Matthew J. McKouen
Matthew J. McKouen died Saturday, July 7, 2018, at home in Chicago at the age of 45. Matt was born in Lansing, MI, on December 19, 1972, graduated from Okemos High School in 1991 and graduated from Ball State University, IN, in 1995 with a BA in psychology. For most of his career, Matt worked and thrived in the marketing departments of several architectural firms in Boston and Chicago. With his infectious excitement, Matt quickly became the social coordinator wherever he was, always finding the best spots in town. Nothing made him happier than to provide a good time for others and make people happy. He loved anything related to design, and had an amazing eye for anything related to interior design, architecture and fashion. His closest friends regarded Matt as a very sweet and animated friend. He often made it a point to smile and add cheer to the day of people he interacted with (cashiers, tollbooth workers, etc).
Matt will be missed by his parents, Cynthia and James McKouen of Howell, his devoted brother, Kevin, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vincent “Ben” and Polly McKouen and Robert and Martha Wood, and grandmother, Elizabeth Rockstad Wood.
A memorial visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw, on Saturday, August 25, 2018, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. the family hopes you will join them in a celebration and remembrance of Matt’s life, and will welcome anyone to speak and share memories. Donations can be made in Matt’s memory to NAMI Livingston (National Alliance on Mental Illness), P.O. Box 941, Brighton, MI 48816, or Children’s Home and Aid, 125 S. Wacker Dr., 14th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606 (www.childrenshomeandaid.org). Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com
14 Messages to “Matthew J. McKouen”
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Cara
August 9, 2018 at 1:53 amRIP my childhood friend…. I will always remember your smile and laugh, as well as, the beautiful spirit you had!!
Cindy McKouen
August 26, 2018 at 12:35 pmThank you so much, Cara. Your kind words about the Matt you knew are so comforting to us.
Josette Goralski
August 11, 2018 at 3:26 pmIt was a pleasure to meet you Matt and to play Trivia with you. You had a special something.
Hope heaven is “everything”.
Josette and Roger Goralski
Cindy McKouen
August 26, 2018 at 12:39 pmThank you so much! So sweet of you to share your “Matt experience”. He mentioned many times how lucky we were to know such good people as you two.
Dana
August 12, 2018 at 3:02 pmI worked with Matt for a few years in Boston. He truly did bring a smile to my face with every interaction we had. He was a great friend and colleague, and memories of him always make me smile. His family is in my thoughts.
Cindy McKouen
August 26, 2018 at 12:42 pmThank you, Dana, for the comforting comments. We appreciate your message more than you can know.
Gerry Wood
August 21, 2018 at 5:22 pmRest in peace, Matt. I’m sorry I never had an opportunity to meet you. We had a lot in common with your interests in interior design, décor, and architecture. I’m so sorry you’re gone too soon. My heart goes out to your family.
dan meyers
August 22, 2018 at 8:02 amVery sorry for your loss.
Meyers Family
Cynthia McKouen
August 26, 2018 at 12:44 pmDan, thank you so much for your condolences…appreciated more than you can know.
Joe Engel
August 22, 2018 at 10:07 amI am so sorry to read about the passing of your son. He was obviously a very kind and creative person.
Cindy McKouen
August 29, 2018 at 12:27 pmThank you, Joe. Your message was very kind.
Jeff M.
August 25, 2018 at 10:13 amMatt possessed the rare ability to pause whatever task he was doing and ask you a question. Then engage you in a conversation by simply listening to your answer, as though you were the most important person in the world, always with a smile.
Cindy McKouen
August 26, 2018 at 1:23 pmOh Jeff, thank you so much for your comforting comments. We appreciate immensely that you shared that with us. We are guessing that maybe you worked at Sasaki with him. Whatever the case, thank you for taking the time for us.
Paula and Dennis Harney
September 14, 2018 at 9:26 amJim and Cindy, our hearts go out to you. We just found out about the memorial service last night and deeply regret not being there for you. Losing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare…they are not supposed to die before we do. We send our love and condolences for this huge loss in your lives, and of course you’re in our prayers as always.
Much love,
Paula and Dennis