1982 and died at the age of 40, June 26, 2023 while on a solo motorcycle road trip through the northwest. We were all shocked
and saddened to receive a phone call with news that Matthew had died peacefully late that afternoon from complications of
diabetes. Our hearts are broken.
Matthew is survived by Denique, his wife of 20 years, daughters Ellie (Alex) Mensing, Mia Abbott and two granddaughters,
Laela and Emery Mensing who loved to call him"Popi". Matthew adored his wife & two daughters and was always ready to
share photos and stories of them.
Matthew is also survived by his sister, Lisa (Elliot) Arnell, and his parents, Leigh and Jon Abbott. His father, James Chester
Newman preceded him in death in 1987.
Until June of 2023 Matthew had spent the past 6 ½ years working for Unbridled as Site Manager and the
person who consulted with the Colorado Historical Society for the Grant Street Mansion and the Bosworth House.
He was a talented artist and entered numerous art shows throughout his life. Art was a big part of who he was and he loved
expressing himself through his art. Within the last 6 months he had set a goal to work on his art daily. It was also clear that he
was passionate about tattooing and expressed himself through that art form and spent a brief period of his life as a tattoo artist
which he was hopeful to do again in the future. He enjoyed riding his chopper and Harley, had a quick wit, a great sense of
humor and an infectious laugh. He could always make his family and friends laugh with his silly accents and made-up songs. He
loved engaging in deep conversations and was very spiritually minded.
Matthew will be buried in a private family graveside service. To honor his memory, we are holding a "Celebration of Life"
gathering for family, friends, and colleagues on Thurs., July 13 from 5:30-7:00 pm at The Grange. 3692 Meadows Blvd., Castle
Rock, CO 80109
Matt used to say " when I die, bury me naked and paint me blue!" so in honor of his unique request we ask that you wear
something blue to show your love for him.
We would like to share a very special "Matching Funds" opportunity that has been set up by Unbridled. Here is the
website. unbridledacts.org/impact/connections/matching-funds . There is a dollar to dollar match---up to $25,000, and we are
hoping to surpass that and bless Denique and her daughters with a tangible gift of finances to help them.
Although all of us are so saddened by Matthew's passing, we know he loved each of us. He is finally free from
the extreme grief he lived in due to losing his father to cancer at the young age of four and from coping with diabetes through
his adult life. Matthew gave his life to Jesus Christ when he was five and again in 2009.
Come join us to celebrate Matthew's life and the impact he had on each of us!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Abbott family.
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