Aged just 65 years, of Payson, AZ. Formerly of Colorado and Minnesota, amongst other landing spots over the years. The world has unexpectedly lost one of the good ones. He was oh very young and we were not ready for this.
So who was this amazing man?
Matt was a massive caregiver by nature and nomadic for the love of his family. He embodied so many things that we, as humans, should all strive to be. Following his college education at the University of Northern Colorado, he spent formative years in Minnesota where he ran his own successful business, had close friendships too numerous to count, and was an integral part of his sister’s family. Being the man who did anything for those he loved, he relocated to Roswell, NM to care for his disabled parents at a time in his life when most people settle down and have families. He freely gave those years and dedicated himself to giving his mom and dad everything. When they moved to Kentucky, he had another stint in Minnesota and then, shortly following his sister’s untimely passing, he moved to Denver, CO to be close to his younger brother, Joe, as well as niece, nephews, and friends in the state. His family was everything to him and when Joe relocated to Florida, Matt wasn’t far behind, following his best friend like a moonshadow. For reasons known only to him, Matt moved to the mountains of Arizona just a few years later and his story found its conclusion there on July 22, 2022.
He talked a tough game ("I'm gonna cloud up and rain all over you"), but can't keep it in that he was soft to his core, made of marshmallow inside. Well, that and rum. His love of his family was only rivaled by his love of golf and Notre Dame. The man had a great game on the links and the legend of his expletive-laden golf teachings will live on forever. He was a true 18-hole sensei. Matt didn’t attend Notre Dame but believed with all his heart that he was an Irishman. He loved the school’s sports program more than some people love their first-born child. So hey Lou Holtz, if you’re reading this, seek this guy out when you hit the afterlife and maybe, another Saturday night, play a game of cribbage – you won’t regret it.
And hey, Notre Dame, if you’re reading this – what’re the chances you’ll let us spread his ashes in the north end zone? Pretty please?
Matt Brinkman aka Uncle Ralphie aka Uncle Boo… now that morning has broken it's safe to say that there will just never be another like him. The kind of guy who can pull off a mustache. Who always smelled good. Who could make anyone laugh to tears. To say he was an uncle, a son, a brother, a friend… those definitions are too small, too shallow to describe the impact he made on others’ lives. Too generic to capture how important he was to so many.
Matt - you’ll live on within us. It's a wild world and the weight of missing you is unbearable... somehow we'll collectively put one foot in front of the other and carry forward.
Thanks for listening whenever an ear was needed.
Thanks for showing up, it mattered every time.
Thanks for always ending a phone call with “I love you”.
Thanks for the seemingly infinite happy memories.
Thanks for the hole in our hearts.
Preceded onto the peace train, into what comes next, by father (Gerald), mother (Dallas), sister (Meg). Survived with unbelievably broken hearts by brothers Joe Brinkman (of Naples, FL) and Jake Brinkman (of Columbia, KY), former brother-in-law Bob Marshall, beloved nieces/nephews Nick, Luke, Cassie, Matt, Katie, and Tom (and families). Many great-nieces and nephews that he adored. And we can’t forget his partner in crime – his treasured, charismatic scarlet macaw Pierre. Other family and friends throughout the country. Everyone loved the stubborn SOB.
Visitation 10:00 AM on 9/9/22 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN) with funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM, same venue. Interment to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Matt’s name and hug those you love a little closer.
