Very sad day for the Volvo community.

[MikeB23ft]

--------------
The Jackson Sun (http://miva.jacksonsun.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?NEWS/news_story.mv+link=200305134983216)
May 13 2003

I-40 car crash kills man from Texas, injurs two

A Texas man died Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash in Henderson County.

Matthew P. Dionne, 20, of 4517 Tuxford Court in Plano, Texas, was headed east on Interstate 40 about four miles east of Parker's Crossroads about 7:10 a.m. Monday in a 1978 Volvo 242GT. He was killed when the driver of a 1998 Nissan Altima headed west lost control, crossed the median, and struck his vehicle.

The Nissan was driven by Adan G. Garcia, 36, of 180 Wallace Road in Nashville. Maria M. Garcia, 34, of the same address, was a passenger in the vehicle. Both were listed as injured on a Tennessee Highway Patrol report filed by Trooper Christopher Hosick.

All three motorists involved in the accident were wearing seat belts, but the officer didn't believe seat belts would have made a difference, the report said.

------------------------------------

http://www.brickboard.com/GATHERINGS/index.htm?id=632859

He will be missed.


Michael Rouse

[isaac]

Oh man do I ever hope this isn't real. No way man, no way.

You're riding with us Matt. Wherever we go, we go together.

[945ti]

[quote:48fb30f592]Oh man do I ever hope this isn't real. No way man, no way.[/quote:48fb30f592]
Yeah, no way, i hope not atleast.

[MikeB23ft]

I think it's real. Nobody would do that if it wasn't real. I expect the worst, but hope for the best.

Michael Rouse

[Alphanumeric 244Tic]

I have not cried in years, this is actually the closest death I have ever experianced, never once known anyone to die b4. i hope this isnt true. dan242 knows him personally so I hope to hear from him

[Brickster151]

OMG, I pray that thats a fake, I hope it fake. I am not religious, but I am prayin.

[own6volvos]

We were planning on meeting up this summer right as he got back from his trip and hangin out for a week or so :-( I really miss him right now, probably one of my favorite buddies. I don't know what else to say.

Kevin

[TurboBrick940]

A very sad day indeed. Matt will be missed.

[ICE RCKT]

*head hangs low*

[Magnum TE]

a sad day indeed. Matt was a good kid, and a good online friend.

I hope we as a community can contribute to his memory.

This is a shocking reminder to us all that just because we drive volvos there is still a verry real danger of being injured in a car crash -even if we are just driving along.

Sad Day.

[760T man]

The info that was here before is now in the main post.

[bitjockey]

Jesus christ.

Whitt called me as I was leaving work... I had to pull over. This is absolutely unbelievable.

Of all people who something like this would happen to... Matt was the most undeserving. Always happy and ready to help me with anything, Matt was a true Volvo enthusiast, and moreover, a true friend. I sit here writing this, half of me not believing what I hear, the other half falling apart as I try to understand why something like this would happen. I was supposed to meet him on Sunday... I just can't begin to think about what I should do instead. He was so excited about this trip... jesus this all just seems so wrong.

Matt would not want us to change how we talk, post, or drive... but I can't help feeling guilty for all the times I made fun of his car, or went 100mph on public roads in a street race... and something like this puts it all in perspective. Thank you Matt... for showing everyone to live your life a day at a time... for showing everyone how to be goodnatured and friendly... for showing everyone just how much it means to love what you do and what you're involved with... and thank you Matt, for being one of my good friends. I feel odd crying as I write this... I can't remember the last time I've cried over someone dying outside my family... I barely knew him, yet I knew him so well.

I encourage all of you... to remember even though we drive Volvos... we are not invincible. And I'm sure that if he had been in a modern car with air bags and updated safety equipment, he most likely would have lived. Drive safely out there... think of Matt.

When my car gets back on the road... it will have a small sticker reading "In Memory of Matt Dionne"... Its the least I can do, and hopefully wherever he is now, he will find some happiness in the fact that he will still be riding around in a Volvo.

Take care, buddy... we'll miss you around here.

O:-)

[DaRiceRipper]

Thats just not right.

[DoubleV]

i never really knew him, but i was always looking for his advice on these boards. i was even following his his trip online with enthusaism. i definitly think this board needs a permenant memorial of some sort for him. matt was part of this board, and it won't be the same with out him. everyone remeber him, enjoy your volvos as he would want you too, but always keep in mind the volvo slogan of 'drive safely'.

[bitjockey]

The last messages he sent to me on my cell phone from the road:

[quote:56be2fe934]HAD A Vacumn hose crumble on me in Texarkansas -- used Home Depot hose 2 fix. Doing fine! - Matt[/quote:56be2fe934]

[quote:56be2fe934]Werd. Seems as tho as if I richened the mixture too much B4 i left. I get 22mpg rather than 25-28 but it runs alot better.. Matt[/quote:56be2fe934]

[quote:56be2fe934]What's the MPH at 3000RPM @ 5th gear and 3.73 axle and 195-70R14? Just wonderin if I'm accurate lol! -Matt[/quote:56be2fe934]

He was a car nut until the end... :-(

[BoxDriver2]

What do you say when something liek this happens.

I was reading his trip post for the first time tonight then I came upon the last few posts about the loss.

Again, anyone who knew him directly or indirectly will be hit with this one. Not expected, and a loss to the community.

I spoke with him on occasion, this is a loss we will never forget.

[secondtwig]

Very well put Robin........

Matt was truely such a great guy......he'd sit and listen to me ramble about all my stuff, even at 2 o'clock in the morning.......always listened, always seemed to have a sense of humor about everything. He never let anything or anyone get him down. He was his own person, ready to lend out advice or just a kind word.

He truly loved his brick more than anything, and the tbricks community was a major part of him. I really enjoyed talking to him, and I was looking forward to meeting the guy.......he seemed (well, i know he was) a great person.

Its just unfair how bad things happen to such good people. I dont quite understand it yet, but I guess I just need to deal with it.

I hate typing this......as I'm doing this I am absolutely in tears, I cannot believe it, but I know, even though some of us dont think so, he is in a better place...I just hope they let him mod his GT in heaven!

I miss you Matt.......you were truly a great person and I'm gonna miss you terribly man. Rest in peace.......we all will miss you!

O:-)

[hockey930]

Man, I can't belive this. I knew you, not as well as others but the connection of being the same age, sharing a common bond of cars realy hit me hard. I guess you won't get a chance to look for that fan, but it's alright. You acted just how I wish everyone with a Volvo would. You were always willing to help or just talk about random pointless projects that I came up with. Your name with ride around on my window, Matt I will miss you and you will not be forgotten. I miss you man...... :-(
See you in hopefully 70 years, but I guess you never know
Eamonn[/i]

[Obeharskad122s]

Words cannot describe what I am going through right now. Matt was my closest online friend, we were going to meet on my recent trip to Texas, but things didnt work out. I was wrong to assume that I had all the time in the world. That things would remain the same.

The only condolence that I can find in this event is that Matt died doing something that he wanted to do. He made the choice to break free of the doldrums that he was in.

I will share emails that I have exchanged with him for anyone who is interested - he had some excellent advice. He didnt always tell me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what I needed to hear. That made him my true friend. I did not always return this friendship.

I will forever remeber Matt. I miss him already. I missed him today when I signed on, but I had confidence that I would see him in the future. I still have that confidence - that I will see him in Heaven.

I had been sharing my journal with him, and I will share one of today's entry's with you:

5/14/03 8:44 PM
I was just informed of the death of a very close friend of mine, Matthew Dionne. This news comes as quite a shock to me. I had known Matt for about 2 years now, having strictly an electronic relationship we grew quite close. Sharing things that life long friends don’t even share. We were about as close as two guys can get. I looked at him as my brother. I cannot believe that he is gone. I had the chance to meet him during my trip to Texas, but the logistics proved very difficult. I told him that I was coming back in June, and that I would see him then. Had I known then what I know now, I would have stolen a car to make the 4 hour drive to meet him. I will forever regret not meeting Matt while I was in Texas. He was a wonderful soul, and will be missed dearly. I am still in shock, praying that this is a cruel joke.

