Matthew David Hembree

Matthew David Hembree was born in Seattle on February 20, 1979 and passed away on October 19, 2020 at Central Washington Hospital.  He was the youngest of four sons of David and Charlene Hembree.  His brothers are Richard, James, and Rocky Smith. Matthew, who was also known as Matt, Matty, and many more nicknames, grew up in Leavenworth, Washington. He attended Cascade High School where he fell in love with football. He played his heart out and was quite a star, even scoring 7 touchdowns in one game! He loved his Kodiak number “30” and used that lucky number all through his life, even including PIN numbers. Matthew also loved his family very much. He talked a lot about his nieces and nephews, his cousins, Aunts and Uncles. The friends he made along the way were very important to him. Matthew made every single person in the room feel important. He was the light in the room and everyone's best friend. His very contagious great laughter was also something from a movie. Matthew made every living thing feel happy. His loved ones all say what a hero he was. He was always helping people.  He was also a die-hard Seahawks Fan and pretty sure wherever he was, the Hawks could hear him cheer! After High school, Matthew started his own landscaping business, and then went onto his biggest passion, which was starting his own soapstone carving business. He was an amazing sculptor and his work was brilliant. His works of soapstone art is admired by all. He was truly a one-of-a-kind artist. He also loved being a part of the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival with his soapstone booth. Each of his pieces were all inspired by his other favorite things, such as fishing, hunting, camping, and being a true “Country Boy”. Fish Lake was one of his many favorite places. He made beautiful memories there. He loved packing up and finding new fishing spots throughout the Wenatchee Valley. Matthew was also an amazing contractor at Hembree Contracting. Anytime he could create something beautiful with his hands, it put him in his happy place.  Matthew always held his head high, and kept his foot tapping no matter what was going on. He was always thankful for what he had, never bitter about what he didn’t have. He always said, “It could always be worse.” He loved music. It was definitely his “love language”. Matthew will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving family and friends.

Matthew’s  ashes will be spread on Rock Mountain to join his Dad, Grandma Betty, and his Aunt Jeanie.  What Matthew would have encouraged everyone to do in his absence is to keep spreading love and share random acts of kindness with others. In Lieu of Flowers, please do something nice in his honor. He would love that.