Kurt Matter

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Kurt Matter, 74, on February 7, 2026. Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend passed away at home after a brief illness. Over the course of his life, Kurt worked as an orchardist, truck driver, and Superintendent of Kettle Falls Schools. Always the tallest person in the room, Kurt had a laugh and gift for storytelling to match. He will also be remembered for his ability to do, fix, or make almost anything, his unwavering honesty and integrity, and his readiness to help others. Kurt was born in Longview, Washington, on July 25, 1951, to George and Mary Matter. The fourth of ten children, he filled his childhood with adventures alongside siblings and friends, including being stranded overnight atop Mount St. Helens. Kurt’s size, athletic talent, and competitive drive made him a standout in high school basketball and football. He was recruited to the University of Washington, where he started at defensive end for the Huskies for three years. He was later drafted and briefly played for the Los Angeles Rams and the Portland Storm of the WFL. Although proud of his football career, Kurt regretted the toll it took on his health in later years. While at UW, Kurt met Joanie Kingsley, and they married on May 22, 1971. In 1975, they bought a neglected orchard near Kettle Falls, built a cabin in just three weeks, and moved in as winter arrived. Kurt transformed the property into the well-regarded Rickey Creek Orchard, which produced tons of peaches and other fruit each year until the family sold it in 1993. Over time, the cabin also expanded to welcome daughters Lisa and Amy. Kurt loved cars and driving, as shown by the many vehicles he owned, maintained, and enjoyed over the years. Among his favorites was a 1959 Triumph TR3, purchased in 1970 from his brother Mark, who was later killed in Vietnam. The car was sold and bought back, stolen and recovered, totaled and repaired, and remains in the family garage today. Kurt was especially proud to secure a Gold Star license plate for the TR3 shortly before his death. Kurt was deeply involved in his community. After leading a book drive to replace 30-year-old high school textbooks, he was appointed to the Kettle Falls School Board. During his eight years on the board, he became chairman and showed a strong talent for budgeting. Later, when the district faced financial trouble, he was hired as Superintendent of Kettle Falls Schools. In that role for two years, he oversaw major building repairs and led a successful levy campaign that significantly increased the levy lid. Kurt’s years as a long-haul truck driver deepened his love of driving and travel. He logged more than a million accident-free miles and crossed the country dozens of times. Before retiring, he and Joanie spent two years on the road together. In retirement, they traveled the entire West Coast in a vintage motor home, prioritizing visits with family and trips to national parks. In recent years, they also spent winters in Arizona, living in an RV as snowbirds. Kurt was a devoted family man: a loving partner to Joanie for 55 years, a proud father to his two accomplished daughters, and a fun, nurturing mentor to his grandchildren. He was the center of every gathering. We will miss his stories, hearty laugh, wisdom, and singular presence forever. We remember him as funny, smart, intuitive, strong, loving, and stubborn. In addition to his parents, Kurt was preceded in death by his siblings Mark Matter, Tony Matter, Maureen Howard, and Jean Matter. Kurt is survived by his wife, Joanie Matter, at home; his daughters, Lisa Matter (Betty) and Amy Cichan (Tim); his grandchildren, Mark and Lillian Cichan and Josie and Lucas Matter, all of Denver, Colorado; and his siblings, George Matter (Donna) of Kettle Falls, Margaret King (Bob) of Puyallup, Kathy Gallagher (Tim) of Spokane, Jim Matter (Susan) of Missoula, and MaryJo Thompson (Marcus) of Eugene. The family suggests memorial contributions in Kurt’s memory to the Kettle Falls Community Scholarship Fund, PO Box 911, Kettle Falls, WA 99141. A Celebration of Kurt’s life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ag-Trade Center in Colville, Washington. Guests are invited to wear Hawaiian shirts in Kurt’s honor. Sandwiches and Kurt’s signature light beer will be served, and those who would like to help are welcome to bring a salad or dessert. See the complete life story on the Danekas website.