Matthew J. Gray
February 16, 1958 - February 25, 2017

"Mr Gray- I was your student during my 7th grade (2004-2005). At the time I was a kid suffering from severe ADHD. Most teachers couldn?t stand to teach me in their class. However, it was your job to spend time with me, and essentially- ?stand? me. I recently searched you to add you on LinkedIn, and discovered this instead. Matt, you were a kind, and endlessly patient individual. The last time I saw you was when I moved from Madison to Chicago in 2005, but you have remained in my mind for all these years. You truly left a positive impression on all whim you encountered, and the world is an infinitely better place because of you. "

" I was a friend of Matts & know Lori as a very close friend. Although I see Lori much more than I did Matt, she always would beam with smiles & even laughter when she would be talking about him. He played such a role in making our world happier. He truly cared & mentored us on how to be a better person. . A group of us attended the celebration of his life on Thursday. It was very special. It included moments of tears, it was fun, and it was about Matt. What a wonderful legacy, thank you Matt & Lori for being a part of our lives. Barbara Hundt"

"I worked with Matt while I was a school nurse at Memorial. He always had my utmost respect as we world together with our students who had disabilities. Matt had a gentle soul who left a legacy for all of us. My sympathy-- Marge Dvorak"

"Matt co-taught an adaptive PE class at UW-Madison and this class has guided and inspired my teaching ever since. God bless you Matt and thank you for your service to the Madison area schools."

"Matt was a kind, gentle soul who truly cared for all of the students he worked with, as shown by the fact that both of our kids immediately remembered him years after attending Jefferson even though they hadn't ever worked with Matt directly. I've always remembered how he generously and enthusiastically shared his love of archaeology with all of Ms. Shahrani's students as they visited the Native American burial mounds near Lake Mendota, and how he spoke so thoughtfully and meaningfully at Bruce Dahmen's funeral.. Matt was an all-around good guy, and he will be missed."

"Our deepest condolences to all family members and to Lori on the passing of Matt. We got to know Matt through our son. Matt was our son's special needs teacher in the 80's. It is because of Matt that our son progressed as far as he has. I especially remember one weekend Matt had his students over to his apartment for a party. Just reading the tributes about Matt, one realizes the impact he had on this community and on his special needs students. It was our HONOR we had the opportunity to meet an exceptional person like Matt. RIP and thank you for being part of our lives."

"I taught Special Education at Memorial High School with Matt back in the late 80's and early 90's. We were "wall mates". Besides Matt being the kindest, gentlest persons I knew, he also had a great sense of humor. One time I was chaperoning a trip to the Porcupine Mountains with Matt, Gary Kolpin "Kolp", Connie Kane and Pat Joyce (P.J). We had a big group of students and split them up into two groups, both groups camping in two different locations for the long weekend. Back at our cabin, Matt found a six pack of beer in the cupboard. We decided to play a joke on Kolpin when we all reunited on Sunday. The weekend went by uneventfully, then Sunday came. We loaded up the bus full of kids and adults and went to pick up the other group in which Kolpin was leading. After the kids were all on the bus, Matt calls Kolp off the bus to have, "a talk". The chaperons were all standing around as Matt pulls an unopened six pack of beer out of his backpack. Kolpin's eye got big as saucers and his mouth drops open as Matt says, "look what one of the kids brought"! We all kept a straight face until we could not stand it any longer, then Matt burst out laughing in his big laugh as we all follow suit. Everyone was laughing so hard we were crying as Kolpin knew he was "had"! I still smile every time I think of our prank and what a big kick Matt got out of it. RIP Matt."

"Lori, Thinking of you during this most difficult time. May your loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. Dar"

"Lori and all Matt's family and loved ones, My condolences on your loss. Whether announcing a sporting event, serving as grill master at the annual Jefferson welcome picnic or having a kids back when they needed it most, Matt embodied the best of public education. Until her passing last year, my good friend Donna Winnick always asserted that Matt was one of the most impactful teachers her son (now in his 40's) ever had."

