Matthew Douglas Uhl

Matthew Douglas Uhl, age 51, son of Colleen Anne Crouch and Richard Sherman Uhl was born in Rapid City South Dakota on July 6, 1973. Matthew left this life on November 19, 2024 after a long struggle with Diabetes and it's many complications. Matthew is survived by his sister Melissa Peck (Kim) Heninger, brother Rich (Amy) Uhl and brother Tim Uhl. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, Aleah, Eve, Grey, Madeline, Dade, Fox, Ellie and Josslyn. His two amazing and very loved cats will now be in the care of his mother. Matthew is proceeded in death by brother Adam Joseph Uhl and his father, Richard Uhl. 

 Matt’s world was one full of color and everything he touched was bedazzled, literally. On any given day you would find him dressed to the nines and loudly expressing himself by saying something that was sure to shock you. 

From the time he was 12 he had a passion for clowning, going as far as graduating from clown college at the U of U and becoming a professional clown. If you were lucky enough to receive gifts from Matt, you would know that no one could give a gift like him. He was truly thoughtful, creative, and seemed to know just the perfect thing to give. No one loved candy like Matt did. His suckers were full of flavor, color, and sprinkles and everyone was excited when he came up with new combinations. He had a fan club of older ladies whom he spoiled with his cooking weekly. 

 He began working at Pioneer Memorial Theater at 16 years old and became a member of the Actors SAG-IATSE Union at age 18. He did everything from costume design, set design, wardrobe master, and acting. 

Matt was one of the founders of Pride Day in Utah as well as a leader in the creation of the LGBTQ Center. 

 Matthew was a member of the National Faculty of Education Coaches travelling throughout the country teaching teachers how to use music, theater, and visual arts in their daily curriculum. 

 Matthew spent several years in Tennessee living in an artist commune and watching him as he painted was an adventure in itself. He would throw paint on the canvas, swirl paint using multiple techniques and the painting was never finished. Matt would work on a painting put it away for several years then get it out and continue to add more. He painted what he called "Energy in motion". 

 He ventured to Alaska for five years becoming an entrepreneur and along with his partner Ellie, they owned an art gallery, gift shop and hair salon. He loved Alaska and relished in the beauty, the wildness and the unique culture. 

 Matt volunteered in so many capacities starting when he was 18 years old as a rape crisis worker. He started several groups in Arizona to help men who had been through trauma. Matthew became a mental health paraprofessional working through the arts at centers in the Phoenix area teaching art therapy to adults struggling with mental illness. 

 Life has certainly not been dull nor was it ever when Matt was around. he could see art in everything from a ragged jacket purchased at Deseret industries to a walk in nature. He was well-known for his beautiful jewelry making-each piece creative and unique. 

 His motto throughout his illness was "push through, get up, look good and live life." And he did just that. He never missed a dialysis treatment in four years. He would make sure that every day we would have a "nice moment" ranging from anything to eating a piece of good chocolate, to watching a favorite TV show or standing on the bridge in Mueller Park Canyon. 

 M@ is ART. PLAY. CHALLENGE. CHAOS. FUN. MESS. CHEF. STYLIST. DRAMA. ALCHEMIST. WISE. HEALER. WRITER. AUTHOR. HEALER. TEACHER. LEADER. FRIEND. ENEMY. DESIGNER. GARDENER. ENTREPRENEUR. CONSULTANT.......and anything he DREAMS INTO BEING. 

 We are so grateful for the wonderful care and love given to us over this past year through A+ Home Health and Hospice, especially Mat's Nurse Kaylynn, Dr Gary Holland- Mat's outstanding physician and Heather who coordinated so many changes. We appreciate Davita Dialysis nurses Rachael and Amanda who made Matthew's 12 hours a week during dialysis a good experience. We are also very grateful and appreciative for the many friends and neighbors who have shown up making this journey so much easier. Those who sent cards and texts, gifted him with art supplies, and brought countless meals and bright smiles during this year. We could not have done this without the prayers and love of all of our family and friends throughout the country. Bless you. 

 Matthew's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 30 at 11:30 AM. It will be proceeded by a time to visit with the family at 10:30 AM. Location: LDS Centerville 7th Ward Chapel 270 North 300 East Centerville, Utah Take the Parish Lane (from I-15) exit go east to Main Street. Turn right (south) go to 100 N. and turn left (east). Go to 300 E. and turn left (north). The Chapel is 1/2 block on the east side of the street. Note: Matthew chose to be cremated so there will be no burial).