Matthew Daniel Roberts

Matthew Daniel Roberts was born on July 5, 1969, in Fresno, California to Beverly Rose Noble and Stanley Earl Roberts Sr. Matthew was the youngest, his big brother Stanley Earl Roberts Jr. was reared by their grandparents, Dorothy and Clarence Welsh. Many thought Matthew to be the oldest brother because he was the biggest of he and his brother Stanley. A deep brotherly bond.

At 8, his grandparents moved them to Gresham, Oregon, where Matthew attended Gresham elementary school. They later moved to Portland, where he attended Rose City Park Middle School and Grant High School.

Matthew developed a love for sports, despite having bad asthma. You could find him playing sports all year, from basketball to football to track. But his passion for football took him to Fresno State College and Portland State University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.

He was dedicated to football, but somehow he was introduced to being a Police Officer and enrolled in the Portland Police Academy; and later graduated and was sworn into the Portland Police Bureau in 1996. Matthew led a life of protecting and serving our community. He later went on to work as a Multnomah County Deputy Sheriff, a career he was proud of and devoted to.

Matthew had many loves in his life, and playing the drums was a highlight next to football. His musical talents began with him playing the trumpet in middle school and later developed a love for the drums after seeing and hearing Brian Foxworth play during an assembly at his school. From that time forward, Matthew desired to play the drums anytime he could. Matthew never trained under anyone for drum playing; it was a talent given to him by God. He used that talent to play for his grandparent’s church, Move of God Apostolic Faith Church, and later in his adult life; he played the drums for Grace Covenant Fellowship Church. He also shared his talent in playing the drums in the community.

Matthew was always eager to travel on his Harley-Davidson. He loved riding with one of his friends, Leo Irvan. Their rides together to multiple destinations were a big part of his life.

Although Matthew had many loves, his most beloved was his daughter Gabriella Rose Roberts, who entered his life on February 2, 2009, from his marriage union. Matthew always prioritized family and wanted to be there for his family no matter what. His life had an impact on many he encountered. Whether in his uniform to protect and serve or in his “drawers on the phone,” he took the time to listen, talk and share his life experiences with you. There are many stories we can tell of various encounters with Matthew; some life-changing, some funny but all impactful.

When you think of Matthew, your first thought might not be “acting,” but he even dabbled in acting. His protect and serve demeanor was portrayed on stage in one of his cousin’s plays, “Healed,” where he played the role of an officer of the law, a role he played that was true to his heart.

Everyone may have had a different relationship with Matthew, but we can all agree that his laugh was infectious, and you could not leave his presence without his big smile.

Matthew left this life on June 25, 2022. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Beverly Rose Noble, and his grandparents, Dorothy and Clarence Welsh. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Gabriella Rose Roberts, his brother Stanley Earl Roberts Jr., sister-in-law Wendy Roberts, niece Chelsea Lofstedt, nephew Caleb Roberts, and his fiancé Bhakti Sasya, a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.