- Date Of Birth: September 24, 1993
- Date Of Death: January 16, 2017
- State: Arizona
Mathew Thomas Reyes, 23, of Flagstaff, Arizona passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017. Mathew was born on September 24, 1993. Mathew lived in Flagstaff for all but three years of his life. He spent those 3 years living in Peach Springs, Arizona on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. While living in Peach Springs he was employed by the Hualapai River Runners. He was a Boatman who lead guided tours of The Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Mathew often said, “these were the three greatest years of my life”. Mathew worked really hard to gain as much knowledge of the Grand Canyon as possible. In his free time during that first year of working in the canyon, you would always find him reading up on the history and archaeological makeup of the Grand Canyon. With Mathew’s great and magnetic personality this job was a fantastic fit. He strived to always make sure his passengers would have a memorable experience and in doing so made friends from places all around the world.
Mathew moved back to Flagstaff in June of 2016. He was employed by On-Call staffing to work for SCA-Flagstaff. At the time of Mathew’s passing, he had just received word that SCA would be bringing him on as a full-time employee.
Mathew loved the outdoors and being active. You would always find him hiking the many exciting places throughout Northern Arizona. He was frequently found riding his dirt bike on the cinder hills or snowboarding on the San Francisco Peaks. Mathew would often be with his older brother but with his amazing personality, he could find one of his many friends to accompany him on his adventures.
Mathew was also interested in photography. He took many pictures of all the beautiful places he visited and would enthusiastically share them with his family and friends. He was always wanting to take that amazing picture of a sunset and the way the light would shine off the canyon walls. You hear the Grand Canyon is one of the most photographed places in the world, well Mathew helped that by taking hundreds of photos within the canyon walls.
Mathew saw beauty everywhere he looked, especially in people. One of Mathew’s greatest loves was helping his sister and watching his young nephews. Mathew was always eager to be present at any family event. Mathew also had a love for athletics. While in Peach Springs he played on the River Runners volleyball and softball teams. When in Flagstaff he would go play City league softball with his brother. He also had begun to fall in love with the game of Golf. In his youth, Mathew played for the Flagstaff Soccer Club, Baseball at Continental Little League, and Basketball for the City of Flagstaff Youth League.
Mathew is survived by his parents Martin and Elaine Reyes. Brother Christopher Hansen-Reyes, Eddie Gallegos, Sister Nicole Reyes, nephews Adrian and Easton Gallegos, Grandparents Stanley (Nancy) Hansen, Ralph (Melba) Reyes. Uncles Michael(Kathee) Reyes, Michael Hansen. Aunties Charlene Hansen, Diann Reyes, Kristann Monaghan, many great uncles and aunts, several cousins, and his many friends.
