LLU School of Dentistry Dentalgram

Dentalgram

September 2002

In memory of Matthew Chun, class of 2005
By Melissa Chun, SD’02

In a recent photo Matthew Chun (right) relaxes with members of his class Brian Sohn (left) and Heather Pundt (center).

Matthew Chun, a member of the dental class of 2005, passed away August 25, 2002, from severe head injuries sustained in a single car collision while returning from a trip to Forest Falls. Despite the best efforts of the medical professionals at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Matthew’s determination, Matthew, to our great bereavement, could not recover. However, while people may hold this as their most recent and lasting memory of Matthew, his greatest contribution to the community was not through his death, but his life.

As a family member, Matt always described himself as the most “reticent” of his clan, but those of us who knew him best were all too familiar with the great love he had for his mother, father, and sister. While at times he chose not to verbalize this love, Matt tirelessly took on the simple and thankless jobs that make all the difference. Whether Matt had to take out the trash or pick up a cousin from the train station, he was always willing and even happy to perform such deeds. Matthew always lent a steadying hand to his sister when she needed it the most, and offered guiding advice to his younger cousins. Matt’s nieces, even as children, perceived the great love Matt had for his family, working past his gruff exterior and more often choosing “Uncle Matt” to play with outside. Even more closely did he watch over and protect his parents, urging them into semi-retirement, assuring them that he would pick up the slack where it was needed. To all of us who knew him best, Matthew was truly an indispensable member of the family.

For Matthew:
We thought of you with love today,
but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that, too.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name–your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part.God has you in His keep, we have you in our hearts. It broke our hearts to lose you- but you didn't go alone. For a part of us went with you today... the day God took you home.

–Author unknown

As a peer Matt could not contain his great love even though he had lent so much of it to his family. His friends and acquaintances still recall to this day how Matt gave special attention to their needs and their interests. Matt was always open to new ideas and willing to hear a new side of the story. Through his friends and his voracious appetite for life he picked up the hobbies and sports that we today naturally associate with Matt—snow boarding, skateboarding, and surfing. Matt was always attracted to the vibrancy of life, and he could not contain himself when speaking of his friends and passions. He leaves not one or two but numerous close friends behind. To those of us who knew him best, Matt was truly the best friend one could have.

Matt was always one to question what he was taught, seek the truth behind it, and decide for himself the right path to walk. Church members always recall Matt as a familiar face at church. Always in the back pew and always listening closely, Matt truly loved God and held a close personal faith for Him. Even on his last day, Matt helped a tired child walk down from Forest Falls. Even though she was a stranger, Matt carried her on his back (Matthew 25:34). To Him who knows Matt best, Matt was truly a good son.

More than 1,000 individuals came to the memorial service to say goodbye to Matthew. He was laid to rest in Montecito Thursday, August 29, 2002. Matthew’s absence leaves us all with an empty part of our hearts that seems like it will not be filled. Although we grieve his passing we rejoice his life, and hold dear the memories we have of him. We look forward to a day when we will be reunited, and our hearts will be filled once again.