He had been talking about going on this epic journey for months, preparing for it to fantastic levels. He would speak about it excitedly each time we conversed. Even posting details on an electronic forum that we both frequented. Little did anybody know the disastrous results that this would have. This truly must have been an act of God, I cannot understand it yet, but some day I might. Matt and I shared our life stories with each other, our troubles, our successes. We have both lost direction in our lives. The only condolence that I can find in this is that perhaps I will meet him in the next life. I will forever miss Matt. He will not be forgotten.

This event could re-enforce my paranoia about decisions, but I will not let it. Matt would not have wanted to see that. I will live my life, and try to honor his memory by not leading an empty life. His trip to NY was his effort to put something back into his life.

[FlatWagon83]

It's about 2 in the morning here and I can't sleep, I've been thinking about this whole tragic situation and I didn't even know this kid.

I always read his posts and passed them off as one more guy that knows a lot more than I did when I was his age. I smiled when I saw that even on a considerably long road trip where one might want to drive somewhat conservatively, he seemed to be pushing that GT as hard as it would go, he truly has the spirit.

So, it seems even those of us that never knew him are touched by what has happened. I wish at this point that I could say I knew him better, I have never seen so many people say so many nice things about a guy so quickly, wish I had something to add.

Godspeed Matt.

[2 780s]

Sad indeed, and surely a tragic example of how fragile life really is in one moment of time. A grim reminder, that one can do everything right, but expire because of other factors beyond their control.

I never met Matt, but had exchanged many e-mails with him, he lived and loved Volvos which brought him to all of us, and that is a good thing to be remembered.

He will be missed!

RIP Matt

Andrew Colesanti O-6 COIN-ARMY-USA

[norcal dual745ti]

OMG! this is a total shock! Its going to be weird going on to this forum and not seeing his enthusiastic posts and that signature picture he has. He alwayz seems to chime in on every single thread on the board, he was truly enthusiasic about Volvo's. I never really had the opportunity to really talk to the guy, but I was able to see his enthusiasm for Volvo in everything he posted. I've been following his posts on his trip, but it never crossed my mind that this would ever happen. This is totally a shock! You really dont realilize how important people are untill their gone... I've been following his posts on his trip, but it never crossed my mind that this would ever happen. This is totally a shock! You will be missed by everyone here... My 1300 mile road trip to Las Vegas and back, in my 745, will be dedicated to you!

Maybe we could put black electical tape or something across the Volvo logo or emblem in memorance of one of Volvo's biggest enthusiast! to show how important he was to all us fellow enthusiests... just a thought...

[Two245Turbos]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and all who knew him.....

[Omega6_Virus]

Man, I didn't even know him, but this sucks. I feel really bad for his family and friends. I hope they are doing better than we are. He can ride with me thats for sure, and I hope he has fun on that big mile up in the sky.

[growley]

What the hell? He was just talking about all those things he planned to do to his car. It's so weird. I didn't know him yet I feel like I just lost a best friend. Or a family member, but I have, or we have. That just totally sucks. He was a funny guy. F-kng super :rant: :-(

[boosted]

we had just started talking about 2 weeks ago, we were talking about n/a buildups and enem cams and megasquirt.. i can vouge that he was a truly great person.. helping me till i could barley keep my eyes open anymore... I truly hope he is happier now... i didn't have the relationship that you guys had with him, but i feel for his unfortunate happening.

man i hadn't realized how close us turbobrickers stick together

:please:
This is really sad. He will be greatly missed...

[KBFinFan]

When the only car I had was my rusty GT, I looked up to Matt and what he had done with his car. I always looked at his gallery of GT pics, hoping one day that I would be lucky enough to have a beautiful GT. I spoke with him online a few times, but not as many as some of you, still this is such a horror. I will miss Matt...

[riceeating780]

I first could not belive this post. But afetr reading all of this I understand but hope it's not. Matt and I used to sit online all night and through the morning and we would chat back and forth between Matt, obeharskad122's. Isaiah, I believe I spelt it right. Matt and I would talk about volvo's and women and share pics. Matt was the only one who would sit online and talk about the grosses thing with me and I would send him pics and we would rip on the people in the pic for fun. We teased each other like friends do. What a great kid. I knew from the start he was a good kid. He was nice, respectable, kind and very funny. He also talked about how much he like all of us and how much he liked posting to this site and hearing all of your opinions. Robin, growley, JB,Dana, and everyone else. Be careful. We don't need to lose another. Matt we miss you and hope your driving your dream volvo up on that long superhighway. Buckle up and calm down. Life is to short. I could ahve met with him but I had a police exam thinking I could meet Matt soon after his trip. We walso use to talk abot ow we have the same name and he used to say "Matt you mad our name proud" MATT D., YOU HAVE MADE OUR NAME PROUD. Thanks man. You never know what cna happen. I am with Robin on the stickers. My great friend works at a sign shop so I can a bunch of Memory stickers for real cheap. If everyone wants a sticker let me know.
-Matt P.

[Roguls]

****.

****, ****, ****.

Too young...

This is very sad. I know Matt was on his way to Carlisle for this weekend. I had offered him a place to stay in NH if he made it up here, as I think had Cullen Wassell. He was excited about the drag races at NED on the 21st. What makes it more tragic is that Matt was a completely innocent victim who lost his life due to someone else's apparently negligent driving.

Philip Bradley

[tequila_gundam_no_chaser]

Matt man....I read his posts, chatted with him, thought of running up to Tenn to meet the man. Didn't expect this to happen though. You were a true volvo enthusiast, a true car buff. Always enthusiastic. I"m gonna miss you man. This synthetic is for you man (pours out castrol onto ground)

Well guy, now you've got all the time you need to build that turboed 78 GT monster up there. And when we all do go there eventually, my 744t monster against your GT Monster. Till then man, keep revvin it up there, and we'll keep revvin em down here.

[richbonilla]

wow....what a drag.....truly a sad loss.....

[mrnabisco]

All rivers flow into the sea and yet the sea is never full.


Bert
91 245

[swede242]

There is nothing one can SAY....anything of value is inside.

I cannot imagine what his family if going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Puts the fraility of life in perspective.

No one is promised tomorrow.

[riceeating780]

does anyone know his home number? I can't belive this. he was planning this trip out for a long time and it's not like he had to go on this trip. He could have been home cleaning his volvo hotrod. I am so disturbed by this. I keep thinking of him through my finals lately.

[brickhead]

Hi everybody.

I just got the info. Truly a sad day. :-( My condolences to his Fam. We should all just sit back and think that we should be thankful and grateful for what we have. We all could be be taken away at a snap of the fingers.

[richbonilla]

man...everyone had their belts on...no survivors..?...they must have hit damm hard...would his volvo have had an air bag?

[koenvbr]

I just read the tragic news, I didn't know Matt in personal, non of the persons here on the forum, but he has helped me with hosting some pictures and I mailed with him a few times. I can't express such things good in english. He and his comments will be missed.

Koen

[JohnLane]

Dammit Matt. You were going to race me at some point in the future.
Now you won't be able to rib us when we have it coming to us anymore. :-(
Join me in the Fire Breathing Monster anytime you like buddy.
Thoughts and prayers to Matt and his family and friends.
JL.

[760T man]

Philip is correct. I planned to show him all over the area, drive his car, he was going to drive mine, and we were going to head down to the drags on the 21st together. I talked to him online every night, and he helped me out with a hell of a lot more than just my volvo. I'd already given him my phone number on sunday night so we could plan something. When he never called the next day, nor did he post monday night or tuesday night, I knew something was up. Then I came across the sad day post last night, and I fell apart there. I cried all night, and my gut is still wrenched. This makes the 3rd person close to me this week to die.

I've been planning a trip down to GA for my family reunion, and now it's dedicated to Matt.

They say you don't know what someone means to you until they're gone. Well, it's true. Matt will be missed.

[740TurboPerformance]

As norcal745ti put it.........

"Its going to be weird going on to this forum and not seeing his enthusiastic posts and that signature picture he has."

