Matthew C Van Tassell

2003 ~ 2023

Matthew C Van Tassell was a beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, and life of every party he walked into. He passed away unexpectedly on April 24th, 2023 at the age of 19.

Matt was in the business of making people laugh. Many will remember his witty jokes, cartoonish eyebrow raises, and emphatic use of the word “slay.” His charismatic personality was always accessorized with fabulous style. He was a rare man who could pull off wearing “jorts” and his minimized closet overtook an entire dorm room.

Matt was an active friend and teammate his entire life. He was always looking for an adventure and experienced many alongside friends and family. He also loved and excelled at many sports. Many can share experiences from Friday night football games, playing basketball, picking up soccer, or tearing up the slopes. Matt poured his soul into every game he played. His skills were always a result of his incredible self-discipline—the hundreds of hours of practice and conditioning. Matt never made a goal he didn’t accomplish.

When Matt could manage to sit still for a moment, you could usually find him wrapped up in music. He was a strong presence in his high school choir. The piano lessons may have never stuck, but Matt was a wonderful self-taught guitarist. Everyone who knew him likely had the privilege of hearing things ranging from beautiful renditions of Hey There Delilah to intentionally horrid versions of Happy Birthday.

All his witty sarcasm could never hide his truly tender heart. He loved big, he loved passionately, and he protected his people fiercely. Matt was always ready to take someone under his wing; his little brothers and cousins especially can attest to his supportive love. He built up the people around him with his huge smile and long-armed hugs.

Matt’s life was written in moments, not milestones. We will never know what made Matt decide to end his life this way; but we will carry him with us and find peace in knowing his burden has now been lifted.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at the Grandview Ward located at 2930 S. 2000 E. Salt Lake City, UT. Friends and family may gather prior from 9 am – 10:30am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. SLC UT.

You may watch a recording of the services online through Zoom using the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/UglYLXJPZo0syIcU0hFWpeSNQk3V38-N4XKowNHwF7kS1PKytYwQ216em2nWsHpU.J2pIfBizsy4XCWYh?startTime=1682786358000


Guestbook/Condolences

So very sorry hear of your loss. Such a tragedy of someone so young. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.


- Neva Horsley

We send our love to you and your family. So sad to hear about Matt. We are out of country and unable to attend but please know our hearts are with you.


- Ray and Linda Van Tassell

Matt was a great friend, and an even better person. He always brought a smile to people’s faces wherever he went. He was a light in everyone’s lives. I’m am so sorry Matt. Fly high🙏🏾


- Jevin Whitworth

So sorry for your loss. May you and you family be blessed with comfort and peace at this difficult time.


- Kent and Michelle Card

may Jesus Christ comfort the heart of the whole family, God receive you Matt.


- Odina Fonseca

Marc, Maegan and family;
We were so saddened to hear the news of Matt’s passing. Please know that our heart hurts for you. Rely on the Savior and loved ones to help carry you through this tender hard time. Love, Tim, Lori and family…


- Tim & Lori Gines

All I can do is send all my love and hope for you to have some peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.


- Kirsten Lydolph

We enjoyed Matt as our host at LaFiesta; he was efficient and always greeted us with a big smile and an extra bowl cabbage salsa 🤪. May he rest in peace and you all as well knowing he’s with the angels now watching over you 😇.


- Kerri Pintar

He must have been and is an awesome young man. You have our overwhelming love and support.. Please extend our thoughts to the entire family. We are praying for you🙏


- Rod and Connie

I am so unbelievably sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love you all! 💕💕💕


- Miranda Page

Matt was a lovely young man. He and Claire were a dynamic duo—always having the best time! I will cherish memories of his big smile and kind heart.
He is in my prayers🙏🏿


- Beth Crawford

LTC Vantassell, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Matthew.

May or Lord ad Savoir Bless your family.


- COL Nindl, LTC Nava, CSM Raney

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are genuinely with you all. Covering you all.


- Destinee Ratcliff

Our deepest condolences and sympathies 🙏 Gloria and David


- Gloria jensen

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marc, Megan, and the entire Van Tassell family during this time of loss and sorrow. RIP Big Matt we will truly miss you!!


- Jeff and Debbie Cazier

I had the opportunity to work with Matt. He was such a light. He was always so kind and had the BEST sense of humor. He always had the funniest jokes - even when he thought we couldn’t hear him. He was always so sweet and so willing to help in anyway he could. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.


- Caitlynn Winkler

So So Sorry for your loss.


- Vicky Jackson


- Mike & Debbie Francone

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this painful time. Please know we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.


- Mike and Debbie Francone

Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time. May the Lord bless you and give you strength to find some peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️


- Frazer Holmes

In this moment of pain and farewell, I send you my condolences, my affection and all my support.


- Meyre

I did not know you Matt….. but I knew your Grandfather and Grandmother Peterson as they served as my mission presidents in Mexico many years ago. Your mother was a beautiful young girl who along with her sister and two brothers gave us a taste of family during our time away from home. Oh how we loved them !
Your family will grieve and will miss you the rest of their lives …. But a wonderful, thrilling gift is now yours Matt. You will now know and love the most wonderful man ! Drew will wrap you up and smother you with all that is good, all that is great and will actively love you forever. I miss Drew….. I love him. You will too!


- Christian Forsyth

The Hart family sends our deepest condolences for your loss. We will not be able to be with you in person, but please know that we are deeply saddened. It is not possible to fully understand your grief, but we share your pain. If there is anything we can do to support you, please reach out to your 143rd Dental Company family.


- Evan Hart

So sorry for your loss you are in our prayers and thoughts

Lord bless


- Dick and Elaine jorgenson

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We mourn with you and pray for all of you.


- Danette and Peter -Maestes Family

We are so sorry for your loss. We love your family. Your in our thoughts and prayers.


- Carole Ann & Phil Thomas

I’m so sorry for you loss! My thoughts are with your family!


- Julee Snelgrove

Matt was a really good person he was smart loving kind helpful and most of all funny he would anyways put a smile on my face durning work Matt was the best to work with I miss you dearly Matt fly high darling


- Citlali Bernache

Our deepest sympathies for all of you. We hope you feel the Savior wrap you in His loving arms during this time. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we share in your loss.


- Taigon & Jodi Worthen

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.


- Sharon Groves

Marc, Colleen and i have just learned of your son's death. At times like these mere words are so inadequate. Some years ago, my only sister died at an early age and my mom, in her grief, said that "it just wasn't right for parents to have to bury their children." I concur. Our only solace is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sealing power which binds our children to us.
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. We loved you as a missionary and love you today. May the Lord bless you and your family.


- JOHN BAILEY STOHLTON

Losing a child is hard! Our heart and prayers go out to you! May the Lord be with you as you continue on this mortal journey without Matthew. Until you meet again, know that he is still close…..watching over you in Spirit. Reach out and feel his love! ♥️


- Lloyd and Sandy Embry

I didn't know Matt or your family but something drew me to read his obituary today and to watch his funeral service. I have never wanted to hug someone more than I have wanted to hug his mom right now. You were speaking to me. I am Matt. I am you. I am not worthy. I don't let people in. What a beautiful speech and beautiful tribute to her son. Matt is very lucky to have had you for a mother and to have this family. Thank you for sharing your son and your message with the world. I was meant to hear it today.


- Jennifer

Rest in Peace, Matt.


- Chad W. Brown