Matthew Todd McLean, 16

Matthew Todd McLean, 16, went back to his Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother on July 21, 2009.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 25, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Bonners Ferry.

Matt was born July 27, 1992, in Sandpoint to Larry and Myrtle McLean. He was the fourth of their seven children.

With his dark curly hair, blue eyes and ever-present “Elvis” smile, Matt was loved by all who knew him.

He attended Bonners Ferry High School and was entering his senior year. Matt loved theater, performing, singing and dancing.

He also enjoyed cultural activities such as movies, plays and music. In fact, listening to music with his brother, Willy, was one of his favorite pastimes.

Optimistic and happy, Matt loved his family very, very much and enjoyed spending a great deal of time with them playing board games as well as competitive games of badminton.

As an easy-going person, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends and did what he could to make other people happy. Friends say that Matt had a lot of dreams and ideas of what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go in the future such as exploring Europe to experience and understand different ways of life.

These hopes and dreams for the future helped him stay grounded to the present, but always with an optimism that made him light up any room he entered.

A good listener, Matt was humble, polite and respectful. He had a talent for poetry and wrote many, many poems. He was also artistic and loved to draw.

As a member of the Class of 2010, Matt was a good student. He was a member of the wrestling team during 2007-2008 and was looking forward to participating in Mr. BFHS in the coming year.

With his talent for singing and acting, he was awarded a speaking part in Alice in Wonderland as well as the part of Roger, one of the T-Birds, in Grease.

One of Matt’s closest friends said, “Matt was one of the most honest people around. He kept me out of trouble. He enjoyed everything from video games to shooting pool to soccer. He aspired to be a firefighter or an English teacher. Anything that I wanted to do, he was right there for me. He was a great guy.”

Perhaps the lyrics to Matt’s favorite song by Shine Down summed up his life philosophy best:

Simple Man

Mama told me when I was young

Come sit beside me, my only son

And listen closely to what I say.

And if you do this

It will help you some sunny day.

Take your time…don’t live too fast,

Troubles will come and they will pass.

Go find a woman and you’ll find love,

And don’t forget son,

There is someone up above.

And be a simple kind of man.

Be something you love and understand.

Be a simple man.

Won’t you do this for me son

If you can?

When Matt left this earth, the heavens received a special soul.

Matthew is survived by his parents of Moyie Springs; brothers Will (Esther Correnti) McLean of Coeur d'Alene, Ryan and Steven McLean of Moyie Springs, Rick Allen of Coeur d'Alene and Danny Hilden of Bonners Ferry; sisters Helen Allen, and Lakota and Makala McLean of Moyie Springs; niece Jasmin Allen; best friend Matt Michael; and countless uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

 Matthew will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He never left home without saying “I love you.”

Matt will always live on forever in our hearts. We love you Matthew.

Even in the dark the smallest light can shine through; always look for it. —By Matthew Todd McLean

Family and friends may sign Matthew's book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home handled arrangements.