--------------------

When I came to the site this morning I was in disbelief, like how can this happen? He wasn't even racing, driving responsibly and someone else hit him!

I didn't know him personally but he was still one of my buddies, sharing the same passion for Volvo, making older Volvos fast............ I definately remember his signature where he really stood out to me and I was like whoa, he's a cool dude, not even afraid to show his face even had a picture of himself on his signature picture. I always thought that was pretty cool.

Although some of us may not have known him personally, I hope that looking down he will realize how much myself and others here really care here and will remember him for the guy he was and the cool classic 242GT he had that he worked on.

Man it's got me thinking, feeling kind of guilty. All times I have hit 115MPH, raced others, been driving faster than I should have and I'm here and alive right now when I was risking my life and Matt was minding his own business driving responsibly in the 242GT he loved where someone else hit him.

Matt I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to get to know you, take a ride with you in the 242GT that you loved and talk Volvo performance............


Volvo was his passion and he died in one........... :-(
You got a lot of family here that misses you brother! RIP

[Captain Bondo]

It just ain't right guys. It just ain't right.
Robin used the word "undeserving" and it just keeps ringing through my head.

As I turned on my computer this morning the counting crows cover of "Don't know what you've got 'til it's gone" was in my mind, and it's true.

Our board definitely has a Matt-shaped hole in it.

My Prayer are with Matt and his family.
Let's definitely get a plan together to sent gifts/letters.
It just ain't right. I want to write a poem but I think I'm still in shock.

[wildmanben]

I'm still having trouble accepting this. One minute he is the most enthusiastic guy on the forum, and now i realize i'll never hear from him again. Could we make stickers in his recognition? I would never hesitate to put one on my car. What would Matt say if he knew he was going to spend his last minutes in his 242GT? I will never read this forum again without thinking of him...

[vos]

Wow. Words fail. I was looking forward to meeting him this summer at our next VCOA Texas meet... guess I'll never get the chance. God's peace Matt.

[vos]

Makes me think of all the times I drove too fast or too wreckless, only thinking of myself, and getting lucky in not having anything go wrong. He was just minding his own business. I know I will be a more careful and considerate driver... Life is short, too damn short. He was only 20 for crying out loud. :-(

[dl242gt]

I just read today what happened to Matt. Truly a sad day. I didn't know
him personally but I always felt like I had met a good person online. I think it wasn't just that Matt shared his passion with Volvos with all of us.
It was that he was a people enthusiast as well. My deepest sympathies
to all his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Matt.

[TRBO242]

It's really a brutal wakeup call. It's also a reminder that we’re all much more fragile than we would like to believe. It reminds us to make every moment you have with the people you care about count.
We'll miss you Matt.

Nick

[volvorsport]

Completely speechless :-(

[ocotillo]

Matt's family should see this thread of posts so they can see how many people cared. Even if Volvos is our medium of interaction and it's just a car, right?, it was his PASSION and commitment for them that tied us together so strongly and when you take that away it leaves a VOID! I never even knew or talked to the guy but am very sad. His name should live on forever in Turbobricks because he made a difference in all of our lives, a huge difference. Rock on Matt.

I think a page shoud be commited to Matt and his car.

Actually Volvos are more than just a car.

[taskmule]

Guys, I didn't know Matt at all, but from what I'm reading in here today, he meant alot to those of you who've posted.
I am sorry for your loss, and I'll send prayers to his family.
</BR>On this side, we watch and say, "there he goes"...Meanwhile, on the other side, they are watching, saying "here he comes!"

Bless you, Matt.

'mule

[blue cube]

godspeed

[Canuckvolvo]

Condolences. Save us some good parts at the PYP in the sky Matt!

Peace everyone. Treat everyday like it's the last....

[JamesDean]

from what i knew from Matt on this board, he absolutely loved Volvos... his passion could hardly be matched, but hopefully we will try..

he will be incredibly missed.... O:-)


JImmy

[furyconv]

For some reason, I couldn't get to the board yesterday. I kept getting "connection" errors. What an omen.

My heart just sank as I got in today.

I don't post often, but I am here a lot.
I didn't know Matt personally, but read his posts enthusiasticaly, as he reminded me of my youth.

My heart goes out to his parents, family and friends.
I would like to consider all of us his friends whether we knew him directly or not.

Matt: Roll On!

[1UZFE]

OMG!!
:e-shrug:
I dont even know what to say. I have never met a more genuine individual in my travels around the web. May he rest in peace.

LIfe is easy to take for grantit .

:-(

[bitjockey]

I talked to my friend today about the stickers... he's gonna get back to me by tomorrow.

Riceeating780, you wanna talk to your friend as well?

[AGBullit235]

so very sad. i've talked to Matt only a couple of times, we were supposed to get together some time this summer in his home state of NY. I guess that won't happen now. All my wishes to his friends and family.

-Alex

[SquareD]

Although we ribbed him about the n/a thing, I think we all knew that Matt was literally the biggest brick lover here. As people have mentioned, you could just feel the good nature and sincerity he had, just by reading his posts. I have no doubt that besides T-bricks, Matt effected many people's lives personally. He worked to get real things going on around here, like the group purchase and such. He was so excited about this upcoming trip and that people that were planning to meet up with him in person, becoming more than just message board friends. I know that excited Matt alot. Just by seeing how much people on here have been effected, there is no doubt that his family and close friends need our prayers now.
Turbobricks and the Volvo community loss one of it's biggest fans, and he will be truly missed. God bless you Matt. :volvo:

[Volvo4Life]

wow.. you'll be missed man :(
whenever someone passes that i didn't really have a relationship with, even someone online i feel sad that i will never get to know them better, it sounds like you were a great person and you loved your brick just as much as each and every other volvo enthusiast. Rest in peace, keep revving that brick up there and say hi to gustaf and assar for all of us.

[Anthony]

I wear my seat belt as needed and now I plan on using them every trip. I feel invincible in my volvo but this opens my eyes that the most durable cars are at risk. Buckle up everyone

[TurboBrick940]

Matt,

I've printed out a picture of you, and laminated it. I've placed you on the backside of my Volvo emblem, on my front grille. You'll always be one step ahead of me that way. I'll always have someone watching over me. Someone there when I skin my knuckles, to listen to me curse, and whine and complain. That is one capacity you were always good at, listening. I will miss that.

I don't know how I'm going to feel not seeing you on my buddy list ever again, or who I'll talk to til 3AM about nothing in paticular. I don't know how it's going to be like around here without you, not the same for sure.

I cried on and off since Robin told me about your death last night. It's mighty hard to get my mind around the fact that you're gone. I considered you one of my friends, even though I never got to meet you in person.

I know we didn't agree on everything, and we had a running joke about the N/A turbo brick. It never mattered to you, you loved us all, just the same. So now it's my turn to return the favor albeit a little too late.

We will all miss you dude, I hope the rest of your journey goes peacefully. You're always welcome to come ride in the 9.

Rest easy Matt, my friend.


I, like Robin, will sport a "In Memory of Matt Dionne" sticker on my ride. I wish I had the words to express my grief, but I don't. Matt was like a little brother to me. I will miss him.

I'm at loss for words.

I've cooresponded with Matt a few times on ENEM cams and he was always really helpfull. Very entheusiastic.

RIP Matt, you will be missed.

[gothink3]

Everyday after work my brother and I discuss what we've read about during the workday on turbobricks... GTMatt always comes up. We have the same GT 1 year newer... Matt and my brother Zac and I were working on a re-striping project to get some fresh stripes on our GT's Matt and I were talking about it last week and then I never heard back...

Matt was truly excited about our GT. We weren't on the board more than a day when he emailed me with tons of questions, complements, and suggestions.

I will certainly pause the next time I saddle up in our GT and see the red stripes and know Matt knew this red rally stripe interior too... same dream car.

ahhh its just really really sad... i like the idea of the GTMATT badge but i'm too sad to think about it right now.

