We invite Matt’s friends and family to upload brief videos to share memories for inclusion at the memorial service.
Please follow these guidelines when submitting a video:
1 ) Please use MP4 format
2) Please use Horizontal Camera Orientation
3) Try to keep videos under 3 min
4) Please have all videos in by July 20th
If you have any other questions, please email: jessica@jacinema.com
Matthew McLaughlin Memorial 
I only knew Matt for a few months last summer as he served as interim musician for Whitehall United Methodist Church where I was the pastor. He quickly endeared himself to the congregation with his self deprecating wit and creative musicianship. His determination in the face of his health and financial difficulties was inspiring and his love for people, Christ and music was remarkable. Matt was the real deal and will be sorely missed.
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Matt was the wonderful creation of a great big, loving, talented family. Music has always been the thread that holds them all together and one of the many beautiful ways they express their faith. As we prayed for improvement in Matt’s health Neeki Jackson sent me a photo of Matt. He sits on the arm of a couch; bearded, white shirt, suspenders, bow tie, holding his guitar; staring off into space dreaming his musical dreams. I have it framed, hanging by my desk to inspire me by his courage and his talent, and to never forget him; or that as long as beautiful music is playing anywhere Matt’s spirit will live on.
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Matt’s opinion always meant a lot to me, I’ve said this before but its true, scary movies are forever effected by Matt. Whenever I watch one I always think, is this scary enough, good enough to recommend to him? I never watched the Orphanage, that was one of his favorites, because I was too chicken to watch it. I’m going to get the courage up to watch it and make him proud. I never wanted to disappoint him or let him down. He was my family and friend. He understood and made you feel good about anything you shared with him. He was full of color and so much warmth. This has been way too hard to think he isn’t with us anymore that I won’t see that shine and sparkle in his eyes again when he would talk about something, anything, it was always a memorable conversation. I looked forward to them. He was always so thoughtful and funny. We miss you so much, im sure you made it even brighter up there. You are forever glowing in our hearts, we love you❤
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I remember when Matt and his parents visited our little lakefront apartment in Chicago when he was just an infant…and the horrifying TH-KLUNK when he rolled off our bed after having been put down for a nap! There were a few seconds of silence as Brian and Tammy and my wife and I looked at each other in wide-eyed panic before we heard the wails of an unhurt but very surprised and frightened baby.
Fast-forward to the incredibly gifted Matt in high school, wonderfully capable and fearless on both piano and horn: I loved getting to know the young man and musician he was becoming. During his conservatory years, Matt and I performed together on occasion, and my students played some of his compositions–one of which was a piece he wrote for my college horn studio, a work which was subsequently part of an award-winning performance at an International Horn Society conference. During his young-professional years, this last decade or so, I enjoyed many serious conversations with him in addition to hours of laughter over our shared quirky humor and love of ridiculous puns. Most recently, I was deeply moved to know that, when he was dealing with difficulty and loss himself, he could still laugh and elicit laughter, inspire and encourage others, and give so generously to so many. I will miss every firecracker ounce of him.
You have left a great and palpable void, young brother…. Love you much.
Mike Harcrow
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We are so sorry to hear about Matthew’s passing. Very sad for all who knew him.
I contacted my children Alex and Sara who both knew him from their days in the WM Marching band. They both send their condolences to your family.
Debbie and Michael Klenofsky
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Dear Brian and Tamara,
I am so heartbroken over the loss of Matt; I can’t imagine the devastation you feel. Matt was one of my all-time favorites. He was smart and funny and so talented. His podium prank was the best ever; I still tell people about it and him. I smile whenever I think of it and also whenever I hear a French horn. We were all blessed to have known him, and his spirit is in our hearts forever.
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Brian And Tamera
I am so sorry for the loss of your son I know how you feel during this sad time. I know how difficult to loss a family member of yours my prayers are with you during theses sad times
the reason. I know Matt because I know few of Matt’s friends that I knew also I Jonathon Frank Gilgal And his Krissy also I knew Ben Hankinson he went to my church I also know Jo smo he does adult pipe band please know I am here for all if you need anything call or text anytime my prayers goes out to all of you
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Brian & Tammy
It is only by chance that I saw the post of Matthew’s passing. I am deeply grieved and cannot imagine the pain you feel. You as well as Sam, Laura and Ben are in my prayers. This is my memory of Matthew of which I will forever be grateful. When my son Jake joined the Marching Band as a freshman in high school for some strange reason Matthew decided that Jake should have a birthday every day. He made sure that “Happy Birthday” was sung to him every school day that year, or so the story goes. This act of kindness greatly helped my son develope his high school friendships. I always enjoined me conversations with Matthew and was always anxious to hear of his musical accomplishments. One Christmas season He and Sam played a horn duet at our church it was beautiful. i will never forget Matthew.
Stan Hankinson
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