Matthew Barham Obituary

Not many days that I don´t think about you, even after 10 years. My kids know who you are, what you meant to me and the lessons that you learned the hard way. We went different directions as adults but I prefer to remember the kid with the dots on his face anyways. Hot butter Cheerios, making forts to stop whatever German Shepard you guys had from getting in or sleeping over and sleeping on the screened in porch on a cool night watching hbo on the 10 inch tv. It all seems like yesterday!! Miss you buddy!!

It doesn´t matter how much time goes by, you´ll always be missed by your family and friends. I just wanted you to know that you have made a difference in people´s lives even after your gone. You´ve helped to create more open dialogue about addiction, your still helping people and I thank you for that.

I can´t believe it´s been 10 years. Every year there´s awesome pictures shared by your mom and sisters who miss you so much. You were a great uncle and I know there would be so many more pictures with you as they are growing up. You are so missed Matt! Saying prayers for peace and comfort to all.

I never met Matt, but Maureen has become a dear friend. Her unwavering love for her children inspires me to always be there for my children. As she was for Matt. I know you are at peace because I see the love you family has for you.
God be with you always. .

I love you Matt. I can´t believe it´s been 10 years, I still hear your laugh as if you were standing right beside me. Please keep watching over all of us but what I would give to have one more hug!

Gone ten years too long. You have inspired so many. Always and forever in my heart

Guys I meant inches not feet. My bad! Still a great catch though. I miss you Matt!

This is hard news for me to take in, i feel like i have been living under a rock to not know this. matt was never into This type of thing with me. He was my good luck charm when we would fish at maple lake. I could sit for hours and not catch anything but he was like the fish whisperer and I rember catching a 17 ft large mouthbass with him. He was also great at fish frying, it always tasted great. Prayers are with Matt's family.

Like the others not knowing sooner is Killing me inside. Matt, you were like an older bro to me, like a permenant fixture when I was growing up. I always looked up to you. I will cherish the guy you were. I will think fondly of Duffy Park in E.P. when I go past it. I will think of our pick up games. You were always a participator, such an awesome quality you held. I will miss you but will see you again one day. Love you bro!

I got wind of this tragic news. This message is late but its better late than never. Prayers for Matt's fam. He helped train my dog coco and he really should've been a dog trainer, coco is obedient now because of him. Matt was always clean in my eyes so him parting this way is sad. Hes in a good place now and I will talk to him in my prayers.

Can't believe that I just found out bout this. Best memories of summer nights at Sizemores bonfires. I will always think of you when I hear Tupac. Taken to soon, Rest in Peace Matt.

I am so incredibly saddened to hear of the loss of Matt! Since I now live out of state I just learned of his passing and my heart is heavy. Matt is a wonderful person and I will remember the Matt who grinned ear to ear with that beautiful contagious smile, who was there by your side when you were low and who was full of so much love for his family! Matt and I met over a summer when I was 14 and he was 15 years old, at a fireworks show at the golf course in Beverly, and we remained friends for years. As a non party girl who doesn't even drink, I can tell you that Matt didn't even so much as have a drink in front of me when we would hang out together. Matt was extremely content without any influence and we would laugh hysterically together all the time, he was one of the funniest people I had ever met. That is the Matt I will always carry in my heart because I saw who he truly was and who he was striving to be. I will continue to pray for his wonderful family who he loved more then anything,....his Mother who he spoke the world of and was there for him regardless, his Father who he appreciated so much for not giving up on him, his sisters who he spoke the world of and protectively of, his nieces and nephew who brought him so much joy and who he had so much pride to be a God Father to and for Will, who Matt cared for like a brother. Matt will be deeply missed by many, his memory will always live on in my heart.

I love you Matt and miss you every day my brother. I appreciate all you have done for me and I will not let your life or death be forgotten. I will carry your battle with me and I will be stronger with it. I will carry out your legacy, look how many lives you have inspired already. I miss u so much and wish you were here to be my support. One day we will meet again in heaven, my angel.