Last email correspondence:


[quote:a9ef64f8f5]Hey man, you two brothers? you dont really look alike lol.

did you ever get to digitize the stripes? I have a cousin who owns a vinyl shop and we could use that (save me tremendous amounts of time and i could cut 79 stripes compared to my vastly differnt 78 stripes...

let me know what up[/quote:a9ef64f8f5]

we will miss you matt

-jeremy & zac

[roversweed]

this sucks, i got sick when the main page came up. my first thought was that's a realy sick joke. (i wish it was) i was looking forward to meeting him at ner and maybe racing him in his gt.

maybe we should somehow send a turbobrick members card to his family?

[dirtbike]

I didn't know matt and I have never conversed with him on the board but I have read his posts and feel that he will be sorely missed within the community.
My most heart felt condolences go out to his family and friends, who need all the comfort and support get they can get in these dark times.
Please remember he was living his dream, and that takes guts.
I am sorry for your losses
Nick

Matt was a great guy and will be greatly missed. He was the first to reach out to us after our first post and was very excited by our common dream car the old GT.

Every move we make with our car we allways ask "I wonder what GTMatt would do?" and I'm sad to think I'll never have change to meet him.

I'll miss you matt.

-zac

[Bready]

Aw man, what terrible, terrible news.

Christ – Matt was so many things rolled into one wonderfully goofy lovable guy – what an absolute drag.

And like a good number of you I am surprised how personally his passing has touched me. Serves as a great illustration of what a true extended family so many of us have become a part of as a result of this board, and certainly Matt was no bit part of the whole. At the very least losing Matt serves as a way to underscore how many friends we’ve made through this board, and the bond we feel as a community; and Matt was as much a catalyst for that as anyone.

Looking back at the different occasions when Matt provided me a laugh (whether he was trying to or not) or just endeared himself further with another of his many examples of zany enthusiasm, zeal, support and conversation on any of a number of unrelated issues I can’t help but think that if I can leave this world having touched as many people in as positive a way as he did – then I would think my time here was well spent.

No doubt the Good Lord is getting an earful today – and with a smile on his face.

Thanks for the laughs buddy, I’m gonna miss you.

Mr Prik

[Yea, Right]

First of all, I would like to offer my condolences to Matt's family. What is a great tradgedy to us is absolutely devestating to them. As a husband and father the only thing that terrifies me in life is something happening to my family. Without knowing Matt outside his posts, I am filled with tears just thinking about it.

We do not need these reminders of just how frail life is, but it may remind us how important it is to be selfless and to respect others. Simply treat others how we ourselves wish to be treated. From my understanding Matt was a great example of this and his short life should be revered.

"FLY ON LITTLE WING, FLY ON"

[Blackbrick]

We'll miss ya Matt, C-ya when we get there.

[Boris740]

Damn! Ones swerves too soon, the other too late. It ends at the wrong time and at the wrong place. Damn!

[Chrisco]

Jeese. I don't know what to say. Hope his family and friends recover from this well. Never spoke to him at all, even on the boards. Still saddens me though. I hope we learn from this and be more careful. It reminds me how dangerous driving can be. I will probably more cautious from now on.

[riceeating780]

robin I will gladly talk to my boy. we need to come up with the same design I was thinking white lettering with black border around the letters and It will read " in memory of Matt D." and under the of it will havea black and white cross. Under the of. I will amke one adn scan a pic for you. This is my buddy matt. HEY DUDE. I finally got my door panel back on !!! See you up there when we all join you one day. Maybe we will one day meet up there and drive together. :wave: also Matt thanks for helping me with my avatar.

[applejuice]

terrible terrible news. RIP Matt....

[760T man]

I hope one thing comes out of this.

I hope that, soon, we are all just as good friends with each other, as I and many others were with Matt.

[CNGBrick]

This is sad news indeed. My thoughts are with Matt's family and friends.

Richard Thomas

[zombiewoof]

Very sad. Others have said it better than I could.

Peace.
- Travis

[poulson01]

Hey fellas. I've been very bussy lately and just started checking the board today to see how you are all doing. I'm so sorry and offer my condolances to everyone. This is another wake up call to remind us that we are mortal and fragile. We shouldn't dwell on the possibility that any one of us could be snatched away at any time but we mustn't forget that none of us live forever.

Someone smarter than me said "it's better to regret something you have done than it is to regret something you havn't".

I'm very sorry guys.

[MikeB23ft]

I didn't know Matt as well as some people here, but his death has hit me very hard. Maybe it's because I realized, when I found out, that after all of the stupid thing's I've done in cars, all of the close calls I've had, It should have been me, not him. Why this happened to him is far beyond any of us.
We do need to send a card, or at least make his family aware of how much this board misses him. We also need to have some sort of permanent memorial on the site.
I'm very seriously considering buying a GT or an old 242. I have always loved the cars, and building the car Matt always wanted would only make it better.

Bye Matt. O:-)

Michael Rouse

[applejuice]

well, after taking a little while to reflect on this terrible tragedy, perhaps some small sort of comfort can be found in the fact that when matt died he was out there really LIVING life. when i was 19 i drove from connecticut to southern california and i'll never forget the excitement and anticipation of things to come as i racked up the miles, crankin the tunes, reading my maps. meeting people along the way... realizing just how big our country is... the great american road trip...i remember being a little worried that my old subaru wagon would make it, but was pretty confident i could fix it myself, as i'm sure matt was, driving a car he loved so much. some people never "get off the bench and into the game". he sure did .. my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[Brickster151]

Since my brick is getting painted, I think when the black stripes are going on I'll have a small [3-4 inches] blank spot on one of the stripes cut to write something dedicated to Matt. Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

This was sent to me from Jan at Enem in Sweden, the guy Matt dealt with collecting our V15 cam group buys:


[quote:23cc910eb8]I'm extremely sad to hear that. I got to know Matthew "on email" and got the impression he was a very nice guy. Please give my condolences to his family and all his friends from us here at ENEM."

Best Regards

Jan Carneborn
ENEM Sweden AB
[/quote:23cc910eb8]

It was a GLOBAL thing O:-)

[Steve C]

Anyone know how to send a note of condolence to his family? Maybe I overlooked it.

He will be missed.

[700mopareater]

I just wanted to offer my condolences to his family. He had the spirit.

If greatness is measured by the amount of people that you affect, and the way you affect them, in life, then Matt truly has earned the title of VolvoGreat.

Rest in peace Matt

[SRK]

I am thankful that I knew him. I will remember his enthusiasm and joy for this hobby that he shared with all of us. People like Matt are a gift.

[Volvofly]

What a terrible tragedy. My condolences to Matt's family. Take comfort in knowing Matt was doing what he loved.

Rest in peace Matt

[Hank Scorpio]

I was thinking about this today... the thing Im going to miss most was the fact that Matt was the "little brother" of tbricks. The kid everyone liked, the one that everyone could tell when things were bothering him, or when stuff was working right in his life. Matt would always listen to what you had to say, good or bad, knowing quite well that alot of the time, everyone only wanted the best.

Heck.. I'd say I thought of Matt more as my lil-bro than my own brother.. thats what Im going to miss the most.

Ok.. I gotta stop.. tearin up again

Doug

[Asleeper]

:-( While I may have never have known Matt personally, his loss means alot to me. He had the same passion we all share, enjoying and modding Volvo's. Its unfortunate he left us at such a young age. My prayers go out for him and his family.

:-(

Andy

84 242ti

[GTJordan]

This is going to take a long time to write, because its very hard for me. Like doug, I felt like Matt was my brother, not a just a friend.

I have been talking to Matt on AOL for the better part of 2 years now. Over this time, we have talked about anything and everything. Both of Us were GT owners, hence his facination with me. We became very good friends, best friends in this time. It was more than a car thing, cars were only the beginning.

When I met Matt, he wasn't a very happy child, he had many things that bugged him. The same kind of things that I had problems with growing up. I tried to help him out, told him how I "forgot about it", and put it behind me. I got him into my type of music (punk), he was very open minded. His brother also into punk showed him he wasn't alone in his feelings.

Then a few months ago, things started to change. Matt saw the world in a better way. All of a sudden he wanted to travel around, see all the things he had missed growing up.

