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Matthew Arjuna Bradshaw, 16, died at his home in Polson, Montana, on
July 11, 2007.
He was born May 9, 1991 in Mount Vernon, WA to Stefani and Dr.
William Bradshaw. He was raised on Orcas Island, WA until moving to
Silverton, OR at four years old with his parents and older brother
Luke.
In August 1996, the family moved to Montana, where Matthew lived for
the rest of his life -- the next 11 years. The family lived in Ronan
initially, then moved to Charlo, and then to Polson, where Matthew
attended school.
Matthew’s parents divorced in 2001, with his father moving to the
Southwest. His mother Stefani remarried in 2003 to David Devore, and
bought a home on Rocky Point Road, where Matthew lived with them and
his stepsister Hana. Stefani was diagnosed with metastatic lung
cancer in October 2006 and died in January 2007. Stefani’s death
was, as it seems now, a mortal blow to Matthew.
After his mother’s death, Matthew remained in Polson with his
stepfather. He was planning to attend camp at Lubrecht Forest at the
end of July, then move to Colorado with his father to finish high
school. On July 11th, however, Matthew hung himself.
Matthew was deeply loved by those who knew him. He was blessed by
the wonderful people who came into his life. He in turn was a
blessing to others. He adored his family, who knew him as “M.” He
had a wonderful smile and an infectious, witty sense of humor. He
loved skateboarding, snowboarding, video gaming, and music of many
kinds, which seemed to express his pain and passion better than he
could. He wanted to fit in and be accepted, yet rarely felt he did.
In the nights following his death, Matthew’s friends, many of whom
called him Matty, gave a touching tribute to him in spontaneous
candlelight vigils and expressions of love and grief drawn in chalk
on the Main Street sidewalk in Polson.
Matthew has and will continue to leave a void in the lives of those
who knew him. This void is vast and as unique as Matthew’s soul.
Something very, very precious has come and passed away. May we all
practice kindness. May we all allow space for others to feel love,
and acceptance, so that no one will ever have to write such an
obituary for their child.
Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Stefani Lyon Devore.
Survivors include his father, Dr. William Bradshaw of Leadville,
Colorado; his brother, Luke Rollins, of Los Angeles; his stepfather,
David Devore, of Polson; his stepsister, Hana Devore, of Seattle;
his paternal aunt Katherine Agbe (Adesuyi) of Lake Jackson, TX and
cousins Morenike, Anna, and Ashley; his paternal aunt Jan McConnell
(Dennis) of Lake Jackson, TX and cousins Adam and Julia; and his
many friends and classmates.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at 2 p.m. at
the First United Methodist Church in Polson with Rev. Esther Angel
officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral
Home.
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