Matthew Ryan Oliver

We are heartbroken to announce the death of our father, husband, son, brother and friend, Matthew Ryan Oliver. 

Matt was born on June 12, 1981.  He spent his childhood in Tonasket, Washington and Golovin, Alaska.  He moved to Anchorage after high school, but he always considered Golovin his home.  Matt died suddenly on June 29, 2017 in Anchorage.

From a young age, he loved outdoor adventures and adrenaline-inducing activities.  He rode motorcycles and loved fishing, hunting, and “playing out.”  As an adult, his passion was snowmachines and he took advantage of any opportunity to ride.  He spent countless hours in his garage working on them and reveled in sharing stories of riding.  On sunny summer days, Matt was outdoors grilling burgers or brats, visiting with friends and playing with his kids.

Matt was bright, caring and handsome.  His first child and only daughter, Evelyn, was born when he was 16-years-old.  He lovingly called her “Ev.” Whether it was boating, playing frisbee or hanging out with friends, Matt had his sweet little sidekick, Ev.  Matt met Jesse when Ev was two.  They were married on August 4, 2007 and Matt was proud to be her husband. 

Together, they had two sons, Matthew, Jr. and Ethan.  He affectionately called them “the boys.”  He doted on the family’s miracle dog, Chloe.  Matt looked forward to weekends away so he could be with his family and enjoy the outdoor activities that he loved so much. 

He was attentive and helpful to his mom and dad.  He and his dad spent endless hours working on projects together.  He was close with his siblings and quick to love on his nieces and nephews.  His family was the great joy of his life.

After high school, Matt worked at Alaska Airlines for nearly 10 years.  Most recently, he installed and maintained radio communication towers for Bering Straits Information Technology.  He enjoyed his work and liked his coworkers.  Both were important to him.  He often traveled by helicopter to remote locations in Alaska.  Recently, after finishing a job in the area, Matt was dropped off by helicopter on his in-laws’ lawn in Homer.  His boys watched him land and felt like he was a superhero.  Matt beamed with pride.

The last day his family spent with him was his 36th birthday. 

Matt will be sadly missed by his personal treasures, his children, Evelyn (20), Ryan (10), and Ethan (7).  He is also survived by his devoted and patient wife, Jesse, his unconditionally loving parents, Curt and Carol (Oxie) Oliver, siblings Heidi Varga and Donald Oliver; grandma, Shirley Oliver, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister Denise Oliver Okleasik, nephew Joshua Oliver, maternal grandparents Agnes and Stanley Amarok, paternal grandfather Donald Oliver, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, who are all waiting to greet him with open arms.

On July 8, Matt was laid to rest in Golovin next to his sister and nephew.