Looking through photos on my computer, and wanted to share a happy memory.

Caleb, you're always in my heart and thoughts. Miss you everyday, it still somehow feels like you're just down the street. I still expect you to pop your face up at the backdoor, peering in, just to say hi. 

My original letter to you strangely disappeared from here, it's a shame because that was for you from me, the only place I've ever had a moment to share my feelings of being without you, beyond my head or alone. 

Maybe it's weird that I wrote it as a letter and not as some reflection of the guy you were but it was cathartic and important for me to say it. 

We love you.

-Brittany



If you didn’t want an extra sister, you were nice enough to never show it. You were wise beyond your years, and you seemed to understand at a young age how much I needed your family’s support.
When we were young; I remember that you were quiet, patient and kind. Silly too, and with a big heart. Decked out in your bowl cut and baggy T-shirt, ready to shout out “Barney” when we passed the sign. You never complained when I tagged along for the umpteenth time, just scooted over and included me in the gang. You have always been a GOOD person Caleb and you will  always be remembered for that.
My heart was so full when I saw you at Becky and Josh’s wedding. I was so proud of the handsome man you had become. I am so thankful for this and will hold on to this memory forever.
I hope you know you were loved and that the GOODness inside of you mattered. I hope I can see you again someday and can tell you myself.
I love you Lil Bro. Rest in Peace. 


My first memory of Caleb was at the family reunion in Fossil, Oregon. I was probably around four years old and I remember there was a small creek running along side the camp grounds. I was so excited to splash around in the stream and search for fish. However, once I got to the creek I was too scared to do anything but stand motionless in the water because of the two weird boys staring intently at me. Little did I know that their dad, my uncle, had given them strict instructions to "not take their eyes off me" in order to ensure my safety. True to his word, Caleb along with his brother Keith watched me like a hawk and perhaps consequently nothing bad happened. 

I wish I had known Caleb better. But I'll always remember his quiet, caring nature tempered with his hilarious wit. He is much loved and will always be missed. 

Love,
Kara

Growing up, I didn't get many chances to spend time with Caleb, since I lived in Hawaii and he was in Washington, but I have fond memories of the times we were together, especially the time that he spent a few days with us in Hawaii visiting. I'm sure he was sometimes annoyed at having to be around his kid cousin, but he never showed it and always treated me well. I'm so thankful that I had the chance to hang out with him multiple times this past year, thanks to me being up in Seattle for college. One of my favorite memories of the past year is when we went bowling, and Caleb (or "Professor X", as he wrote on the scoreboard) not only refused to wear the rental shoes (which I thought was definitely going to get him in trouble with the people in charge) but also ended up beating both me and Uncle Nate easily! Caleb was truly one of my favorite cousins. He was so loved by us all, and I'll miss him so much. 
Love, Liz

My dear nephew, as I read all the comments here, it is clear how much you are loved and how we all grieve losing you too soon because you have touched all of us in so many ways.  
My first memory of you was my very first trip to Seattle, you boys were about 18 months old, your uncle and I stayed with your family for a few days and it was so much fun watching these energetic little boys moving in all directions!  I still love to hear your dad tell stories of all your escapades through the years.  
A few years back you were able to come visit us in Hawaii and I'm so glad you did as your uncle, cousins and I really enjoyed having you here with us.  I remember you watching The Waltons DVDs with us each night after dinner and you didn't seem to mind it at the time.  
I wished we would have been able to spend more time together as a family, but living 3000+ miles away it was not always possible except through our visits to the Northwest to see everyone, and the few Fossil family reunions we were able to attend.  
There is a Caleb sized hole in our hearts now and you will be missed.
Love and Aloha,
Aunty Valerie 

Wow I still can't believe that this is reality; A reality without both twins is going to be a hard one to live in. Caleb, I didn't know you as well as most in our group but I can say that everytime I hung out with you it was a joyous experience. Your humor, your hugs; every memory of you I will cherish forever. You are such a kind and funny soul and I always felt like a little brother tagging along with you guys. I remember spending countless nights sleeping on your couch at your  place on Burwell when I needed a place to stay. I knew that I was safe because "big brother Caleb" was there. I will always regret not getting to know you better but I wont make that mistake again. This has taught me that every moment with someone is precious and that relationships should not be taken for granted. I love you Caleb and I hope you know that. You will never be forgotten. ❤️

Growing up in Belfair had its challenges. Having the friends that I had helped immensely. I moved away from the Mason/Kitsap country area shortly after high school. I often think about the men that helped me through my time as an adolescence. Caleb always found a way for me to keep my chin up. He believed in me. I had my struggles with drugs and alcohol. Shortly after I got out of rehab in late 2012 caleb, adam, and myself went on a hike at green mountain. Caleb took us up some intense scramble up the mountain side. I was completely exhausted at the end of it. He gave me some encouraging words that themed, no matter how hard I had to try he knew I could achieve in this life. Caleb tought me a lesson that day that I still apply in my life. I love you my friend, and will miss you dearly ❤

There is no need to embellish how great of a person Caleb is. Caleb is genuinely one of the best people I’ve ever known and a favorite of mine. I was always so thankful for the group of friends my brother had including Keith and Caleb and was proud to watch them grow up. As time went on Caleb became family and was always welcome at any family function or just to stop by. It’s hard to have the right words in times like this but for me it’s a reminder to show people how much you care about them and how important they are. Caleb you will always be missed. Rest easy. 

