Matthew Romain Bouthillier of Renton, WA passed away unexpectedly in Haiti on March 1, 2010. A seasoned ER nurse, Matt was in Port-au-Prince serving earthquake survivors as a volunteer for Medical Teams International. While on the trip, Matt suffered a cardiac arrest which claimed his life at the age of 36.
Born on September 22, 1973, Matt grew up in Connecticut and Texas. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. While at PLU, he fell in love with Melissa Leppke, and they married on July 12, 1998. Matt and Melissa consider their two sons, Brian (7) and Logan (4), life’s most precious gift and above all, Matt cherished spending time with his family.
Matt had a tender heart and a fearless spirit. He had served as a Captain in the US Army at Brooke Army Medical Center. He was an ER nurse for Virginia Mason and Swedish Medical Center in Issaquah. Described by his colleagues and patients as an extraordinary medical professional, Matt possessed uncanny experience, skills, and wisdom for someone his age. He served his country and fellow man with courage, conviction, and care.
Matt was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, camping, and mountain climbing. His many friends and family remember him for his terrific sense of humor, his authenticity, and fierce loyalty to those he loved. Whether serving his country, saving lives, climbing mountain peaks, or playing with his boys, Matt embraced life and lived it to the fullest.
Matt is survived by his wife, Melissa, and two sons, Brian Michael and Logan James. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his mother, Dale Bouthillier, and four sisters: Gail Garcia of San Antonio, TX; Kris Gauthier, Zionsville IN; Catherine Menounos of Brooklyn, CT; and Lynn Bouthillier of Brooklyn, CT. Matt had eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Bouthillier and his father, Dr. Joseph Bouthillier.
American hero, loyal friend, loving husband and Dad – Matt’s life was brief, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
A Memorial Service open to the public will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the East Renton Community Church , 13232 156th Ave SE, Renton, WA. A Matthew Bouthillier Children’s Fund has been set up for the family at US Bank.