Dan Matthews, age 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 4, 2018 after a long and courageous journey. A lifelong resident of Bay City, Dan was born on January 9, 1952 to the late Floyd and Garnett (Cnudde) Matuszewski. Left to cherish his memory are Laraine, his wife of 36 years; his three children: Jeff Brainard (Beth), Kerry Brainard Verdi (John), and David Matthews; three grandchildren: Joey Brainard and Sydney and Cameron Verdi, his sister Janice Miller, and… Read More » several nieces and nephews.
Dan attended St. James School in his early years before graduating from All Saints in 1970. After high school, Dan attended Central Michigan University where he received a B.A. and later returned to earn an MSA degree. Dan was a devoted employee of Bay County for 14 years.
He began as a juvenile probation officer. After earning his advanced degree, he was named Director of several Bay County agencies. After leaving public service, he worked in the field of human res.
The last 14 years were spent working for the American Society of Employers where he was the regional director for the Mid-Michigan Region. Dan and sports were synonymous. He played football, basketball and ran track and field throughout high school.
For years he played city league basketball and fast pitch softball. Ultimately, he took up the game of golf, which became his passion, and he could regularly be found on the course with his friends, wearing his wrap-around sunglasses. Throughout his life, Dan was involved in many community professional groups.
He belonged to the Lions Club, was active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and was a member of both the Society of Human Re Managers and the Chamber of Commerce, where he served in several capacities. Dan was a quietly generous man and regularly supported the Boy and Girls Club and spent the holiday season shopping for toys to donate to the Toys for Tots campaign. Dan enjoyed life and lived by his motto “Work Hard, Play Hard”.
Spending time with friends and family, being outdoors and taking care of his flowers and lawn were top priorities. Dan and his family would like to give a special thank you to Nate Volk who helped care for Dan with such dignity and compassion. In addition, Dan’s large circle of friends helped carry our family throughout this long journey.
Finally, the caring staff at Close to Home made this last, difficult year a little bit easier because of their care and attention to Dan. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Friday, June 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Parish (Holy Trinity Catholic Church) 1000 S. Wenona Street, Bay City, MI 48706. Rev.
Robert Kelm and Rev. Kevin Kerbawy will preside. Memorial contributions may be designated for the Boys and Girls Club or Toys for Tots.
Visiting hours with the family will be Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 3:00 – 8:00 at the W. A. Trahan Funeral Chapel, 256 N. Madison Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708, and continue Friday in church from 9:00 am until the time of the mass. For on-line sentiments: www.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
