I restored a car form Matt, a 1968 New Yorker i believe. A few years later, he gave me the opportunity to buy this house where is still reside. I would have never had the chance to own a house in California if it where not for Matt Rader.  I made movies with the equity and now a new architectural adventure. I wish i could share with him the projects Im working on today that in a strange way he made possible. The Man was full of wise things to say, and one i say to my self very day for my own improvement "people first people first".

It’s Kuch thinking about you all.  I miss Matt and Andy!  They were part of many childhood memories.  Matt and I made a lot of memories I will look back on and always have to hold on to.  Please know my thoughts are with you all.  - Karen Kuch

I met Matt at Loras and for the short time he was there. I was in awe of his determination and his audacity.  I've heard this expression a few times, "He could sell an oven to the devil."  And that was Matt.  He had huge dreams and he could bring anyone in on them.  He was so funny and convincing and ingenious.  After he left Loras, we kept in touch through letters.  He wrote the most unique letters on his self-created letterhead.  He also mailed me drawings and photographs and strange one sentence memories.  He was a so creative.  I had lost touch with him after Cal Arts, but our brief friendship made a big impression on me.  Matt taught me to follow my dreams, no matter how audacious they were.

To Matt’s family,  I am so sad to hear this news!  Growing up on Parkside Court with Matt and his family brings back countless memories of all the fun we had playing games in the court!  I had such a nice visit with Matt at our 20 year reunion, and was excited to hear updates about Andy and the rest of the family.  You will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
  ~ Kuch 

We have known Matt since before middle school. His exuberance for life touched everyone he knew. Nobody could tell a better story than Matt, and if you ever needed help he would give you the shirt off his back. Condolences to Matt’s family, his children, parents, and siblings. Prayers to all.

Matt and I met in 1990 when we both attended the film program at CalArts. We became fast friends and were inseparable during our time in graduate school. It was through Matt's initiative that we attended Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals together, and it was through Matt's gift for connecting people that I had a chance to shoot a documentary in India. We did a lot of living in the limited time we spent together, and shared a lot of laughs. As he did for so many people he met, Matt made my life richer and more complete and I am proud to call him a dear friend. I will miss him greatly.

Condolences to the Rader family.  There are so many things about Matt we will miss,  especially his gift for making a mundane story super hilarious.  Love to Drake and Zane,  they are foremost in our minds.  They should know that their Dad would go out of his way to help a friend,  and any resource available would be offered.  Let’s raise a soda (spoken in Wisconsinese)  to Matt!

Thank you for your friendship, guidance, advice, assistance, support and of course the apartment Matthew "J" Rader

You were a fine, honest, jovial fellow to me and many others and I enjoyed every minute I spoke and was in your presence.

I hope you are spending some quality time with Lew Wasserman and all of those you dreamed about and actually got to meet and know.

Blessings to the Rader family!

OBITUARY

Matthew John Rader

March 1, 1968 – August 29, 2020

Funeraria Del Angel Lincoln Heights

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