Dear Maureen, Just recently heard of Matt's death. Please know that we are thinking of and praying for you.

Although I do know you and did not know your son Matt, I know the pain you feel, as it is the same pain I have lived with since June 2007. My son struggled with addiction for 10 years, and at 25, lost his courageous battle with prescription drugs. I admire your honesty and your loving tribute to your son. My heart goes out to you and your family. I truly understand the indescribable pain, grief and immeasurable love you will forever have for your son. May Matthew rest in peace.
Gail K.
Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation

I miss you so much. My heart and soul ache for you. I know you are safe and happy and it eases the sorrow I feel. KEEP GUIDING MY THROUGH THIS JOURNEY. I LOVE YOU....Mom

Dear Maureen and Family, I cannot find words to tell you how very sorry I was to hear about Matt's passing. I will always remember him ever since the kids were in Preschool and all through grade school with his little jokes. He could always find humor. I know he will be surely missed by his loving close family forever. I'm sorry I was not able to be at Matt's service because I was out of town, but I'm glad Jack was able to be there. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Such a beautiful tribute! I admire your courage to be real and honest. Matthew was very lucky to have a family like yours. My 25 year son has been fighting addiction for many years and continues to struggle. I pray that God gives you strength during this most difficult time. Matthew is now at peace as an angel. ~HUGS~

Thank you for telling it like it is, I will pray for Gods comfort as you grieve loosing Matthew we also lost our boy 2 years who was brave and courageous fighting this disease may your memories and love sustain you

My condolences . May you find peace in the memories of Matthew

I don't know you or your family but i send my condolences to you all my daughter 1year angelversary is the 29th of Sep. My heart goes out you all! God bless you!

Beautiful words to describe Matt. May he rest in peace. He was so fortunate to have such a loving family. My thoughts and prayers are for Matt and his family.

He brought more joy to other's lives than most people do in a lifetime, I promise you that.

I am very sorry to hear about Matt. I will always remember his fun-loving personality. He will definitely be missed. Your family is in my prayers.

Loved having Matt in 6th grade. He ALWAYS made me laugh. So sorry.
Laura Carey

Hello to the Barham Family I have known Matt (Mac) for at least 7years an I have great memories with him I meet him threw a co-worker by the name of Maurice (sagg) they were close friends an Mac use to always come hang in our hood with him, flirt with me an for me I'm A black girl an he was like so cool I never looked at him an put a color on him I loved his sexy blue eyes an charming ways he always knew how to put a smile upon my face always had something funny to say four years ago Sagg got Married an Mac became my date at the wedding since we both came along we took pictures an danced that's a great memory that I have although four years ago today we danced at this wedding now he is being laid to rest upon this day 9-26 wow my condolences is with you all may god bless everyone he was the coolest handsome most well manored man in despite of whatever he did I wish he was able to fight it an live cherish every moment of greater Success love you Mac ya homegirl Memi .....

Our heartfelt sympathies go out the the Barham and Flemimg families! What a sobering tribute to Matt who ALWAYS had a smile on his face...you are in our prayers. Godspeed Matthew and may you be at peace.

A beautiful tribute to your son, brother, and friend. Thoughts are with you today and in the future. Take care of each other. XOXO

I could not be more heart broken for the Barham family at this time. I will always remember the laughs and smiles Matt brought into any room. It was a pleasure knowing him and growing up together at Cajetan.
May he rest in peace.

Rest In Peace Matthew.

It is with a very sad heart, that I promise my prayers for you all. I was so very sorry to hear about Matts death.

Matt and I lived together in a sober house that I managed for five months. I cherish those moments and stories, we had a lot of fun. Not going to lie Matt could be a pain in my butt sometimes but we always managed to work it out and have a good laugh about it. When Matt moved out our bond and friendship grew stronger. We talked often, lots of jive, but mainly about recovery, life, and whats next. His love of his family was off the charts and talked about his gratitude for there support. I will miss Matt, already do, we were supposed to go bowling last weekend. Im so sorry for your loss.

