(Editor's Note: TravelAge West was dealt a major blow recently with the sudden death of our Production Manager and dear friend Matthew Sullivan. Following is his obituary as provided by his family.)
Matthew John Sullivan passed away at 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, in West Hills, Calif., surrounded by loving family and friends. Born on June 10, 1965, in Van Nuys, Calif., Matthew's life was a continuous roller-coaster ride -- not because of ups and downs, but because it was an exhilarating, rushing experience to be with him. Matthew loved people, places, music and ideas, but mostly people -- and roller coasters. And people loved him. To be "Mooshed" meant to have the honor of being crushed by Matthew as the coaster made its turns, a term derived from his nickname, Mamoosh (the result of an 18-month-old nephew's attempt at saying Matthew). Yet, to be truly Mooshed signifies that Matthew's constant kindness, his unique sense of humor, his ability to bring people together, his refusal to accept the dark side of things and his exuberant love of life has left its indelible mark.
Matthew grew up in Thousand Oaks, Calif., graduating from Newbury Park High School. He studied architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before graduating with a B.A. in broadcasting from California State University, Northridge. He worked for more than a decade at TravelAge West magazine, most recently as its Production Manager and classified ad coordinator.
Matthew had wide-ranging interests. He loved giving and going to parties; hosting wine-and-cheese events with his partner, David; sushi; the simple beauty of colorful flowers; his ever-evolving salsa recipes and amazing martini concoctions; creating music collections for his friends; surprises; and, of course, roller coasters.
Matthew leaves behind Loretta and James Sullivan, mother and father, of Thousand Oaks; David Villafana, Matt's partner, of Woodland Hills, Calif.; siblings (and spouses) Michael Sullivan (Betty), of Thousand Oaks; Mary Schneider (Chris), of Tucson, Ariz.; and Michelle Rosenberg (Bruce), of Agoura Hills, Calif. Other family members include aunt Sharron Baird (James), of Thousand Oaks; nieces and nephews Nicole Thomas (John), of Thousand Oaks; Melinda Sullivan, of Los Angeles; Justin Sullivan, of Santa Monica, Calif.; Ashley and Stephanie Schneider, of Tucson; Connor and Sean Rosenberg, of Agoura Hills; and cousins Jennifer (Rick), Amber and Cameron Babcock, of Newbury Park, Calif.; Chris (Gina), Chloe and Callia Baird, of Fishers, Ind.; and Rebecca Baird, of Gilbert, Ariz.
Taken way too soon, Matthew is undoubtedly busy meeting and greeting, organizing and socializing, plotting heavenly pranks, hosting angelic gatherings and preparing a path to ease our way to that great celestial coaster.
The Details
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:
The Lymphoma Research Foundation115 Broadway #1301, New York, NY 10008
www.lymphoma.org
