Matthew Anthony Murray

Matthew Anthony Murray, 26 of Aurora Colorado, passed away Tuesday June 15, 2021.

Matthew was born to Eric and Risa Murray of Denver Colorado. Matthew graduated from Westminster High School in 2012. During his senior year in high school Matthew received two awards 2nd team all conference for football and defensive player of the year. Matthew had plans for his future he wanted to become an Architect. In the fall of 2013 Matthew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During basic training Matthew sent a letter to his dad saying he had found a church to attend but also asked if he would pray for him to pass his swim test. Matthew graduated from basic training in January of 2014 in San Diego, California. Afterward Matthew became a reservist in an artillery unit while he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder he worked for UPS and Uber to accomplish his goal to become an Architect. Matthew graduated with a BA in Environmental Design in the summer of 2018. Matthew helped to design the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora and affordable housing units in the Sun Valley neighborhood.

Matthew was a loving, kind, friendly, son, brother, and friend he was always willing to give a helping hand. He loved competing with his younger brother Josiah when it came to cooking different kinds of food. I will always remember my son's smile and his quick whit with his family. Just recently I saw a video of us celebrating Matthew's birthday and his fun loving nature. Matthew you are truly LOVED and MISSED.
Mom

Matthew was the type of man that had MR. MURRAY printed on his basketball practice jersey, in high school. Matthew always stood out, he was different. In elementary, his differences began various fights when ignorant children called him racial slurs, but with God's grace, along the way, he became proud of who he was and he didn't lose his light. Matthew's smile was brilliant and genuine. He became friends with everyone and anyone who chose to be friendly. Matthew loved people for them, not what they had. I remember one of Matthew's friend's father's telling my parents that Matthew came over to hang out and play even if their son's gaming system didn't work.

Matthew was always there, at every family get together, our mom's art exhibitions, birthday or graduation parties and even most recently when we began real estate courses. Matthew was a hard worker, impatient at times with tedious tasks, but he always sought to fix any mistakes he'd made; he sought guidance from our Dad and our brother Jonathan, when it came to home renovations. Matthew was one of the most helpful people I ever knew. He served with a spirit of excellence and he looked out for people. Matthew loved his niece and nephews. He would spend time with them, ask them about school, bring them gifts they loved and most of all he would joke and laugh with them. He'd even admit when Kadiri's quick wit caught him off guard or when he was impressed by what Eli'el was learning. He acknowledged and loved Ronnie and Andreas and he would watch in wonder and laugh at Andrew, as he cared for Malachi, Ezekiel and Achevas (Ace).

Matthew was one of the kindest most thoughtful men I knew and most of all he was my younger brother. We have a similar temperament and got along effortlessly. Respect, dedication, generosity and commitment are all words that describe my brother in his love for his family and friends. We celebrated with Matthew at his games, at his High School, College and military graduations, when he was working to get out of debt and had dreams for a purposeful career. As a family, we especially celebrated with him when he chose to move in with me a few months ago.

Our brother Jonathan reminded us that Matthew means a gift of God and the root of his name means to fight. Matthew was in a fight and I saw him fighting day in and day out. He moved, he changed his association, he began going to multiple Bible studies, I heard him praying and reading scriptures out loud. We fasted together, he attended church and men's fellowship. At church I remember him worshipping with all of his heart and willingly laying on the ground at the altar. Matthew even began talking and sharing his heart. He worked out and joined a book club with our brothers Jonathan and Josiah and went down to visit our brother Andrew and his family from time to time. On Wednesdays he began volunteering at our churches food bank. Matthew often told me that he was coming back to God so he could help his friends that had lost their way too. He was owning up to his life and the wrong turns he had taken on his journey. I told him I was proud of him because I saw myself in him; I too was a prodigal.

Along the journey though, fear and isolation set in when he was fighting and he thought he was alone; Matthew was never alone. So I want to tell all those who loved Matthew, you're not alone; and never fight alone. With God and those he's placed in your life as guides, they will light up your new path and you will make it to your haven. Just make it through your night because joy comes in the morning. I promise you Matthew was fighting to be here with you and he never intended to hurt you or cause you pain. Matthew I love you and thank you for loving me. You called me a Princess of Peace, I'll continue fighting to be that and everything else God has called me to be. Your Big Sister, Stephanie

Matthew is survived; by his parents Eric and Risa Murray of Denver Colorado, his siblings Stephanie Murray, Jonathan Murray of Aurora Colorado, and Josiah Murray of Denver Colorado, Andrew and Shaina Murray of Alamosa Colorado. He is also survived by niece Kadiri, nephews Eliel, Malachi, Ezekiel, Achevas, Ronnie and Andres. Uncles and Aunts Jody and Felicia Gilbert of Atlanta Georgia, Collette Grays, Kathy Gilbert, Elaine Tidmore, Crandallyn Graham, Jean Hainesworth, Leonard and Linda Murray, Charles Murray, Karen Murray, and Julie Hogue. A host of cousins in Colorado, California, South Carolina and Texas.

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