Mathew Joseph Pappin
October 21, 1956 – June 3, 2024

On June 3, 2024, the world lost a bright light. Mathew “Matt” Joseph Pappin, 67, of Brownsville, Oregon, has gone to rest with the Lord after a two-year battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer. He is remembered for his generosity, kindness, and boundless love for his family.

Matt was born on October 21, 1956 to Alex and JoNell Pappin in Inglewood, California and spent his childhood years with his brother and sisters in Lakewood, California. In 1973, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. Although he never saw battle, he was honored to have served his country. His experience in the army shaped his passion for living a full and meaningful life.

Matt’s personality was the perfect fit for a 38-year career in heavy equipment sales. Many of his client relationships evolved into friendships that endured beyond his retirement in 2020. He was devoted to bringing honesty to the world of business while he worked for Colton, Howard Cooper, Hessel Tractor, Papé, and finally Modern Machinery.

Matt met his wife, Joan, at a church function in 1981 in California and they were married in 1982 and soon began a loving family of three daughters, two horses, cats, and countless dogs. If you asked him, he’d say his greatest accomplishment was being a father and creating lifelong memories.

While Matt’s time here was too short, he made up for it with his personality and unforgettable memories. A diehard OSU Beaver fan, he was also an avid collector of clocks, flashlights, radios, and outdoor gear. Matt was a true outdoorsman and a Harley Davidson enthusiast. He enjoyed being outside with his dogs, spending time around the campfire, playing his guitar, birdwatching, and hiking.

Perhaps Matt never fully comprehended the number of lives he impacted. He inspired resilience, tenacity, and determination for so many souls. These traits were especially apparent during his battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of hopefulness, compassion, and strength. The family would like to thank the Evergreen Hospice staff and Samaritan Hematology and Oncology/Lebanon Infusion staff for all of their wonderful care during his illness.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Alex and JoNell Pappin; sister, Linda Bullington; brother, Jim Bullington; niece Jessica Pappin, and brother-in-law Mike Johnson. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joan; three daughters Sarah, Mary, and Maureen; sons-in-law Yamen and Isaac; granddaughter, Sophia; two sisters, Kari Niemi (Greg) and Anna Johnson; and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

Matt’s friends and family are invited to honor him at a Celebration of Life at The Philomath Scout Lodge, 660 Clemens Mill Rd, Philomath Oregon on Saturday, July 27 at 11:00am. Lunch will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to the Gary Sinese Foundation or the American Legion Travis Moothart Post #184 in Brownsville, Oregon. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com