In comes his trip. We talked about it for Weeks. He was so excited. I was excited he was going to take it, and go back to the place he loved (NY). I was glad to see he would go out and see half of his country. His dad tried to talk him into flying, Matt had other plans, and he was going to drive no matter what. I agree'd with him, telling him his trip would be amazing adventure. He saw it as a learning step, learning about himself.

I talked to him Sunday night as he loaded pictures from his camera onto his Pbase account. I was in a rush to go to bed because I had a calculus class first thing in the morning. He wanted me to stay on-line so he could tell me all about his days adventures, but I insisted I go to bed and we would talk Monday night. He never showed up. He didn't show up Tuesday night either.

Wensday Night Kevin (owns6volvo's) came on line
"I think I'm going to cry" he says. I think to myself, another mutulated Volvo or wreckedVolvo he is always sending me. I open the link, my heart sinks.

Never have I met such a kind man. He was always willing to help me out of problems, always there to listen to me. He wasn't just there for me, he was there for everyone. No matter how much of a dick you were to him in your reply's on the board, he would put it in the past and listen to you and your problems. He knew more about me, than my girl friend of 3 years knows about me. I was even talking to him the time he had his very first beer.

I'm going to miss matt. There were lots of things we were going to do this summer. Like the washington vcoa meet. Doug, Matt and I were going to meet up, all for the first time. After that Matt begged me to bring him back to BC. I promised him a trip to my home town in the Yukon, and possibly hitting up Alaska. All these plans which are still in the works, just won't be the same. They will never be the same.

From now on I plan on building my GT into the GT we always talked about him building. He used to go on about how "I wish I had your GT, its my dream car".
Well Matt, this GT's for you

Miss you buddy, your name will never leave my AOL list, you were my first addition to the list, and will be the last person to be deleted.

Jordan

[Geoff240Ti]

Like other members, i never got a chance to have a chat one on one with Matt. I enjoyed his posts, the way he responded to people, and his never ending love for Volvo's.

I find myself on the net, reading more and more about Matt. He sounds like the type of guy i would have as a great friend. And not just because he drove a N/A volvo like me. The post on his journy was something that had a strange affect on me. As i read it i saw life, and excitment within him. As you go to page two, you see one of his lasts posts, then... no more from Matt.

It made me realize, that there really can be no more on earth for some people, and it can happen at any time. Lately i myself have been alittle down from a recent breakup etc. This made me realize i gotta stop bringing myself down and enjoy life, like Matt was doing. Thanks Matt, for opening my eyes.

I think Matt has made a difference on alot of people. It's had me thinking alot, and i think it's brought this site closer together. I now want to meet and talk to more members personally, so i don't regret it again.

Losing Matt is a terrible thing, but i know he is doing just fine up there. Lots are going to miss you man. But i think you've taught alot.

Oh and my N/A burnout video is going to be dedicated to you.

Geoff

[goodwintoo]

Wow, It has been forever since I have been on TurboBricks....
For some strange reason, I decided to come back and just browse the boards, seeing as I don't have my lil volzilla anymore.. I don't know if I was drawn to this, or what.

And this is the first thing I see.... I am truly am saddened by your loss, and I actually feel at a loss of words and I didn't even know Matt. Maybe thats why I am at a loss for words... I never got to know this person that you all cared about and touched you so deeply...

I was torn about RE-signing up to this board so I cold post this, but I figured once a Bricklayer always a Bricklayer... so I hope I don't offend anyone by posting this...

My thoughts go out to Matt and his family(real, extended or otherwise)...

[Obeharskad122s]

I shared my journal with Matt, I will share every Matt-Related entry with the board.

[quote:ec06ba0b5f]5/16/03 12:46 AM
Today was an very successful day. I was able to function. I got my machine shop class project 2/3 complete, tomorrow it will be finished. Having the plan for this project saved it from being totally FUBAR on several occasions. I was able to talk about my loss with my uncle, Becky, and Brooke. This was very comforting to me. I’m having a hard time with this entry, bear with me.

I spent a lot of time with Becky today, realizing truly how deep my love for her is, and how deep hers is for me. That was very comforting, I told her all about Matt, she cried with me, and comforted me. Saying that she didn’t even know him but she missed him. Under her shell she is a very compassionate and loving soul. I love this about her, this and a hundred million other things. I talked to her sister Brooke too – having a general discussion about life, people and other stuff. I feel very bonded with Brooke and Tyson, even though they are secondary friends. Becky and I had a lot of fun today, playing basketball, and wrestling and tickling each other, in spite of the fact that I started our day off by openly crying as I was telling her the story.

Over the course of yesterday and today I came to the realization that Matt was more alive in the past few months than he had been in the past few years. He fell into a depression for reasons that I will keep between us, and he had been in a general slump. I took today and reflected upon his life.

I believe that Matt was truly happy when he died. I find condolence in this. He finally stepped up to the plate in a major way. Honestly I do no see a more glorious way to go. He’d been preparing for this trip for months, all his business was in order, he was ready to go on his epic journey, he decided his own fate, little did we know that it would lead him through the pearly gates of heaven. I think that given the decision to make again he would choose the same course. I sure would.

There were a lot of things about his life that he did not like, and he was coming to the realization that he was in control of all of them. He complained about being overweight, lonely, depressed, confused and lost. But he started to change all that for himself. He started eating right, and working out, and made an appointment to see counselors at his college. His road trip to NY was a huge turning point for him.

I like to reflect upon how alive Matt was when he passed. He would say to me some times as we chatted the hours away, the days away, “I’ve got to get out of here, I’ve got to get out of this room.” One of his first steps in dealing with his life problems was to plan this trip to NY. It kept him motivated, it GOT him motivated. This journal is my way of dealing with my problems, I shared it with him, and we would reflect upon it together. He was eager to read more, and I was eager to share it. I was disappointed when he did not show up online Monday and Tuesday. I expected to see him online Wednesday when I signed on, but I was disappointed once again to not see him on my buddy list. Then I heard word.

Matt has changed my life, he has changed many lives. He will forever go down as ‘The Counselor’ and ‘The Journalist’ in my mind. I just spent some time reading through some of his old emails, he speaks of the trip as motivation, he speaks of wanting to break the cycle, wanting to beat the system. I believe that he did break the cycle, he did beat the system. He died in the car that he loved, doing something that he wanted to do, on his way to a great place, full of hope, and harmony. What better way go?

I loved Matt as if he was my brother, he was my best friend. I love Matt. I cry, but I cry for myself, I do not cry for Matt. He does not want my tears.[/quote:ec06ba0b5f]

[projekt_242ti]

Thats just not right.

It really ain't, man.

[760T man]

[quote:219ee56c8a]your name will never leave my AOL list[/quote:219ee56c8a]

Amen to that brother.

[1UZFE]

Just like many of you , I am amazed how much Matt's passing has affected me emotionally. No matter how harsh you were with him , he always took it in stride & was positive & forgiving. He wasn't egotistical .. which is very rare on car forums. Words cant explain why things like this have to happen.

If people remembered me with even half of the high regard I have seen here for Matt, I would be thrilled. MATT, You wont be forgotten. My new project is going to be named Kal , & it will scream for you! I know you are up in heaven with the Big Guy flying around in your 242GT.

[riceeating780]

his name will never leave my aol list either.

I'm with you Jordan, I wasn't nearly as close with Matt, but I can say undoubtedly that the future of our GT project will definitely be built up in memory of the most enthusiastic GT owner I've known.

[riceeating780]

Dana, we should copy these pages when people have said what they want to say then mail it out to his family. I am sure someone has his address.

[Anonymous]

I feel a bit like an intruder posting in here, but...

I just want to extend by prayers, condolensces and thoughts to Matt's family, friends and the entire turbobricks community. I have lurked here for some time and I have witnessed the bond that you have all built with each other. It is truly impressive and touching. I am so sorry that you have lost one of your own.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Matt, I never knew you, but you clearly helped alot of people on this board with their problems - both in Volvo's and in life. That takes a powerful, unique and compassionate soul, something that can never be destroyed or lost forever. May you rest in peace.

