6/12/1986 ~ 7/14/2004
Matthew was serving with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Inf. Regt. 1st Platoon based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He collapsed and died from
heat exhaustion during his final week of basic training exercises, making every effort to accomplish what he had set his mind to. He was 18 years of age.
Matthew was the oldest of three children born to Brian and Teresa Nish in Provo, Utah. He attended schools in Pleasant Grove, Orem and Puyallup, Washington.
He is survived by his parents, Brian (Debi) Nish and Teresa Nish, siblings Amber, Eric, Tanner, and step brother and sister, T.J. Sanders and Randi Sanders. He is also survived by his grandparents, Dale and Norene Nish, Jerry and Joan Whipple, George and Becky Thorpe, Michael and Kate Johnson and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He had two very close friends who were like brothers to him, Andrew Jolley of American Fork, Utah and A1C David "Äz" Scott (USAF) presently serving in Kirkurk, Iraq. He was preceded in death by an uncle, Donald R. Nish (USMC). Matthew was a member of the LDS Church.
Matthew was a very bright young man who was always eager to meet people and make new friends. He loved his family and his country and he was looking forward to serving in the Washington National Guard, where he was residing previous to basic training. At the time of his passing he was doing what he loved and he was looking forward to the adventures he would experience in his military service. Matthew was a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to really get to know him. He had a big heart and a warm smile. He had amazing talent in the things that he did. Matthew loved to draw and write poetry and many of his friends and family members received his drawings and poems. He was a special spirit and he will be greatly missed by all. Till we meet again, Matthew, we love you.
The family would like to thank the U.S. Army, especially the staff and soldiers at Fort Jackson, for their thoughts, prayers and letters. We know he will be missed by many.
Friends and family members are invited to a viewing Thursday, July 22, 2004 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E. 800 N., Orem, Utah.
Funeral services will be held at in the Lakeridge North Stake Center, 450 S. 100 W. Orem, UT at 11:00 a.m., Fri., July 23, 2004. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 and interment will be in the East Lawn Cemetery, Provo, UT.