Matthew Paulsen Obituary

Matt tomorrow will be 12 years already . We are missing out on seeing what the man who would be 44 this year would be doing in life today . Always think of you and always love !

It has been quite some time since you have passed. The world has really missed out on an amazing man. We think of you quite a bit. Praying you are somewhere amazing and living free. Love you Matt!

I am upset to hear of Matt's passing. A few years ago I was teaching Hang Gliding lessons down at Nags Head. I remeber that it was just me and Matt teaching such a difficult lesson. As the lesson went on it became more difficult to teach efficiently. Matt finished his lesson before me; he could have gone in, but stayed with me to help me finish on time. I'll never forget Matt's love for life and his kindness towards other people. He will be greatly missed.

Taught Matt psychology at Ragsdale. Very smart, great student. An asset to any class. FULL of energy, always channeled it in the right direction.Sooo wish I'd continued to know him as a man.
Roger Chance

My heart goes out to you in these difficult days. I knew Matt for several years through my daughter, Karen Swedrock Keys. He was a delight to be around and will be greatly missed. I have a wonderful memory that should make you smile.

Once at Kitty Hawk Kites, he was giving me a hang-gliding lesson and I crashed on the dune. He ran over to check on me, worried that (as another instructor put it) he "broke" Karen's Mom. He did not, and continued helping me learn to "fly" a little. I know he and Karen had quite a few flight adventures together, and I know it was an amazing time for both of them.

I'll keep him in my memory and I pray God will help you in the months to come.

I am so sorry to learn about Matt. I still remember him fondly from high school when he and Ashley were dating. Ashley called us from India last night to tell us the news. Matt was such a special person. He will be greatly missed.

I'm so sorry to hear about Matt. We had a few classes together at Ragsdale and he was always so funny and vibrant, certainly memorable. My condolences to you and your family. Peace and blessings.

I don't know Matt.. but wish I did.. as I was making my daughter's pinata' for her 6th bday.. (sticking newspapers on balloons) I came across this.. and to my shock.. he's as old as me, so I started reading more.. then noticed we have the same exact birthday! feb. 12, 1978.. but I was born in Norfolk, VA.. I live in Charleston now though.. and then I noticed his wife's name is Jessica and that is my name.. it would've been so neat to have met him while on earth.. but just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss although I know he will live on! he seemed like a great guy! His name sounds like the New Testaments Matthew John "Paul"sen. God Bless you all!

I met Matt only a few times on Jockey's Ridge, but he was always great to be around. Put simply, he sparkled--he radiated positive energy. I didn't know him well, but I'll remember him well, and miss him.

During my three summers as a Hang Gliding Instructor, I got to know Matt pretty well. He had a lot of passion for flying but I remember him for his generosity,kindness,and as a good friend. Really a great guy, he will be missed but not forgotten.

Deb, Niel, and Jared. My heart is heavy with the news of Mathew's passing. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. He was such a beautiful boy, what a great loss. Cindy (Malcom) Gould, North Platte, NE

Matt was an amazing person and friend. My heart is heavy. I will miss him so much. Know that so many people loved Matt and that he has touched so many peoples lives. I am praying for peace, comfort and understanding for his friends and family. He is greatly missed.

My condolences, of course, but I can't believe that this vibrant, humorous, wacky guy that used to sit beside me in high school english is gone. Absolute tragedy. He will be missed and we are blessed those that knew him.

Dear Deb, Neil and Jared - During the past hour, I rode my bike slowly up and down Linden Street, soaking in the souls and spirits of those three beautiful little boys who played in our yards, built elaborate "projects," experimented with baking soda and vinegar, devoured "healthy" yogurt & fruit popsicles, and just generally laughed and smiled and delighted in life. Even though I didn't get to know the grown up Matt, I can tell from these posts that he was just as beautiful as an adult. My sadness is profound; my loving thoughts for the three of you will continue through time. Karen

Matt, You will forever be in our hearts. You were a man that inspired many without even knowing it. We will keep the memory of you close to our hearts. We love you Matt.

Debbie, Neil and Jared,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out for you at such a hard time,

I did hear about Matt's death today...
He was a wonderful human being. He was my friend.
Tu vas me manquer mon pote !

Matt, I will miss you so so much!!! My heart goes out to your family.
Love; Quana

Deb,
I was grieved today to hear about Matt's death, and will be praying God will comfort you and your loved ones during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Bob Kerr

I'm so sorry to hear Matt passed away. He was a wonderful guy who always had a smile on his face. He was always generous whether offering a place to stay, or a glider to borrow. He spread cheer to everyone. I know he is missed by all who knew him. I'm sure he is flying around us all now!