[Anonymous]

This is surreal. This will not sink in. This is the first online friend I've lost, and it is too weird; I've never heard Matt speak, seen Matt move or ridden in Matt's car, yet I know Matt. And I will miss him.

[Roguls]

Matt's enthusiasm was endless, and so should the memory of him; the Volvo community will miss this Volvo Madman.

[JonnyScorch]

This is definately a great tragedy, I just turned twenty myself, and i can't imagine life ending so soon... He was a great person and the board just won't be the same without his enthusiastic posts. He was an innocent victim who was trying to find himself and his place in the world... the wrong person, the wrong time, two wrongs definately don't make a right.... My deepest condolences and sentiments to any and everybody affected by his loss.... May you race in peace at the wheel of your dream GT Matt. Good bye... we'll have to have a race when we meet up... are there are any red lights in heaven?

-Jonathan

ps. as for the rememberence stickers, i was thinking a white stencil/traced/outlined GT with name and date on the hood/side would be nice...

[chilli05]

I dont know if i ever had the chance of getting a reply from matt on one of my posts but i will say this : words cannot express what any of us are feeling right now, some of us barely new matt others seemed to know him quite well and everyone has the same memory of matt he was always around when someone needed him and that is the most important thing in life, helping others wether it was just chatting about family, freinds, women, or fast cars it sounds to me that matt was the man to talk to. Matt left us doing what he obviously loved, rollin in his brick and i think that he wouldnt have had it any other way. The talk of airbags seatbelts and driving more cautious have been said over and over we have all heard that we need to drive responsibly and all that, but to all of you i say this, your life is your life it is very fragile as we all know and can be snuffed out at a moments notice so my outlook on life will never change if im runnin a race ill run as hard and fast as i can to win if im playing a football game i will hit you as hard as i can and if im driving a car.. any car i will drive hard and fast and ill be the first one off the line. everyone in here is saying that they are going to change the way they drive and you know what i believe they will for a few weeks then the same bug that kept matt modifying his brick will bite you and the need for speed will agian fill your veins and you'll be off and runnin just as matt would have done if it was one of us that this unfortunate accident happened to.

My thoughts and prayers go out to matts familly and all of you that seem to have been touched by this incredible individual as i said i did not know matt but i would be proud to add some kind of badge on my brick in honor of matt.

[iadr]

More so than most, I find it very hard to express my thoughts, generally (check out how many times I edit a lot of my posts), and on this in extreme.

I'll post one thought of the many I've had:

I am occasionally on the Grassroots Motorsports forum as a lurker, but never have bothered to get an ID there. I happened to see a thread that appeared to involve Volvo's by the title and read down to find Matt had gotten his own ID there to specifically reply that once to the thread, and to tell about his car. A fews days later, I read the news. I remembered the post, found the thread, signed up, and posted. I just wish I'd had something, anything, to add other than that.

http://pub52.ezboard.com/fgrassrootsmotorsportsfrm0.showMessage?topicID=713 5.topic

[Obeharskad122s]

I had almost forgotten about that post. There are a couple GRM/T-Brickers.

"I love my car" that sums it all up.

He did, he truly did.

I didnt realize how much of a part of my life Matt was.

-Isaiah Craig

[luke242ti]

It is a very sad day indeed. I will miss Matt and I barely knew him, we talked a few times online. he was truly a kind and generous person, I tried to help him when I talked to him while online.

I agree with everyone. I will definetly put a sticker on my car in remembrance of him. He was truly a people enthusiast. Hopefully someone has his parents address and we can send condolences to his family.

take care all
live life to its fullest and give love to all!

Luke

[Zenatek]

This is terrible, my thoughts are with his family, Matt always had a lot of advice.

John

[gtlover]

oh man...I haven't had a lot of time to spend online this last week.

I'm in total shock about all of this. Back when I still had my GT (not long ago, really) Matt and I regularly emailed each other on GT stuff, ideas and pics for 242GT.com and generally had a good time with our posts online. He was my GT buddy, my long-time and now forever "NA performance hero". He took that GT further and faster than I ever dreamed possible, forever hailing its handling and suprising all of us with how much performance he could wrestle from his brick.

Look back at some of those threads, especially in the OT forum, you'll see me and Matt bantering back and forth. I miss him already, too.

There is a huge hole in this board now, one that may never be completely filled. I'm going to do the black banded emblem, and I'll be putting the letters "IMOM" in my back window. My prayers are with his family, and with all of you as well. This place is like another family to a lot of us, and Matt was definitely our brother in Volvos.

Godspeed Matt,

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine fair upon your face,
and the rains fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again
May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.

[Hank Scorpio]

(from over at CV)
[quote:df920d8155]Originally posted by Peter in Texas
The service was very emotional. I was surptised at how many people were there, over 400.
Unknown to me until yesterday, Matt was a handicapped (deaf) person but didn't let that keep him from doing his best no matter what he did. He was respected by so many for his passion and enthusiasm for life. He spent time giving back to his community by lecturing at universities to other's who were handicapped like he was, helping them to cope with the lack of hearing.
As was said in the sermon, Matt's moto was Carpe` Dieum! or Seize the Day!
I have a son who is the same age as Matt, and can sympatiize with his family. I would be devastated if I'd lost my son as Matt's family and friends have lost him.
I wish I had had a chance to get to know Matt better. He accomplished so much in his short time on this earth. Many people will miss him, myself included. God belss him. [/quote:df920d8155]

[Anonymous]

I have not logged onto this site in awhile and I am completely shocked when I heard about Matt`s death.
I have always liked reading his post and ideas and will deeply miss Matt. I have even turned to Matt through private messages why I was misstreated by other Volvo enthusiast board members. Matt never gave me a hard time when I was going through a hard time when I used to post alot and I can never thank him enough for being there as a friend.

Mr. U :rant:

[Roomie]

Hey guys,

Tragic news indeed! He will be in all of our memories forever, and I'll take him with me on every trip I make.

I know Matt has talked about me on here, but I've never been on. I've only looked at particular posts that Matt linked to me, and I have yet to read everything in this thread, so I don't know if I'm repeating anything.

There is a scholarship fund being set up in his name for aspiring writers with disabilities. If you want to donate and you don't know where to send it, please e-mail me at astromike@ieee.org and I'll get it to you, I don't have it right off hand.

I don't know if he told ya'll about our planned trips to El Paso and Albuequerque that we were supposed to take last year, and the trip to California we were going to take this year. Both trips are yet to be completed, and I have decided I will still complete them. I'll just wait until I get a new truck. I have a picture of both plans if ya'll would like to see them.

I know I probably didn't supply much information, but if there is any information about where to send things or a phone number to call his parents, let me know. My messengers are as follows:

AIM: Admiral Texas
ICQ: 12865168
Yahoo!: astromike@sbcglobal.net
E-mail: astromike@ieee.org

His brother Tim also has AIM: Ti Pi Di

Thank you for putting this board up. I'll make sure his parents know about it.

Michael

[garrettkjr]

It's been a long time since I've posted, and I'm so very sorry that it's taken such a sad story to bring me back. I took a break from reading the long thread tonight when my 8 month old son woke up for a middle-of-the-night feeding. I think I fear death less than most people. I was too ignorant to fear death when I was young and tempted death too frequently. These days I live a much safer lifestyle, and take comfort in my faith. As I looked at my son tonight, I was reminded of my greatest fear--losing one of my children before he/she grows up. When I was Matt's age, I thought I knew it all and had done it all. Now at 34, I can say that I've learned and experienced twice as much since the age of 20 than I did before the age of 20. I feel sad for Matt--not getting to experience all that comes with adulthood. I also feel sad for Matt's family--all the experiences that they'll never know.

...and now I've had to take yet another break. My 3 year old daughter woke up and came into my office. She needed to go the bathroom and needed my help. While there, she informed me that she was practicing writing her last name today. She also reminded me that her roller skating birthday party was getting near and that I had promised to take her to the rink to practice. I think my plans for tomorrow just changed. Time to dust off the hockey skates. My kids are a big part of why I'm not around the message board. When I held my daughter and tucked her back into bed, I cried for all the living that Matt had left to do.

