Matthew Justin Medley was born on July 15th, 1974, to Jerry and Janis Medley, in Auburn California. He passed away on October 3rd, 2022 at the young age of 48.
Matt grew up in Foresthill, where he participated in both Cub and Boy Scouts, loved playing sports (little league and soccer) and racing his BMX bike, among the usual activities little boys enjoy doing with their friends. In 1986 the family relocated to Cloverdale. He continued to participate in sports. Martial Arts, basketball and baseball through grade school and adding football in high school. On weekends you could find him at the Ukiah Speedway helping his friend keep his race car in top shape (GO 55!) He also enjoyed racing dirt bikes, breaking the same wrist twice! Boys will be boys! His pride and joy was his 1960 Chevrolet pickup. Which also required hours and hours of labor to keep it running smoothly.
Following his graduation from Cloverdale High School in 1992, he moved to Arizona to attend Universal Technical Institute, where he earned his Automotive Technician Certification. Upon completion at UTI, he came back to Sonoma County, and started working at Saturn of Santa Rosa (later bought by GM becoming Platinum Chevrolet). He was employed there for over 26 years.
In the middle of it all, he took a chance n met a girl from Fort Bragg in September of 2009. Nobody had any idea they’d take to each other so quickly. They had over 13 years together, loving every moment (almost!), frequenting vineyards to take pictures, trips to the ocean, local concerts and many visits up to Susanville to visit with his Dad and Mom. They had a dog they adopted; Jackson was definitely Daddy’s little buddy!
After 26 years in the automotive industry, Matt decided it was time for a change. So they packed up and moved north in Spring of 2021 to Susanville to be closer to his Mother. He joined the team at Diamond Mountain Casino doing maintenance work. It was a welcome change from the bloody knuckles and greasy clothes. With the move, he was able to become more in touch with his Native roots. Attending Pow Wows, dancing with his Mom during an Inter-Tribal dance, even carrying the sacred Indian Lance to the Native Elders to proceed during the opening ceremony.
Matt lived a full life, although too short. He met many great friends along the way and had many great experiences. He will be dearly missed by many people, near and far.
He is survived by his Mother Janis Medley, love of his life Sarah; his two daughters, Nieces Andie(Dallas, Eric) of Idaho and Bobbielynn of Arizona; “Auntie” Karen of Nevada and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his Father Jerry, his older Brother Michael and his best little buddy Jackson.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 12th at 2:00pm in the Willow Room at The Diamond Mountain Casino. Please bring a photo or a memory to share.