Matt my friend like we Mexicans say descansa en paz (rest in peace) you will be miss.

To the Barham and Fleming families: I was so incredibly sorry to hear about Matt - please know you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful tribute you wrote for your son and brother, you are all an inspiration. Love, Erin (Hayes) Kelly

We are sorry for the loss of your precious son and brother and pray for solace for your heavy hearts
Tom and Mary Kay Doyle

beautiful Maureen - I am so very sorry and saddened for you and your family at this time. Though I only got to know Matt but a bit, so long ago, there has not been a time when I come across the title "To Kill a Mockingbird," (same book has been in a very prominent spot in my home,too--my 'favorites' section) when I don't think of him - and our munching on Reece's peanut butter cups, which I'd bring to bribe him, so he'd read excertps aloud to me. I've never shared reading literature before that time, and it changed me - big-time - all due to your Matt. I treasured those times then - and certainly do now. I am grateful to have known him. Such a loving loving mother; I remember all you would do for him -- you gave him your whole heart and then some. I am so very sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and heart, so much. I pray for your strength now.
All love to you, Bianchi

Such beautiful words to describe your beautiful son. We are so sorry for your loss. Continuing to keep you in our prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. So sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of Matt bring you great comfort.

Mike,I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. My thoughts are with you.

Im sorry for your loss prayers for u and your family ?

Dear Maureen and Michael: I am so sorry for the loss of your son Matthew. The word Matthew means 'GIFT OF GOD.' Your Matthew was certainly a gift to you and your family and our world. The only way we can take away your pain is to pretend thast Matt was not your son. You would never pay that price. My question to parents who lose a child is always "do you still love this child?' The answer is always 'of course, more than anyhting, more than life itself.' But your love is not greater than God's love. God knew Matt and loved him long before you did and the promise of God is always "I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER". It is so unnatural for a parent to bury a child. All we can do is look to the cross of Jesus and listen to the words of comfort, spoken in pain. "FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO - THIS DAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE- WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? (if Jesus can say it, so can you)....TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER (words that Matt would say and is saying to you right now)....and most importantly, FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS...FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS(the safest place to be -God will never let go)...Don't forget:death kills bodies but never relationships. If you believe in Jesus, you never say goodbye for the last time ('goodbye' is from an old English phrase,'God be with yee' Later today, I will be giving you a statue of a child in the hand of God, inspired by Isiah49 "I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. I WILL HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF MY HANDS." Finally, I believe that when your journey is over, Matthew will be waiting for you, standing right behind Jesus, and he will throw his arms around you and tell your 'IT'S JUST WHAT YOU TAUGHT ME, IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE."...ps - I am glad you are in touch with John Rodgers and his organization -HERO. They will help you because we walk out of every cloud on a rainboW trail,and it is good we don't have to walkalone Jesus couldn't do it by Himself, and niether can we...SHALOM

Maureen, Mike and Nancy;
I'm so sorry that your hearts are heavy.
There are so many comical memories WE have of Matt. I hope your fond memories of him help to sustain you through this difficult time. He is Free and At Peace now...Until we meet again.

GOD REST Michael's soul. Another casualty from the horrific condition of addiction, there for the grace of GOD go I. Sympathies to the family, you will meet him again one day!

Matt was one of a kind. He was a true, genuine and loving friend. His courage, strength and laughter will be in my heart forever. I will miss you so much B, there are no words to express how much. I love you and your family so so much. My prayers are and always will be with your family and friends."Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"

I am so very sorry for your loss. You now have a guardian angel watching over you.

Matt was blessed to have such a strong and supportive family. My thoughts and prayers to all of you and Matt.

Beautiful words. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts break for you. Stay strong. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you loved Matt dearly and supported him always.

May you rest now and be at peace forever young and always in the hearts of those who loved you most.

