Matthew McCollum

It is with both sorrow and admiration that we remember the life of Matthew William McCollum, known affectionately as Matt, who was born on April 2, 1952, in Chicago, IL, and spent his final years in Buckley, Washington. A resilient individual with an inspiring spirit, Matt was an embodiment of positivity and perseverance, traits that compelled everyone around him to strive for better. Matt's wit, intelligence, and relentless positivity, or as we fondly called it, his "Mattitude," made him a beacon of light in the community.

Matt's life was a testament to his intelligence, resilience, and hard work. He spent his early years as a logger before he embarked on a successful career in the King County Waste Water Division. Starting in 1993, Matt worked his way up to become a Lead Manager before retiring in 2018, earning numerous accolades for his diligent commitment to his work. Yet, his accomplishments extended far beyond his professional life. Matt was an active participant in the Buckley community, contributing to Rails to Trails and the Buckley Downtown Associate, and was a member of the Buckley Odd Fellows. His passion for preserving the small-town history of Buckley earned him the title of honorary town historian.

However, what made Matt truly special were his personal attributes and passions. He was an ardent lover of health and fitness. His dedication to staying active and promoting wellness was so inspiring that it motivated many to prioritize their health. Matt was also a voracious reader, always curious and eager to learn. His love for his family was unparalleled. He cherished his time with his wife Rita, his daughter Erin, her husband Nate and his grandchildren, always ensuring he stayed healthy for them. His fight against cancer demonstrated his strength, resilience, and the indomitable power of the human spirit, reminding us that he was not just a man, but an inspiration.

Matthew is survived by his wife Rita McCollum, his daughter Erin Minnich, his stepdaughter Kim Tyler and stepson Ron Moorhead. He joins his parents, John and Barbara McCollum, in peaceful rest. We invite all who knew and loved Matthew to share their memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page. Each memory shared will serve as a testament to Matthew's enduring spirit, his inspiring life, and the love he had for his family and community.