Mathew Joseph Pappin
October 21, 1956 – June 3, 2024
On June 3, 2024, the world lost a bright light. Mathew “Matt” Joseph Pappin, 67, of Brownsville, has gone to rest with the Lord after a two-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. He is remembered for his generosity, kindness, boundless love for his family, resilience, and desire to live life to the fullest.
Matt was born on October 21, 1956 to Alex and JoNell Pappin in Inglewood, California and spent his childhood years with his brother and sisters in Lakewood, California. In 1973, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army and although he never saw battle, he was honored and proud to have served his country. His experience in the military shaped his passion for living a full and meaningful life.
Matt’s personality was the perfect fit for a 38-year career in heavy equipment sales. Many of his client relationships evolved into friendships that endured beyond his retirement in 2020. He was devoted to bringing honesty and integrity to the world of business while he worked for Colton, Howard Cooper, Hessel Tractor, Papé, and finally Modern Machinery.
Matt met his wife, Joan, in California in 1981 and they were married in 1982 and soon began a loving family of three daughters, two horses, cats, and countless dogs. If you asked him, he’d say his greatest accomplishment was being a father and creating unforgettable memories.
A diehard OSU Beaver fan, he was also an avid collector of clocks, flashlights, and radios. Matt was a true outdoorsman and a Harley Davidson enthusiast. He enjoyed being outside with his dogs, spending time around the campfire, playing his guitar, birdwatching, and hiking.
Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Alex and JoNell Pappin; sister, Linda Bullington; brother, Jim Bullington; niece Jessica Pappin, and brother-in-law Mike Johnson. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joan; three daughters Sarah, Mary, and Maureen; sons-in-law Yamen and Isaac; granddaughter, Sophia; two sisters, Kari Niemi (Greg) and Anna Johnson; and a host of beloved relatives and friends.
Matt’s friends and family are invited to honor him at a Celebration of Life at The Philomath Scout Lodge, 660 Clemens Mill Rd, Philomath on July 27 at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to the Gary Sinese Foundation or the American Legion Travis Moothart Post #184 in Brownsville, Oregon. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com