This thread is not only a tribute to Matt, but evidence of what this web site has become. Turbobricks is a bona fide community. Matt's been around here a long time. I remember Matt as one of the few who would share ideas without worrying about being laughed at. Ignorant people laughed and lost out. Matt just kept on dreaming. The smart people listened and encouraged his zeal. Matt was and will always be a large part of Turbobricks and the community he helped to create.

"Poor guys, you're gonna be so deprived without me!"

How true, Matt. How true...

[Roomie]

Ya'll's posts touch me up a little bit, but that's a good thing. Matt was a great guy, and a really good friend.

Here is the information I didn't have handy last night about the scholarship being created in his name, this is copied from the flyer handed out at the memorial service:

A Matthew Dionne Memorial Scholarship is being established at the University of Texas at Dallas for physically challenged students. Please send your memorial gifts to Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd., Plano, Texas 75075. Please make your checks payable to CUMC and indicate Dionne Memorial. Funds will be forwarded to the university.

[JE Jr]

I'm from Sweden, and I didn't really know Matt Just mailed him once or twice, but I'm totally chocked!

I'm at the same age as he was, Like my old Volvo very much, and takes every trip; long or short as an adventure.

I feel that some of what you described Matt's relation to his GT could somewhat be me, and therefore I'm just chocked that such a thing happened!!

Can't find words...

It's just not fair what happened.

[Volvo242ft]

I have talked with matt a lot, and his love for automobiles was amazing. He was truly a wonderfull guy, and a pleasure to talk to. He is going to be missed greatly amoung us.

Matt, we will never forget you, and always sport the stickers on our cars. You will be on every ride that i go on, and be there for every Volvo adventrure that i go on, and many others.
We all love you matt, and always will buddy

Roll on matt, Roll on.....
And remeber.... bricks do fly.


Were going to Miss you greatly.

[projekt_242ti]

I tend to have a simple criteria of clasifying people: The ones I would invite to the party, and the ones who I would not. Matt was for sure in the first category.
I've joined this board not long ago, and I haven't got in touch directly with him much, but only from reading through one single posting here (the one with changing the smileys), one can realize easily that Matt was what any party on this planet needs!
about Nissans... :rant: :grrr: :barf: :bs:
for U, Matt... :beer:

[760T man]

Yeah, seriously. **** Nissans.

[Anonymous]

R.I.P Brother~ andrew

[RobTarD]

I haven't been here in a while and the first thing I saw when I got here was that Matt has passed. I'm shocked, to put it lightly. I'm actually at a loss for words right now, and all I can say is that he will be missed. There is a gaping hole in this board now, and it will be painful to not see his posts anymore. I am 20 years old, and a fellow Volvo driver and I can only imagine the pain that his family is going through right now. My condolences go out to his family, and I hope for the best.

[riceeating780]

Since Matt left I haven't been online much or posted much. When he was around, After chilling with my girl I wa sliek well I hope Matt's on. We had so many jokes together going online was worth while. My car just broke down but as soon as it's fixed I am getting my "in memory of..." stickers drawn up. As soon as I do I will let you guys know and mail a bunch out.

[reno]

My prayers and thoughts go out to famly and friends :-( :-(

[Roomie]

I've noticed with the page or two of messages I have read, some of ya'll are looking for Matt's address. I have talked with his parents, and they told me they do not want their address posted for the whole world to see, but they are willing to have their e-mails posted, so here's his mom's, send her an e-mail if you want their address.

cdionne@utep.edu

[Anonymous]

I think these two quotes sumup what i thought of Matt. I never knew him personally. But this is the second person i know that ive lost to car accidents:

Roguls:
"Matt's enthusiasm was endless, and so should the memory of him; the Volvo community will miss this Volvo Madman.'

JonnyScorch:
"This is definately a great tragedy, I just turned twenty myself, and i can't imagine life ending so soon... He was a great person and the board just won't be the same without his enthusiastic posts. He was an innocent victim who was trying to find himself and his place in the world... the wrong person, the wrong time, two wrongs definately don't make a right.... My deepest condolences and sentiments to any and everybody affected by his loss.... May you race in peace at the wheel of your dream GT Matt. Good bye... we'll have to have a race when we meet up... are there are any red lights in heaven?

-Jonathan"

I was never active as a member and only lurked about reading peoples posts and using Matt's Advice on different my own ideas. I wish i had been able to thank him for his advice. I never gave/shared with anyone on this board my own ideas and thoughts which expanded on his. I realise i have lost something that was great.

-Usually the only way time you realise that that something of value is gone, is when its too late to do anything about it.

I feel i owe it to Matt and his family to use my real name and not my nick to post my reply

Godspeed Matt

A true admirer
-Emmanuel Manolas

[RedDragon]

I was just doing some internet research and found a post about Volvo turbo performance on another board.

http://www.racingknowledge.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=518

When I finished reading the post, I saw who the author was and thought I'd share it here.

[Anonymous]

i was just reading this article and i cant beleive this happened iam like alot of you i thought of all the times i got crazy racing someone and wasnt hurt and this guy just minding his own busness has something horrible like this happen my heart goes out to his family and friends

[Three Fat Tigers]

I'd like to offer my sincere condolences at your loss.

Though I never knew him, I've found this quite amazing because I once lived only a couple blocks from his home in Plano TX, though that was twelve years ago now and I was still driving my second Volvo. I moved to my current location one year later. And according to the map and mileage shown on his first leg, that would put him right in my town of Lynchburg VA. Over the years I've made many trips between VA and Dallas via that same route. And it was because of the recent announcement at the sweedspeed board that I found my way here. This is the fist place I've felt myself at home among fellow enthusiasts.

May also marked my 20th year with Volvos, driving them hard. And as I just turned 40 this event makes me realize I should take more time to live my life. It also makes me want to go and buy back my 2nd Volvo, a '76 245 that is parked out in a field in a farm yard, yes literally out to pasture, about 9 miles from here. It is still 100% complete and there still immaculate inside, even the dash looks like new with no cracks. Yep I think I'm gonna pay a visit to that car this week.

[Roomie]

Ok guys, here are the e-mails to Matt's family. Like I said before, if you want their mailing address, you'll have to e-mail them, they don't want it posted, but they have considered sending it through e-mail. Ya'll take care.


Matt's Father, Robert Dionne: robertdionne@yahoo.com
Matt's Mother, Carol Dionne: cdionne@utep.edu
Matt's Brother, Tim Dionne: greenburrow@yahoo.com

I know they would like to hear from ya'll. They have also read the board. My e-mail is astromike@ieee.org.

Matt, truck's fixed, sounds great; you be safe and have fun up there. Godspeed.

I have edited this message, adding Tim's e-mail

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry this has to be my first post. I just registered to find out information on a turbo volvo I was considering getting. Of course the link on the front page led me here...


....so sad, barely out of his teens... I'm only a little older.... yikes :-(

Rest in peace, Matt, I know you'll be missed.

[charles s]

*
-charles

[Anonymous]

Oh my God....

I can't believe I'm reading this... I met Matt online here looking for information on older Volvo's. He was a true enthusiast that was ready and willing to help a newbie out. He came out to a Porsche driving event/school here locally that I told him about. Although his car blew a hose, and he wasn't allowed to participate in the practice exercises, he remained in great spirits, and kept his attitude up the whole time. He would email me pics of different Volvo parts and information. He was a true "stand-up guy"...

I originally came here today to see what he's been up to since I haven't heard from him in a while... This is NOT what I expected... My heart and prayers go out to his family and his friends. I don't get emotional about these types of things and I know nobody here knows me (except Matt), but a tear is forming in my eye as I type this... Matt, you will be greatly missed...

Jay Chehal
99 Silver/Tan Miata LS

[Richard Y]

hi, you dont know me im not even from the same country and i didnt know matt, but i had to reply to this, i cant belive that poor guy was just driving along one day and then sudenly, it was all over :( this is a truly sad thing and my thoughts go out to matt and all you guys on here, remeber him and rember all the good things im sure he did to get such a massive response from all the members of this forum. Live your life each minuit at a time, have fun and remember your friend all ways!

