Matthew Timothy Gwash, 42, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on December 23, 2024, following a brief illness, with his mom, Pat Strand by his side.
Matt was born on June 15, 1982, in Duluth, MN. Matt graduated from Cook County High School in 2001. Matt played saxophone in the school band, and was also deeply involved in sports, particularly football and basketball. Football was a huge part of Matt’s life. He was a dedicated athlete and a standout member of the Cook County Vikings High School Football Team. The team won the Minnesota Section 7A Foot-ball Championship for three consecutive years (1997–1999). Matt’s commitment to the sport earned him a full scholarship to North Dakota State University (NDSU). He also attended Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI and the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND on full scholarships. In 2004 Matt received All-American Team accolades. Matt completed his college football career in 2007.
After working a few summers in Alaskan construction, Matt decided to move to Anchorage, AK. He began his career as a Pipe Layer and Heavy Equipment Operator. Over time, he gained a reputation as one of the best Pipe Layers in Anchorage. In addition to his construction work, Matt also dabbled in commercial fishing. During the winter months, Matt dedicated his time to remodeling projects, learning new carpentry skills. These skills eventually transformed his own home, as he worked on extensive renovations, turning it into a beautiful space he was incredibly proud of. Over time, his passion for remodeling deepened, and it be-came a dream of his to one day launch his own remodeling business.
To know Matt was to love him. He had a gentle spirit, a smile that could brighten any room, and a voice that was both strong and soothing. Above all, he had a heart full of warmth and generosity. His sense of humor was infectious, keeping everyone around him laughing for hours. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Matt opened his heart—and his home—offering comfort to many two- or four-legged souls that were lucky enough to have crossed his path.
In football, Matt played with a level of sportsmanship that mirrored his everyday life—humble and respectful. Matt gravitated towards teaching those around him the value of hard work, kindness, and putting others first. Matt was open with his emotions and couldn’t bear to see anyone unhappy. His capacity to love without condition, give generously and treat everyone with respect made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Known as the gentle giant with a heart of gold, Matt will forever live on in our hearts.
Matt is preceded in death by; biological Father, Timothy Gwash; Grandfather, Donald Finn; Grandparents, Edward and Kathryn Gwash; Aunts Donna Finn and Mary Kaye Gwash; Uncle Richard Gwash; and Cousin Nicholas Finn.
He is survived by; His Love, Ashley Lawrence; Mom and Dad, Pat and Bruce Strand; Sisters, Casey (Matt) Bronikowski, Jennifer (Brent) Stewart, and Brothers, Kristopher (Katie) and Andrew (Simone) Strand; Nephews and Godsons, Chase and Brody Bronikowski and Eddie Strand; Grandmother, Vera Finn; Uncles Doug (Kathy) and Mike (Debi) Finn and several cousins and their families as well as many close friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in the Social Room at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, MN at 11:00.