This was so devastating to hear! I was Caleb’s work leader for over a year and for awhile it was just Caleb and I on the crew so we worked together daily. I was unsure of him at first because he was such a quiet guy but once Caleb let me in we were buds! I remember Caleb called out multiple days with “snow blindness” (which I had no idea that was a real thing). Finally Caleb came in to work and I gotta see.... OMG 😆 I’m like dude... wth... hahaha you shouldn’t be here you should go home and rest up. He could barely see, his eyeballs were burnt... it was bad!!! I guess he went to Mount Saint Helens for a hike and had forgotten his sunglasses! We also used to call Caleb “The Mountain “ ( Game of Thrones) because the guy was built, very strong and willing to do anything to get the job done; I truly will miss him. I even bought him a mountain tshirt that he proudly wore. I still am in shock. I wish He would’ve reached out because he was liked by soooo many people and anyone of us would’ve been there for him. I also recall him calling me saying “hey, awww I just got hit by a car in the crosswalk” (another reason we called him the mountain). I will always hold a special place for him and he will never be forgotten. Think about him daily and it’s just completely devastating. Keith and family... please let us (psns peeps) know if you need anything but also when the celebration of life will be because a lot of us would love to show our respect and love for him. ❤️

Caleb
When I learned of your passing, I thought I was having a bad dream.  It was and still is difficult to accept that you are no longer with us in this world.  Too soon, you were with us for 33 years, and it just wasn’t long enough.  But what an imprint you left on all of our hearts.   
I have such fond memories of your time here with us.  You, Keith and Becky spending hot summer days at our house with cousins Amanda & Alex.  "Hot dogs? Hamburgers, or spaghetti?"   Your sense of humor always made me laugh.  Always a smile and a warm hug.   
 My best memories were the holidays and "sweet, sweet cwandy", the 4th of July BBQ’s that gathered the family together for food, fun and fireworks.  I remember when you, Keith and your Dad had the roman candle fight (fun) in the front yard.  

You will be missed beyond belief, and know that you are loved by so many. 

I love you Caleb.
Favorite Aunt Judi

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal
-unknown-


Caleb, your journey was cut short but the memories you have given me will last til the end. You were a brother to me and always will be. Our “crew” would not have been the same without the one and only Smashleb. My younger years would not have been the same if Keith and Caleb were not my neighbors. I think I spent more time at your house than I did my 
own. I will always remember you 
and all the good times we have shared. We will meet again. 
Love you buddy.

Caleb, we didnt talk much but when you did you were a sincere guy. Any time we worked together on jobs I always knew i could count on you to have my back no matter the task. You were a man of your word and had a lot of pride in everything you did. I appreciate being able to work along side a young man like yourself who was humble and put all the effort you could into your work. I was deeply saddened when i herd of your passing and wish there was another time we had bumper into each other at work to say hi. You were a great young man and will be truly missed. From one tin-bender to another, you were awesome.

Caleb, I cant think of anything to say that would cover our friendship over the past 20 plus years. There are too many memories to choose as my favorite because they were always so great. Over the years our close group of friends became more like a family and a big part of our circle is now missing. Even though through all those years I have and I'm sure the rest of us had been shocked, burned, stabbed,  electrocuted or blow darted by you, I can't think of a single time you that you were not a good friend. You're more than a best friend to me and I'm gonna miss you. Love you buddy.

Caleb, 
I hope you know how loved you really are. You might not know it, but I have a box of old letters from your brother that talked all about his little sister and twin brothers. You were the reason he wanted to be a father. He tells stories to the kids about you all the time. Just a few weeks ago Capri was talking about playing games with you at our wedding and how fun it was. 
I had forgotten about the concerts I went to with you, Keith and Jeff until a song came on the radio. It's still too soon and I had to turn it off. I have to be strong for your brother. He had already missed you. He was looking forward to seeing you this summer. I'm just so sorry. We miss you so much. 

Caleb, you were considered to be a part of our family for years at a time.
You never left our hearts as one of the most genuine and sweetest people we'd ever known. 
Every memory I have of you - taking my sister to her prom, introducing me to life-changing songs and bands, always standing up for my family and I, treating my sister with such loyalty and respect - is cherished. 
Caleb was as selfless, silly and loving as they come. The world has lost a gem.

I will never forget your positive spirit and presence. Thank you for everything.

Caleb, I don't know how to express how much this family is going to miss you.  Growing up some of my favorite memories are of hanging with you, you were the sweetest and the funniest kid and though we didn't keep in touch in more recent years, I know that you were a good and decent man who was loved by so many people.  Rest well and know that you're loved.

Caleb has been a big part of our lives for so many years that it is hard to pick a favorite memory.  He was a friend but he was family. It will be difficult not to miss his presence at all of our family celebrations, he has been there for every event. Caleb was a good man with a good heart. I will miss him for many, many years to come.   What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived, And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. I hope you know how much we loved you. ❤️

Caleb, you were never forgotten from me way over here overseas in Japan; pushed aside in my mind to help me cope from being away, just as I do with my own family, but never forgotten.

You, and your brother, helped me get through high school. I can't tell you how many low days I've had throughout those years, but just having you around flipped my attitude and led me to get to where I am today.

PS: Even though I got a D in the "shop" class, thanks for helping me cut my lathe tool.

I'll visit your final resting place as soon as I can.

With warm regards to friends and family in these trying times,
David

Caleb, you will be missed so much. You gave the best hugs, and told the funniest jokes. You were a sweet, warm, lovable person. My favorite memories of you were when Justin and I stayed with you guys in Seattle over the summer. Running around, playing spooky in the dark. I love you so much and my heart is broken for our family. Love always your "favorite" cousins Melissa & Scott.

OBITUARY

Caleb Edward Mathews

February 17, 1987 – April 1, 2020

Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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