Matthew James Warner, 45, of Helena passed away on January 22, 2011. He was born in Forsyth, Montana on October 20, 1965, the son of Michael and Donna (Thoemke) Warner. He graduated from Forsyth High School and Montana State University in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He was united in marriage to Cathy Jones on August 27, 1988. He received his Montana Professional Engineer’s certification in 2003. An owner of numerous Helena businesses, his proudest career achievement was founding and managing WTR Consulting Engineers, an engineering design firm in Helena and Missoula.
Matt loved being on the lake with his family and friends, fixing and building things in his shop and making people laugh. He truly was a jack of all trades and was always willing to help others. He was a member of the York Volunteer Fire Department and coached his son’s baseball team. Matt worked hard and played hard. He loved his family and enjoyed time spent at the cabin, which he designed and built.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Bonnie Goodian. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Alexandra; and son, Austin; brothers, Tim (Denise) of Laurel and Arnie of Belgrade; and brother-in-law, Kenley Goodian of East Helena. Also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Edna Jones of Billings; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cindy (John) Williams of Clancy, Kevin Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado, Steve (Denise) Jones of Billings, Cheryl (Jason) Fenhaus of East Helena; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 27 from 1-5 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena. A vigil will be held Thursday, January 27th at 7 p.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, January 28th at noon at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, with burial at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will be held at the church following the burial. An educational fund has been established for Matt’s children at Valley Bank of Helena, Attn: Teresa Garman. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Mark Dabkowski says
Cathy, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Angie Clemmons says
Cathy,
Words can’t express how I feel, this is a terrible shock. I am thinking of you, and sending you so many hugs. I’m so very sorry to hear about Matt. He was wonderful. Just the sweetest.
Angie
Aundrea Schaber says
Im sorry for your loss, and im not sure what i can say. but if you ever need help let me know.
Bill &Deb Felton says
Cathy, Alex and Austin,Our deepest sympathy, thougths and prayers are with all of you.Bill, I and everyone at the barn remember Matt with the fondest of memories. May God help you in this time of sorrow. We are here if you ever need anything. May God watch over you. Bill and Deb.
Charli Prowell says
Cathy, Alex, Austin.
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you. Matt, as I knew him, a truly wonderful man. We always hear that life isn’t fair. It is so true today. Pleas, if there is anything I can do for your family, please do not hesitate to call on me. I grew to love you all and want to do what I can to ease your time of sorrow. God be with you.
Dan and Eileen Badovinac says
Dear Cathy and family we are so sorry for your loss.
In times like these the right words are hard to come by, but the Lord sees what is in our heart and hears our special prayers for you and your family
We are praying that God’s peace, love and comfort will be with you now especially.
Trust in the Lord forever… For in the Lord, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:4
Sincerely,
Dan and Eileen Badovinac
Dawn Reisinger says
Cathy, Alex, and Austin
Matt always amazed me with his innovation, and just how many different things he just knew how to do and do them well. I know he will be missed by so many people because he touched so many lives in so many ways. Please know we will be there for you all if you need us.
Dawn, Caitlin, Conner & Lonnie
Dean and Shawna Duffy says
Cathy,
Dean and I just found out yesterday about your loss. While we have not seen Matt for awhile we have so many wonderful memories and stories from our MSU days and your early days in Helena. Please know that if there is anything we can do for you just ask. You and the kids are in our prayers.
Deb Lloyd says
So very sorry to hear about Matt. I really enjoyed working with him, while he was at Maxim Technologies. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Debbie Sitton Luithly says
Cathy and family,
I only met you once at a class reunion, but I know you were the love of Matt’s life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Matt was an exceptional person. He will be very missed.
Deborah Warren says
Cathy:
There are no words to express the sorrow and shock I felt when I heard about the loss of Matt.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and my prayers.
Diane Elliott says
To the Warners,
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your memories help in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Diane
Dick and Diane Senger says
Dear Cathy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Doris (Senger) Sonntag says
Matt had a great spirit that I still remember today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Elizabeth Ball-Mavity says
Matt and I were in the same class in High School, I will always remember his great sense of humor and love of adventure. Our deepest Condolences.
Gary Rath says
Cathy and family,
We received an email from Linda at NEA about this tragic event. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Howard Awrich says
Cathy,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband Matthew. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Howard Awrich
James Lehman says
Matt,
You are in God’s arms now. He took you from us here because he needed a handyman, a giver, an angel. I will miss you and will cherish the memories of growing up with you from childhood to college years, from playing games while our parents played cards upstairs, being an altar boy with you, playing baseball, going on vacation with you and your Mom and Dad, cruising the drag, and watching grow in to a fine man/husband/father. The last time we talked you still called me “Leaky Lehman” and that made me laugh and smile. You had a great sense of humor and “Weiner”…YOU WILL BE MISSED. I LOVE YOU MAN! May God Bless you!!
Jan Kransky says
Cathy, my heart breaks for you and your children. Know that I’m thinking of you at this time, and hope that happy memories will soon replace your sorrow.
Jan
Janet Smith says
Wonderful Mentor, very patient and kind. You will always live close to our hearts.
Jenne Severson Caudle says
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I hope that you are surrounded by good family and friends during this very difficult time. May Matt rest in peace.
Jill Mitchell Price says
Matt was such a nice, decent man & we were so happy when our good friend Cathy married him. Cathy – my heart goes out to you and the kids. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Groves says
Cathy, I am so sorry for you loss. Your friends are here for you if/when you need us.
