2 - Message from Nick and Colleen
Matthew Robert Sanden, 29.
Our eldest son went home to his heavenly father April 11, 2008. He died unexpectedly from pneumonia and leukemia. Matt was born January 24, 1979 and raised in Idyllwild, California. He graduated from Hemet High School in 1997. Matt was the proud owner of Sanden Environmental. He was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, flying helicopters, sailing, playing golf and soccer. Matt said that he felt closest to God when he was outdoors in His creation. That is where he spent his alone time with God. He was a student at San Diego Golf Academy and was planning on graduating in August. He is loved by many including his best friend and brother, Michael Sanden. His family rejoices in his life and the time they shared with him. Matt had a very strong faith and relationship with his savior Jesus Christ.
The funeral services were held at his home church
Idyllwild Bible Church
April 19, 2008 at
two o’clock in the afternoon
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hume Lake Christian Camps, which held a special place in Matt’s heart. Your gifts can be directed to Idyllwild Bible Church, who is acting as the receiving agency for the gifts.
Nick and Colleen,
Rich and I will be coming to the service. Thank you so much for letting us pray with you, beseech God for you, and then to grieve with you. We are so very sorry.
Jill Dixon
I have tried to write something here more than a few times, and am overwhelmed at the pure thought. I am at a loss, and am so saddened by the passing of Matthew. My heart breaks for our loss, and for the grief process we are all about to embark.
love to all,
Jo
Nick, Colleen and Michael,
We can hardly imagine the grief you bear in experiencing the loss of a precious child and brother. We treasure all of the experiences with your family, the fun, the laughter, the lightening storms in the Colorado sky and sharing each others burdens over the years. Like so many others, we grieve and weep with you when we ponder Matt’s departure. We rest in the eternal and blessed hope of worshiping our God together with ALL of you in eternity. We believe there can be a healing power in our tears when we ask God “why” and He replies with the comfort of encouraging friends who know Him, and while sharing in our tears, also bring encouraging and Godly words that help us to heal from our grief over time. We believe He leaves us with a scar that continually reminds us of His love and healing power so that we are forever changed for the good. We pray for your patient healing and the strengthening of faith from our loving God.
Love,
Joel and Chris
Nick, Colleen and Mikey,
my heart aches for you during this sad, sad time. i know words can not change what has happened but, know that you are loved, lifted up in prayer, supported by friends and family and thought of by many. know that the memories you have will always be. my thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!
-rachel
Nick, Colleen and Michael,
I am a teacher at the San Diego Golf Academy and had the privilege to have had Matthew in my Computer and accounting classes. Matthew’s love of learning is an inspiration to all and I appreciate his sense of humor and dedication to his work. I will always remember Matthew as one of my best students and I will miss him greatly.