Timothy Russell Matdies, 51
Timothy Russell Matdies, 51, passed away on Oct. 9, 2021, in Kalispell. Tim had a long history of struggling with sleep apnea and it, ultimately, played a part in his death after contracting Covid. He will be laid to rest in a private family burial at Spring Creek Cemetery in Kalispell and a celebration of his life is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the Elk’s Club in Kalispell from 4 to 6 p.m., with music to follow. The family hopes to spend time with friends who knew him and we invite his musician friends to share a song or two.
Timmy is survived by his mother Janet Collins, brother Christian Matdies and wife Amanda Matdies, sister Maraika Eaton and husband Greg Eaton, and nieces and nephews Tawny Teters, Kayla Pancheri, Erika Anderson, Bo Matdies, Helmuth Matdies, Bailey Eaton and Hayden Eaton.
Tim was born in Kalispell on Dec. 8, 1969, and raised in Whitefish. He went through the Whitefish School system and attended one year of college in Missoula at the University of Montana. He worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, including time on a fishing boat in Alaska, surviving the Bering Straits and Dutch Harbor. He traveled the country wiring commercial buildings. Tim worked on Big Mountain as a lifty, which is where he taught himself to play the guitar. He worked in car sales at Depratu Ford and at Jones Music selling guitars. For many years, Tim was a dedicated employee at Kalispell Toyota and the family is grateful to them. Tim touched many lives through his job. He loved people and truly cared about his clients. Tim was honest and trustworthy.
In his younger days, he loved the outdoors and mastering skills on his motorcycles. He definitely had a love for speed and he could pop a wheelie better than anyone I know. Timmy also had a love for music and was passionate about tone and learning new techniques. He would spend hours on his own playing guitar and bass. Whether he knew you for a day or 30 years, getting together with musician friends always made him happy.
Tim was known for his big smile and hearty laugh! He could definitely light up a room. Timmy was also passionate about his faith and God’s word. He spent hours studying the Scriptures and sharing his knowledge. Salvation was what he wanted for himself and everyone that he knew. He had a gift for making friends and people loved his company. He had a heart of gold. Friendship and loyalty were words that meant something to Tim.
May he rest in peace.
Memorial gifts can be made in his name and designated to either: Sleep Apnea Research at Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Dept. of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street. SW, Rochester, MN 55905; or to Christ’s Church, P.O. Box 5293, Kalispell MT 59903.