Matthew James Harker, age 39, of Casper, Wyoming and formerly of Lehi and Farmington, Utah passed away on Friday, May 30, 2014 from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on Thursday, May 29 while riding his bicycle on his way to work. He was surrounded by his wife Stacy, his son Quinton, his parents, his eight brothers and their wives and other friends and family.
Matt was born January 8, 1975 in Pocatello, Idaho to Ferrin L. and Wanda P. Harker (Beal), the seventh of nine loyal sons. After 10 years, the family moved to Farmington, Utah. He attended school in Kaysville, Utah and graduated from Davis High School as Student Body President in 1993. He later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Guatemala(\94-\96) before continuing his education at Weber State University, graduating in 1999. Matt received his Masters in Business Administration from Thunderbird International Business School in 2006 while also serving as Student Body President.
In 1998, Matt met the love of his life, Stacy Anne Russell, and they were married in the Orlando, Florida LDS Temple on May 19, 2000. Job opportunities kept them on the move from Salt Lake City, Chicago, Oklahoma, Alabama, Alaska and finally Wyoming. To Matt and Stacy\s marriage was added three wonderful boys; Quinton, Sawyer and Gavin.
Matt was a fantastic husband, father, brother, son and friend, and he made a positive impact on everyone he met. Matt loved his wife, playing and camping with his boys, hanging out with his eight brothers, leading, learning, riding his bike, training for triathlons, keeping in touch with his friends and constantly improving every aspect of his life. He was keenly interested in anyone he talked to and was a true champion of the underdog. He was all heart and his laugh was contagious. He had a drive for personal improvement and pushed himself and pulled others along with him to a word he used often, \"excellence.\" Matt was currently working with a company he loved, RLG International, in his dream job as a Professional Coach.
In spite of these amazing accomplishments, Matt\s passion was his family. He loved his three boys and spent all of his free time with them; camping, coaching soccer, helping with homework, wrestling, playing soccer. As much as he loved his kids, his wife Stacy was and is his pinnacle passion, his eternal companion. Matt was a bright light on this planet, and now he is a bright light in heaven. He lived life on his terms, actively serving his Heavenly Father and fellow men, and he died doing what he loved.
Matt is survived by his wife of 14 years, Stacy, his three young sons, Quinton, Sawyer and Gavin; his parents, Ferrin and Wanda Harker of Kaysville, Utah; eight brothers -- Darin (Stacy Devore) Harker, Shon (Charlene) Harker, Maurice (Nanette) Harker, Emil (Teresa) Harker, Ernest (Wendy) Harker, Lance (Kimberly) Harker, Joe (Morgan) Harker, and Gary (Erely) Harker, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014 at the Larkin Funeral Home at 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing will be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the LDS Stake Center at 2220 East Fisher Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah with Funeral Services to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be directly after services at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Matt\s first responders and caregivers both in Casper and in Denver, and to Matt\s colleagues at RLG international for their wonderful support. Even in death, Matt was able to give the gift of life through organ donation.
