Matthew L. Woodland ) Fisher

Matthew L. (Woodland) Fisher was a loving son, thoughtful brother, and caring grandson. He was hard-working, honest, helpful and happy because of the love and nurture he received from family, friends, and teachers. With his laid-back nature and soft-hearted character, he cared for his family and made lasting friendships. By his uniqueness and spontaneity, he created fun for those around him. Matthew really was an all-around good guy. Matthew Fisher was born Matthew Woodland to Steve and Bridget (Kaule) Woodland of Muskegon, Michigan. He arrived on May 17, 1988 at Muskegon General Hospital, the younger brother of two-year old Nathan. They lived on Kenwood Road in Lakewood, Michigan, just outside the city. Their father supported the family with his job at Jowst Corporation, and their mother worked at the Red Rooster. Shortly after Matthew was born, Steve and Bridget divorced, and Bridget met Jeff Fisher when Matthew was just eight months old. When Matthew was about a year old, the family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and took up residence on Miner street. His mother Bridget and Jeff married in 1991, the same year his father Steve married his fiance' Lisa Slorf. Matthew maintained a good relationship with his father, and in the years to come (1995), Jeff adopted Matthew. The Fisher family welcomed one more child into their lives when Jessica was born in July of 1991. Matthew had another sister, Stephanie, born in November of 1992 to Steve and Lisa Woodland. In 1995, Matthew began his years of schooling at Lincoln International School of Study and Language. Quite an impressive name for kindergarten! Very soon on, Matthew proved to be the impressive one, always working hard to make the grade and enjoying his friends and teachers. Matthew moved again when the Fisher home burned down and the family resettled in Augusta, Michigan. He attended Kellogg Elementary School where his third grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Bean, made a big difference in his life. With her attention and motivation, Matthew became very confident, even as a rather shy kid with a thin build. She rightfully earned the distinction of being his favorite teacher. In grades 4 through 6, Matthew attended Ryan Intermediate School, where he became best friends with Kyle Williams in 5th grade. The two of them did everything together, so much so, that they were like twins. As Matthew grew and filled out, he took up sports. He played baseball and tried out for football, but even his added weight couldn't sustain that hard-hitting game. It didn't matter so much, because Matthew found plenty of ways to spend his leisure: pool parties, video games, reading, and computer time. Then there were his camping activities: trout fishing on White River with his father Steve, tubing, and rope swinging. Matthew just loved to be outside, whether riding his bike, swimming, or hunting frogs. He had the privilege of going on great vacations to such notable places as the Yucatan Peninsula, Idaho, Mexico, San Francisco, Chicago, Kentucky, and much more. Closer to home, Matthew looked forward to family reunions, especially on Lake Michigan. He was a good buddy to his Muskegon cousins, Anthony and Kenny. He also liked to visit his Grandma Norma in Muskegon and his Grandpa Woodland in Fox Lake. Matthew loved his family and they loved him. By the time Matthew reached Gull Lake Middle School and High School, he had a great group of friends. He hung out with Trey and Kyle and even his mom when the two of them scouted out yard sales. He got into BMX bikes and girls by the 9th grade, and in 11th grade he had his first girlfriend, Ashley Emery. They dated through the 12th grade and had lots of fun together and with friends, whether going to dances or talking for hours on the phone. In that time, Matthew matured and grew emotionally. He became a great support to his sister Jessica and a loving tease to his sister Stephanie, whom he called "Sassy Pants." During his senior year, Matthew worked part time at the Park View Caf and also at the Hickory Timber Inn. When he graduated from Gull Lake on June 7, 2006, both Matthew and his family had lots of reasons to be very proud. He celebrated at a dual party that his dad Steve and Lisa threw for him and his cousin Angela. With the graduation money he received, Matthew bought his first car from friend Joe: a 1995 Chevy Barretta. In the year after high school, Matthew worked for Four Corner Electric, where he also lived. He had started to date Stephanie Lennon and recently took up Frisbee golfing. Matthew was altogether too young when a tragic accident took his life and the life of his friend, Dan Oman, in a single car crash on June 1st. This distinguished young man-6-foot tall, 160 pounds with a chin beard, who always wore concert T-shirts but no tattoos-will be sorely missed by his beloved family and friends. They will hold Matthew in their hearts forever. Mr. Matthew L. (Woodland) Fisher, age 19 of Muskegon, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 1, 2007. He is survived by his father, Steve (Lisa) Woodland of Muskegon; mother, Bridget (Jeff) Fisher of Augusta, MI; sisters, Stephanie Woodland of Muskegon, Jessica Fisher of Augusta, MI; brother, Nathan (Woodland) Fisher of Augusta, MI; grandparents, Norma (Dave) Williams of Muskegon, Dave and Donna Reynolds of MN, grandmother, Carol Woodland of Lakewood, MI, John and Vicky Fisher of Muskegon, Larry and Jean Slorf of Muskegon; many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Anthony Woodland and his grandfather, Gerald Woodland and grandfather, Leonard Kaule. A service to celebrate Matthew's life will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Pastor Brian Kyle officiating. Interment at Fruitland Township Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to meet Matthew's family on Wednesday, 5-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Contributions to the Matthew L. (Woodland) Fisher Memorial Fund would be greatly appreciated. To leave a memory or photo of Matthew or to sign the on-line registry, select from the sidebar of www.lifestorynet.com.