My heartfelt condolences. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of intense grief and always. (1 Cor 15:26). I'm very sorry for your loss.

I knew Matt my whole life. Without effort he could make any situation funny. Matt will be missed. My sympathies to his parents and sisters.

I was lucky enough to have had Matt move out to Minnesota where I have been living in order to attend a recovery program and fight to live a clean sober lifestyle. We checked in with each other often, even if only briefly. He always invited me to attend meetings with him and was always encouraging and a joy to be around. He truly wanted a better life for himself and other recovering addicts. He will be missed by the recovery community here in Minnesota as well as back home in Chicago. My prayers and thoughts go out to his mother, sisters, extended family & tons of friends. He spoke greatly of his sisters kids And always had a smile when mentioning his dog. Matt and I share a birthday, February 5 and it will now be a day instead of calling Matt a prayer will be said. Rest in peace Matt, you will be greatly missed. Xoxo

I'll forever cherish the memories Matt. You were a character, one of kind. I smile when I think of all the things we used to do (trouble we used to cause) in H.S. You'll be missed bro. I'm counting on you to look out for me man. As much as it saddens me to know Ill never be able to hear your laugh or see your smile again, I'm happy to know you are at peace. And to your Family I can't say much, they knew better than I what great guy you were. Love you Dog. I'll see ya again, hopefully later than sooner

"Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love". You will always be in my heart Mattchew . I promise I will look after things.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Callahan Family
Orland Park, IL

Fair winds and following seas, may the cold winds always be at your six.
Much love.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and of course friends as well. He never gave up, that's all one can do. Keep trying and trying; one can never try too hard. That way if the unfortunate thing does happen, one may leave this earth righteously, with honesty and integrity. Matt is a good example of this, and will be missed greatly by many.

Erin and family, My deepest sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. Matthew is free now and will be your angel, always in your hearts.

Matt was a great friend & he will truly be missed, words can't explain how sorry I am for the families lost. But just know one thing he is not in anymore pain. GOD BLESS YOU MATT your friend forever.Maurice Barber.

To the family of Matt Barham...your son was a very special person that always put a smile on my face, he sure had a great sense of humor..May his soul be free from the chains of addiction. He will be missed by many and my prayers are with you family members left behind.

I met Matt in high school and will never forget the amount of laughs he brought. He was one of a kind. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Mike and Nancy,
My heart is sadden by the loss of your son. My prayers are with Matt and all of your family. May Matt find the peace that he was looking for. God Bless!

I too lost a son a month ago to addictions. I know your son Matt and my son Ken are now free and at peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.From the McGinnis Family

Matt wil be in our hearts and prayers and not forgotten. God bless him and all his family.

To my cuzzo. Mush loves you.

Mike and Nancy, I am so sorry for you and the rest of Maty's loving family of supporters. Doing the best you can is the best one can do. Kathy Nelson

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

At peace and free. Prayers for all who loved Matt.

"Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love". You will always be in my heart Mattchew . I promise I will look after things.

To the Family of Matt
I'm so sorry for your loss-I truly can feel your pain.Please be strong for him
as he needs love and prayers from all of us. I really loved him & was so proud of his success stories. Nick & I will pray for him & never forget him.
RIP my darling friend.
Linda Lewkowski

o proud of his success stories.

My thought and prayers are with you and your extended family. I am very sorry for your loss.

Beautiful words about Matt. Such a loss. Praying for peace for Matt and his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Matt's struggles are finally over. He is at peace. God bless you all.

May you rest in peace Matt! You will be truly miss ?? Love you and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

My hopes and prayers are with the family,may your memories make you smile. May the God of all comfort you through this time of great sorrow.

I did not know your son, however your comments on his addiction problem should be read by others cursed with it. I give you credit for allowing the situation to come to light and perhaps help to save someone else from this type of tragic ending. Thank you and may your family be blessed with peace.
Suzanne Anderson