Matthew Ryan “Mattie” VanBrocklin, 15, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Thursday, October 29, while fishing the Santiam River. He was born on on May 3, 2000 in Connecticut.

Mattie was raised in Cottage Grove and recently moved to Sweet Home in August 2015. He was attending Sweet Home High School as a sophomore. He was very likable and well loved. He was an avid fisherman and loved fishing and hunting with his older brothers. He always enjoyed the outdoors.

He is survived by: his dad, Gerold VanBrocklin (Juanita) of Sweet Home; his aunts and uncles that he was raised with, who were more like brothers and sisters to him, Michael (Kelsey) of Cottage Grove, Angie (Steve) of California, Sherry (Shane) of Dayton, Eddie and Chris of Portland, Kelly (Mark) of Medford, Robin (Aaron) of Michigan, Amanda (Matt) of Michigan; five brothers and sisters in Connecticut; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Matthew was preceded in death by his mom, Cheryl (2009), Great Mama, Esther (2015), and great grandfather Bert (2002).

Celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall, 1025 N 19th Street, Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/d27zu8x8

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.