Jim
jim Whaley says
I appreciate all that Matt has done for us over teh years and want to share with you 3 tyhings I learned about him just before Christmas:
1) He had more cars when he was in high school than I have ever owned or likely will ever own.
2)He was very proud of his fathers talents on the basebal field, he loved teh game, and so much looked forward to carrying on that family tradition mentoring Austin in the sport.
3) Matt was a good engineer and proud of his accomplishemets both as a mechanical and environmental engineer, but his passion was diesel mechanics. I know that when the Lord decided it was Matts time to call him home, he was already in heaven because that shop was Matt’s heaven on earth.
God bless you and your family as you deal with our loss of Matt.
Joan Sleeth says
Cathy, Alexandra and Austin,
Words can’t express the depth of the loss you are feeling. May your special family memories bring you comfort. May God’s strength wrap around you to help you through this sorrow.
In my heart and prayers,
Joan Sleeth, Billings
John & Gloria Jones says
We didn’t know Matt as well as we would have liked to. Miles are just too much. We care for God’s care for Cathy and the children and wish we could be there.Leanna brings all our love and thoughts to you. May God watch over you.
John & Gloria Jones
Josh LaFromboise says
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Matt Warner. Matt worked with the Helena Housing Authority office on many different projects and was truly a joy to work with. He spent countless hours assisting our staff and agency over the last couple years. The majority of the time he provided his valuable services to HHA without a cost. He was a very valuable asset to our agency and will be missed greatly.
Joyce & Jerry Hartnett says
Dear Cathy & family,
You’ve been in our thoughts & prayers constantly, since we heard. I remember when you two were dating. I always thought he had a great personality. He certainly made his mark in life with all he achieved! I’m sure he felt the #1, being his family. Love, Joyce & Jerry Hartnett
Julie Gambill says
My arms and heart with you for all time’s.You are a very strong women,and will find strength to move the mountains coming your way.Memories are forever,love last a lifetime.
Kali Wicks says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Warner family. Matt was an excellent man, and I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed greatly.
Karen Struemph says
Cathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I can’t even imagine what you and your children must be feeling but know that I will pray for you and your children. Karen
Karie Weamer says
What a sad time for your family. May your wonderful memories of Matt bring you peace through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karie Weamer
Katharine Donnelley says
Cathy – My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you right now – I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Katharine
Lisa Carrillo Ellis says
Dear Cathy, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. May you find comfort when you gaze into your children’s eyes, you will see a big part of your husband and the miracle and joy in bringing them into this world. May you find comfort in the memories you created together. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Mark Clements says
Cathy, I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and all of your family in my prayers.
MaryBeth & Dave Garding says
Cathy and family, we are thinking about you in this time of sadness. May God comfort you and give you His Peace. We are lifting you up in Prayer
Melode Warner says
You are missed.
Michaela Jacobs says
My thoughts and prayers are with my Montana relatives today. Matthew will be forever in our hearts and memories.
Mrs. Karen Lorenz says
Cathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a helpful and giving person. I remember the first year that Ali was at Broadwater and your whole family became so important to me!! We will miss Matt as the helpful neighbor at the lake as well.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers…. I pray God’s peace and comfort for all of you at this time!
Love,
Karen Lorenz
Patty Muir says
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family, Cathy. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharyn and John Thimmesch says
Dear Cathy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
With my love,
Sharyn (Karyn’s sister)
Sheri Jablonski says
Cathy and family –
Words can just not express how sorry I am. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
sherri P bartholomew says
Kathy – Deb – just emailed me about your loss – I will be praying for your family- be strong – Deb’s mom – Sherri
Stephanie Champagne says
I met Matt when I started working at WTR Consulting Engineers in October 2010. I enjoyed working with and getting to know such a passionate and dedicated person. He will be missed by many! My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May you rest in peace Matt.
Steve & Judy Browning says
Cathy:
I don’t know what to say. What a loss. I can’t imagine what it means to you and your two kids to lose a husband and a father. Matt was so young, and so are all of you.
You are in our prayers. Please keep the faith.
Your friends,
Steve and Judy Browning
The Atkins Family says
Matt has always been a warm and generous man and a good neighbor. He will be missed.
Cathy, Alex, & Austin–please know that you are cared for and have friends and neighbors you can call on any time to help you through this transitional time. Do not hesitate to call.
Our prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Don, Linda, Adam, Troy, & Brad Atkins
Tim Roberts & Holly Hartley says
Dear Cathy, Alexandra, and Austin,
We were so shocked and saddened by the loss of Matt. He was a fine and honorable man and I will always be grateful to him for the day he hired me at WTR. He’s been a fine mentor to my professional growth and I was always amazed at his depth of thinking and foresight. I have fond memories of the summer party at the cabin–camping in the lawn and cruising Lake Hauser as well as our other WTR family gatherings. WTR is the finest company I have ever worked for, and Matt and your family made it possible. Take care, Matt. May you rest in peace.
Vonnie Fulbright says
Cathy – My heart goes out to you and your precious children. Matt and you were the best landlords I have ever had. God bless you and yuor family.
Walter and Phyllis Johnson says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Matt.
Wayne & Karin Stanford says
We wish we could be there with you, but please know that my hand is holding yours, and you are in our hearts and prayers.
All our love,
Wayne & Karin