Matthew J. Urlacher

Matthew was raised in Yakima and attended local schools until graduating from A.C. Davis High School in 1991. He had great Pirate pride and led rowdy cheers at sporting events to amp up the crowd. He remained a dedicated fan of Pirate sports. After graduating high school, Matthew went on to attend the University of Oregon and became a lifelong Oregon Ducks fan. Matthew spent countless hours cheering his Ducks on as the official mascot of the university. Matthew graduated from the U of O and pursued a career in pharmaceuticals. He worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Johnson and Johnson following his graduation and became an instant success and thrived in his newfound profession. Matthew continued working in this industry until his death.

In 1996, Matthew married Rebecca Giersdorf and several years later they had a son, Evan Urlacher. Evan was his father’s pride and joy. Matthew was a fun loving father, often taking Evan on fishing trips, watching movies together and reading books to pass their time. He was very involved in his son’s life, even to the point of dressing in full costume as Darth Vader to act out their favorite scenes from the Star Wars series. Matthew passed on his intelligence, compassion and integrity to his son through example. His happiest days were those that he spent with his beloved son.

Matthew’s love ran deep for his family. His parents, Matt and Lucy, were constant fixtures in his life, as were his siblings, Danielle, Tyler and Crystal. The Urlacher household was full of laughter and shenanigans on any given day, always loving and affectionate. Matthew inherited his tenderness and benevolence from his loving family. He was heartbroken after the loss of his beautiful sister, Danielle, in 2008.

Matthew was known to reach out to a friend struggling to lend support or a listening ear. He had an uncanny ability to see the positive qualities in everybody he met. His spirit embodied deep friendships, laughter, love and good will to others. He had a soft spot for those less fortunate and people with special needs, possessing sensitivity and warmth to all people. He was a friend to all no matter the circumstances. He would help in any way possible to lighten the load for a loved one. Matthew left this world too soon and will be greatly missed by many. He will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and how he was able to touch so many lives.

Matthew was preceded in death by his best friend and sister, Danielle Urlacher, grandparents John and Lenora Urlacher, Teofilo and Paciencia Estoesta and an aunt, Sandy Huard. Matthew is survived by his son Evan Urlacher, Evan’s mother Rebecca Urlacher of Bend, Oregon; his parents, Matthew A. and Lucy Urlacher of Eugene, OR; brother Tyler Urlacher and nephew Duke from Las Vegas, NV; sister Crystal of Eugene, OR; several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Matthew will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Stone Church in Yakima, 3303 Englewood Ave. at 9:30 AM.

A burial at Calvary Cemetery will follow. All who attend the funeral service are encouraged to join us in a “Celebration of Matthew’s Life” reception at the A.C. Davis High School cafeteria after the interment.

In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that donations be made to the North Star Lodge Cancer Center in Matthew Urlacher’s name in remembrance of his sister, Danielle.

To celebrate the life of Matthew and share a memory please visit www.keithandkeith.com.