Matthew Erwin Wilson

Matthew Erwin Wilson died in an aircraft accident on December 6, 2016 in Santa Barbara. He was 45 years old.

He is the loving husband of Jenna Lynne Wilson and proud father of Jack Douglas Ara Wilson.

Matt’s parents are Sigrid and Doug Gray of Vail CO. and Rick and Awilda Wilson of Rogers AR. His brother is Darren Wilson with wife Nicole and Matt’s niece Lauren and nephew Lucas, all of Santa Barbara.

Matt was born at Goleta Valley hospital on March 8, 1971. He attended local schools and after graduating from Dos Pueblos High School, he attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.

A creative soul from the beginning, Matt worked in and mastered a number of trades until opening Matt Wilson Innovations- blending fine finish carpentry with computer aided design. He died pursuing his dream of becoming a certified flight instructor in an ultralight sport plane.

Above all Matt loved spending time with Jenna and Jack, camping, traveling and countless hours at the beach, where he became a proficient stand-up paddle-boarder. He was passionate about his volunteer work at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission and the men he mentored in the recovery program.

Befitting Matt’s personality, an exuberant Celebration of Life will be held on January 14, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:30 in Kiwanis Meadow, Tucker’s Grove Park. Please bring a side dish and a memory to share. BBQ tri-tip will be provided. Attire is casual, preferably untucked.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions can be made to:
gofundme.com/jenna-jack-wilson