profession and what it meant to be part of a union. His craftsmanship left a noteworthy mark throughout Utah and Wyoming, which includes power plants in Eastern Utah, the Wyoming Wind Energy Center wind farm in Evanston, Building 222 on Main Street in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah’s Natural History Museum, and the Intermountain Medical Center in Sandy, UT.

Mike found joy in various pursuits. An avid fisherman, a life-long Pink Floyd fan, a desert racing enthusiast, and a connoisseur of history and science facts, Mike’s eclectic interests enriched his life and the lives of those that loved him. One of the things that brought him the most happiness, love, and connection was caring for his and his daughter’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the spring of 2024 for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Cavalier Crazy Rescue in Mike’s name.

Donations can be sent directly to CCR via PayPal or Venmo

• PayPal: Click this link or by entering their email, cavaliercrazyrescue@gmail.com
• Venmo: @CavalierCrazyRescue

There is no pain you are receding

A distant ship smoke on the horizon

You are only coming through in waves

Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying

When I was a child I had a fever

My hands felt just like two balloons

Now I’ve got that feeling once again

I can’t explain you would not understand

This is not how I am

I have become comfortably numb

~Pink Floyd