Richard Y, Norfolk, England

[DaButcher]

damn this is crap to hear!! :(
I also run a volvo club, with about 300 members. I remember when we lost our first, and only member.

I't kind of makes you think: "but he was in a volvo??"..

not good when bad things happend to good people.

All condolences.

[Afturmath]

This is such a sad story. Even with the safety of a Volvo he didn't survive. My condolences go to his family. My brother has the exact same birthdate as Matt, and I couldn't imaging losing him. May 12th was a sad day for the Volvo community, and it was a day that will forever be remembered.

I'll never drive my brick again without thinking of Matt.

[LeadBrick]

I'm a new addition to this forum, and obviously never met or talked with Matt. But from what I've read on here, he seemed to be a guy that everyone could get along and be friends with. I am sorry for the loss to you all.

The spirit you people have shown here proves to me that his memory, and his enthusiasm for all things Volvo will live on for a long, long time!


Aaron

[760T man]

Well, Matt, my "epic journey" has so far been successful...but you already know that...you knew as soon as I pulled into my grandparents' driveway. Dude, remember, it's dedicated to you...well see ya up there man.

[pwschuh]

I am a charter member of the Turbobricks club (I think I first started e-mailing with Angel Morales back in late 1996) but had never registered on this BB until today. Reading this thread is sad but also a great way to get to know this BB community. Obviously I didn't know Matt but reading all of these posts about him I can tell what a great guy he was. Hopefully his example of helpfulness, respect and fun will be an example to all of us.

God bless his family and God rest his soul...

:-(

[clbolt]

I never knew Matt, all this came about during a lull in my Volvo ownership. I've been trying to convince my son to get a 240 as his first car, and he's always said no. Ironically, a few months ago I found Matt's website, and used the pictures to convince him. He did make me promise that if we get a GT, it'll get a better paint job. ;)

The bad part about this is that Matt had to have driven by me during that first day. I live right off I-30, about an hour past Texarkana. If I'd known about his trip, I'd have asked him to have a coke or something. And since my mom lives in in North Carolina, I've driven across Tennessee literally a hundred times over the years. I know that road like the back of my hand.

You never know when the end is gonna come, that's my point. It seems like at least Matt was enjoying himself his final day. There's nothing quite so satisfying in automotive life as watching the pavement roll under the wheels of a car that you've brought to life, that really means something to you.

Enjoy life, and the adventures it brings. It sounds like Matt did.

[Three Fat Tigers]

There's nothing quite so satisfying in automotive life as watching the pavement roll under the wheels of a car that you've brought to life...Amen

[gtlover]

I was going through my contacts list on hotmail...and just realized Matt was at the top. I'm going to leave it there forever...miss you Kalazdar.

[MikeHardy]

while never really getting into converstion with matt, maybe once or twice i don't remember, i've been thinking about him in the last few days, i'm going to buy a rather quick 242 16valve tomorrow and i'm sure he would of liked to talk about it, but he'll never be able too. it make me sad and i've got tears as i type this. sorry

[760T man]

I still tear up when I read this post, so don't feel bad.

[rwturbo]

yes said say indeed may he rest in peace and in all of our hearts and ride along with us O:-)

[buzz]

Thought I'd bump this and see how it goes. Most of the members that have joined in at least the past 5 years don't know anything about this. Matt's journal has been languishing where, Ohio? Pennsylvania? I'm hoping this bump renews the interest and we can get the journal back to Matt's parents.

[gsellstr]

Thanks buzz. I've been kinda hoping it could make it back to them soon as well. Does anyone still have contact info for them, after 8 years?

[MistrThou]

I was happy to convey the journal along. Check out my Journal picture thread. I had taken up to when I had it current pictures of each page so you could read along.
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=31844
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t246/MistrThou/Matts%20Journal/

[duce40]

Oh man, granted this happened in 03, just reading this bum'd me out. Hows his family doing? Any one hear from them?

[professor245]

I remember when I joined TB hearing about this loss for the community and loss of a friend, thanks for bumping this thread Buzz, means a lot to us who came here later to know the pioneers of this community and to remember Matt.
I've learned a lot from TB Thanks to you guys who started it all.

RIP Matt and may Volvo community remember you forever.

[aplitz]

It is good for us to remember Matt. Personally, his passing was one of the things that made my own mortality real to me. At the time I was riding sport bikes like I was invincible, then this guy I knew from the internet died in a Volvo, and it was suddenly real, youth means nothing, death stalks us all. RIP Matt

[NChoy]

I remember Matt. I also drove that route in 2008 coming back from D.C., and again last year coming back from school in Texas. Thank you for resurrecting this old thread so the new folks can celebrate the memory of a great T'brickster.

[Dan]

I met Matt in person and talked with him online. Hard to believe it's been so many years. A testament to his impact

[svenski]

Thought I'd bump this and see how it goes. Most of the members that have joined in at least the past 5 years don't know anything about this. Matt's journal has been languishing where, Ohio? Pennsylvania? I'm hoping this bump renews the interest and we can get the journal back to Matt's parents.

Last I knew I handed it off to Mad Adder in North East PA. It was an honor to be a part of that.

[sandrock740]

:-(

[linuxman51]

I just realized that this was 7 years prior to the day to my wreck in the '90.

That's crazy, things that make ya wonder. :-(

[Dan]

http://ic2.pbase.com/u41/danclemts/upload/26546817.matt.jpg

[Mr.Borrie]

Thanks for the bump, I hope the new TB generation can be this close. RIP

[gsellstr]

Wow Kenny, that's crazy. Maybe, just maybe Matt was flying low right along with you guys that day, watching your back...

[poulrais]

Maybe we should all have a picture of this guy sticked on the dash of our cars? For I have a picture of my Grandma in my wallet so she's watching over me...

[SuperSleeper]

Its the biggest lost when anyone goes but even bigger when the weight they carried is so heavy it permanently tips the scale. I've always tried to be the stronger and most helpful yet when someone like MATT goes I can't help but feel powerless and weak. Don't even know the guy outside of reading some of the post here. Shows the reach you can have just being a good person and being one of the rare.

To all in the community if we all can carry just a little of his legacy just maybe together we can
hold it close.

[noz-e8tr]

Was the journal ever located?

[NChoy]

Was the journal ever located?

I'd be curious to know that answer too. I know it made its way through the Portland region (I know I signed it along with a bunch of others) several years ago on its way up to Seattle.

[digital.aaron]

I thought I remember some talk a couple months back of it being on the east coast and some members trying unsuccessfully to hand it off. :e-shrug:

[gsellstr]

I thought I remember some talk a couple months back of it being on the east coast and some members trying unsuccessfully to hand it off. :e-shrug:

That is the second journal. The first one got lost by USPS.

[digital.aaron]

That is the second journal. The first one got lost by USPS.

Oh. I didn't even realize there were two. ****ing USPS...

[DustyLBottoms]

Oh. I didn't even realize there were two. ****ing USPS...

FedEx FTW. USPS sucks balls.

[MrBill]

To give them some credit, I recently got a package from my grandmother who wrote the zip code as 02653 instead of 20653.

The package reached a post office in Maine and then was reshipped to me. They knew because of the city/state. Pretty cool I think. I figured they'd just ****-can it.

[buzz]

Matt's brother checking in:

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4567228&postcount=41

Hi everyone-

I'm deeply moved by the messages that have accumulated since the last time I've checked these boards. I am Tim Dionne, Matt's younger brother. We're coming up on 10 years since his tragic end. I'd really like to do something for my parents to honor his memory. I was hoping that I could get my hands on this journal. Some of the photos posted here are incredibly moving.

Thanks!

Tim Dionne

[buzz]

Matt's brother checking in:

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4567228&postcount=41

Hi everyone-

I'm deeply moved by the messages that have accumulated since the last time I've checked these boards. I am Tim Dionne, Matt's younger brother. We're coming up on 10 years since his tragic end. I'd really like to do something for my parents to honor his memory. I was hoping that I could get my hands on this journal. Some of the photos posted here are incredibly moving.

Thanks!

Tim Dionne