We are so sorry for your loss. We can never know the pain you are suffering, but you are in our prayers. May God give you peace in this difficult time. Love, Clark, Dianne, Janina & Cassidy

Deb,
i just received an e-mail through the HP Dist that Matt died. I'm very sorry and pray that the God whom loved Matt, will now comfort you and the family. I'm glad we spoke briefly at WNCC AC in June.
Rev. Frances Browne

Matt always in our hearts,may u soar above with the grace and beauty u have shown to all.We love u and ur family.The Lee's (Travis,Candi,Devin and Jonny)

Matt we say good bye today but memories last for a life time , we all have that for the rest of our lives ! You will never be gone in our hearts !

Deb - You and your family are in our prayers.

Matt always brought so much joy and happiness to everyone that he was near. He was a great mentor, instructor, and friend. Matt, you will always be loved and never forgotten.

Dear Deb, Neil and Jared We are so sorry for the loss of Matt. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. Bobby and Millie Nelson, Assurance UMC, Charlotte, Nc.

I have known Matt for almost 15+ years and will never forget the good times we have had in high school and throughout college at NC State and recent times. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Matts. He will never be forgotten.

We are so very sorry for your loss. May there be some comfort in the wonderful words that are being written about Matt how very special he was to so many. May God hold you close at this time. Swayngim Family of Assurance United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC.

Debbie and family, please know that we are in constant prayer for you all. Wish we could be there. No words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Hugs and prayers go out to you! I trust that our Heavenly Father will help you to find a peace that passes understanding in such a tragedy.

I will always remember Matt as a sweet, charming, funny guy with a smile that brightened his whole face. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jared, Deb and Neil, and all of his friends.

Matt was just a genuinely wonderful guy all through school. This is such a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Paulsen's.

I too knew Matt from High School. Thoughts and prayers are with his family in this sad time.

The Staff at Nature Adventures sends our deepest sympathy. Matt was an incredible, beautiful spirit in the kayaking world and his love of nature and the outdoors will be with us forever! Kathie Livingston & Staff

Matt soared thru life as he does in death..u will be missed tremendously by so many. Thank-you for all the wonderful memories! You will live on my friend!

I am sorry to hear this tragic news. Matt was a great person who loved life and always had a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed

Matt was such a great guy! I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. He was a friend of mine from Ragsdale and he was always so sweet! I pray for all of those suffering from his loss. He will be missed by so many.

I will always remember growing up across the street from your wonderful family. Matt was an amazing person and while I am unable to comprehend this tragedy, I hope you know how much light he brought to the world while he was here.

We will miss you Matt (Wild Dunes Resort)

To the Paulsen family, we were so sorry to hear about Matt's death. We have fond memories of the times we spent with Matt while he and Stephanie were dating. We've spent several hours looking at picutures and remembering the trips that Stephanie took with your family and the good times we had at our house. Matt was such a sincere, kind person and we admired his great love for adventure. I feel that he was someone who was doing something he truly loved and enjoyed. I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling, but I hope that in time along with your grief, you can begin to remember all the good times. Your family is in our hearts and prayers--we will always remember Matt with fondness and a smile. Love from all of us, Cecil and Cathy Johnson and Jennifer and Nolan Bryant

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Matt was a great person and will be remembered always. I pray that you find peace and comfort.

Thoughts and Prayers. Jim and Cathy Clepper (Jamestown, NC)

Matt was a great friend and a mentor to me. I cannot find the words to say for how much it saddens me that this world has lost such a great person. Much of the guidance he gave me, the laughter and the insights will stay with me forever. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this tough time and I encourage you to think about how much light Matt brought into this world.

I had the pleasure of working with Matt at Queen Anne's Revenge. He had it all-looks, personailty and a charming professionalism that I always said would take him far. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.

we all love you so much magoo, this will never cease...

Matt was a good friend and a better person, My heart truly goes out to his family in this time of loss. He will surely be missed by everyone he touched.

My family and I are so saddened in this time of loss. "Matty" was a beautiful and joyful boy and I have so many sweet memories of playing with him and his brother,"JD", on Linden Street in Lincoln so many years ago. He grew into an amazing young man with many talents and gifts and I know he will be missed dearly. My love and prayers are with you, Debbie, Neil, and Jared.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dearest Debbie, Neil, and Jared -- I am so saddened to hear the loss of Matt. What a sweet face and charm that boy had. I loved him and I love all of you. My heart aches for you all. You're all in my heart and prayers. Rest in peace, Matty.

I'm so sorry for your loss ,such a nice looking boy and so young,I know God must have something special that he needed Matt for .I pray for your family to find the strength to get through this diffucult time,

Matt was a positive person to be around during our years at Jamestown Middle and Ragsdale. Thinking of your family in this time of loss.