Matthew Thomas Gish, 38, passed away on November 11, 2024 at his home at Midnight Farm in Douglas County.
Matt was born August 25, 1986 in Lawrence. He had Down Syndrome, and faced a number of challenges in his life with a positive disposition.
He was the oldest of four children of Steve and Bobbie Gish of Lawrence. He attended Hillcrest Elementary, Quail Run Elementary, Southwest Junior High and Free State High School. He also attended summer school at Lawrence High School. He benefitted immensely from being mainstreamed with the general student population and looked forward to school each day.
Matt loved to swim, both in the pool and in the ocean. He loved his stuffed animals, particularly Winnie the Pooh, and also had an affinity for clocks, music boxes and Disney movies. He also loved the various Gish family cats over the years. His family traveled extensively and Matt went on numerous vacations with them, including trips to Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, Mexico, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Washington, D.C. and Disney World.
Matt lived at Midnight Farm, a Goodlife Innovations Family Teaching Home in rural Douglas County for 10 years, until his passing. He made regular weekday visits to Cottonwood over 17 years, where he befriended fellow clients and caregivers.
His siblings, Kristen Gish, Caroline Gish and Michael Gish, loved him deeply. They were there to share both his good days and challenging days over his too short life. He also leaves behind two aunts, two uncles, five cousins and four second cousins.
Matt was friendly, kind, affectionate and sweet. He was also occasionally salty, but who isn’t? His last day with his parents was the day before he passed away. He was in a great mood, enjoying the day in Lawrence.
Matt was an incredible blessing to his family, truly a gift from God. May he rest in peace.
The family will have a private ceremony in the Spring.
Donations in Matt’s memory may be made to Goodlife Innovations, www.mygoodlife.org/donate/ or the Cottonwood Foundation, www.cwood.org/cwood/donate/.
Thinking of you both and the rest of your family during this sad time. Hopefully, you can find comfort in knowing that he is in the arms of our Lord and well taken care of. Sending my love.
Rest now, young man, your Earthly Duties are done. Condolences 💐 to his family, friends, loved ones🪽🕊️🌈
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Matt during his summers in high school as a job coach. He was a joy to work with.
Steve, Bobby, and family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Prayers to your family during this difficult time. Bill and Linda French (Fry)
I fondly remember Matt from Quail Run and Southwest Junior High. Matt was a kind and wonderful soul, who always made me smile. I’ll miss Matt, and i’m happy to have been one of his posse❤️ My condolences to his family.
Steve and Bobby and family,
I thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. May your wonderful family memories provide you comfort at this time. Love, Nancy Champlin
Kent and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts. Your obituary was a lovely tribute to Matt.
Dear Steve, Bobbi and family,
My heartfelt prayers and sympathy at the passing of your beloved Matt. Hoping you and family find peace and comfort recalling often all the amazing memories of Matthew and the joy he brought to the world.
Bobbie and Steve, so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobbie and Steve, I am so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about Matt. He was a terrific guy. I worked with him when he was in high school as a job coach. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers to Matt’s family. He was a special student of mine at Quail Run Elementary. Matt enriched the lives of everyone student in my fourth grade class. He was kind, friendly and and inspiration to all our lives. And to the Gish family: Your live and support for Matt was an inspiration to all families with a child with special needs. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobbie and Steve,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for you and your family at this time of loss.
Beautiful obituary for an exceptional man.
Dear Steve, Bobbie, and family,
I send my heartfelt sympathy to all of you on the passing of your sweet Matthew. He was such a lucky man to have all of you as his loving and devoted family. May Matt rest in peace and rise in glory.
Dear Steve and Bobbie,
Janine and I are sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences and our wish that you and your family find comfort and peace in your memories of Matt and the moments of happiness and fulfillment that you shared together.
Condolences and hugs.