Matthew Edwin Haefeli

Matt was born in Denver on March 23, 1968, and grew up in Greeley. He graduated from University High School, where he was a star athlete. He attended Fort Lewis College in Durango and Colorado State University in Fort Collins. A visionary entrepreneur, Matt started and ran several businesses in Colorado before moving to Costa Rica, where he built and managed hotels, earned top recognition for real estate sales, and built and sold luxury homes. After 10 years in Costa Rica, where he became known as Mateo, he moved with his family to Evergreen, CO.

Matt loved nothing more than to be with his two sons, and he was an active volunteer with their schools and various sports teams. After returning to Colorado, he worked as a general contractor and real estate developer, and he and his family spent one year in Panama, where he also worked in real estate. Matt also lived in Lakewood and Greeley and had recently settled into a family home in Eaton, CO. Matt enjoyed boating, fishing, golf, and the Grateful Dead. He also loved to cook, and he appreciated fine food, fine art, and fine fashion. He is sorely missed.

He is survived by his two sons, Jake Haefeli and Ben Haefeli, both of Denver; his mother, Deanna Haefeli, of Greeley; his sister, Jennifer Haefeli (Josh Elvander, Cata, and Elise) of Winchester, MA; and the mother of his children, Nicolle Haefeli, of Lakewood. He is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Haefeli, of Greeley. An event will be held in October. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Matt’s memory are asked to carry out an unexpected act of kindness.