"So sorry Lori for the loss of Matt. I obviously did not know Matt, but reading about him makes me wish we had met. What a wonderful partner he must have been, someone you definitely deserved. May your special memories help you with your loss"

"I had the honor of working with Matt during the 1990s at Memorial High School. What an incredible role model he was and is! I will never forget the compassion he showed to our special needs students and those on staff who worked with him. He will be missed, but never forgotten by me. My prayers are with his family as I know that thereis a very special place for him in heaven. Ray McCool "

"Getting to know you, Matt and spend time with you at Southern Utah University's Archaeological Field School was a special experience each summer. When you could have had a break from teaching, you chose to spend time in high desert heat with gnats, novice students, varied staff and excavate in the dirt to better understand the Native groups who inhabited this area of what is now southern Utah many, many generations earlier. You brought your sunny positive attitude, an open spirit, your ability to make all feel welcome, a desire to work, cooking gear and recipes for Dutch oven cooking and your marvelous sense of humor. Your presence in our lives over those summer months was such a gift to us. We have such memories of those times and our hearts are so sad at your passing. We wish blessings of love and peace upon your family and loved ones. You were one of a kind and we were blessed to share time with you! -- Georgia B Thompson, Cedar City, Utah"

"I have known and worked with Matt for 15 years at both the Individual and Team State Wrestling Tournaments, as well as the Badger Wrestling home meets at "the barn". He always took the extra step to see that the wrestlers' names were pronounced correctly. I was envious of his announcing skills that were calm, yet direct. What a super guy to work with, who was very humble and conscientious. He will truly be missed for years to come. God speed, Matt!"

"Matt was one of my favorite colleagues at Memorial. He regularly came into my psychology classes and enlightened us all. His presentations captivated the classroom and taught us that respecting another individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities required us to step into that person's perspective to see the world as they see it."

"From Jessen Black"

"Matt was my son's teacher in 6th grade. He was kind and thoughtful and really seemed to be focused on each individual's learning needs. I ran into him in the fall at a Memorial sporting event (2 years after he had my son in class) and he immediately remembered me and asked how Alec was doing. I was so impressed that he remembered his name and details when he sees so many students each year. What a loss to Madison and the Jefferson community. Gone too soon."

"Dear Matt, you know me as one of the hundreds of parents of your students with special needs. We owe you immeasurable gratitude. Our lives and our children's have been - and will continue to be - made better by your presence. Linda Nolten (Naperville, IL)"

"Matt was one of the most kind, generous and compassionate people I know. His heart was larger than words can describe. He will be missed by students and teachers alike throughout MMSD. Matt knew how to have fun, as we shared lots of laughs and good times together. Rest In Peace, Matt. I'm so happy we reconnected last spring. We will miss you lots!??'--??'--??'--Jan & Mike Rohde"

"Mr Gray is the teacher that every parent dreams for their children, especially when they need some extra support. He is not just an excellent teacher, he is a great male role model and the most generous soul. Matt, we will miss you forever -- miss your warmest smile, miss all the sport talks, miss the good time to attend a game that you announce, miss your loudest cheers when the child made any great effort/achieve a goal (big or small), miss your delicious tortellini and Chicago deep dish pizza... You touched our lives deeply, and made the world a better place. R.I.P. Lori, tears and hugs! We are so lucky to know you from Mr Gray and you are in our thoughts and prayers... "

"Bill and Susie Hundt We only met Matt a couple times through Lori, when we were in Madison. Lori we are saying prayers for you and Matt and your families. Wished we were in Madison to give hugs in person. You have our sympathy and love. "

"This man was the epitome of kindness and generosity...his heart was beautiful and full of laughter. What he did for those students of his can never be duplicated..he was my friend and mentor and when I think of him my heart will smile.. peace my friend, you will be missed-Torri"

"There is this quote that goes something like this: "A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car that I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." Matt Gray was important in the lives of countless children and because of him, the world is a better place. Thanks be to God for the life and work of Matt Gray. -Neecey"

"Matt was the kindest, most generous soul. I'll remember him for his gentle smile, twinkle in his eyes and his sweet chuckle. He delighted in story telling about the students whom he loved and taught with such compassion. He was always the first to offer whatever help was needed - he will be dearly missed. The world has been a more wonderful place because of this good man, Matt. "

"Meaghan Coles here. I was one of Mr. Gray's students. He loved me so much. He's the main reason I am who I am today, and he did so much for me in middle school. When the going got tough, he was by my side. When I needed help, he was there to guide me. He taught me so much, and he took such good care of me. Even when I went into the 7th Grade and graduated his services, Mr. Gray was there to help me and talk to me whenever I needed him. He was so nice, and he was just so awesome. Mr. Gray was a really cool teacher. The world lost a wonderful man. R.I.P. Mr. Gray. You will be dearly missed."

"Matt's heart was bigger than anyone's. His love & dedication for his students & his friends, was something for all of us to strive for. His humor that kept us sane will be missed also."

"Matt was an amazing teacher, union supporter and friend. He has touched many lives and will be sorely missed/"

"A fabulous man taken from us too soon. You can now spend time with your Mom and Dad again. Condolences to the family. "

"Matt was a great person and teacher. Rest in peace, Matt."