Matthew Hayden Pettit

Matthew Hayden Pettit, 46, of Kelso, Wash., was taken from us too soon on July 5, 2022.

Matt was born on Aug. 31, 1975, in Longview, Wash., to Ronald and Henrietta Pettit. He was the third of six children. Matt was a funny, kind, and adventurous kid growing up. He was very active in sports and loved to hunt and fish. Matt played several sports including soccer, baseball, wrestling, and football. In football he played offensive and defensive tackle for Kelso High School. He would hunt and fish whenever he could, often going with his father, siblings or friends. Matt never lost his love for fishing, and would often come home and make a tasty meal from his catch. He was a great cook and would cook the best salmon and the juiciest, most tender tri tip. He loved being outdoors and appreciated the nature around him.

Matt was a selfless person always ready to help others before himself. He loved to make people happy and could always make you laugh. For a short time, he traveled with the carnival running some of the rides; he loved making sure all who rode his ride had the best ride of their life. It brought him great joy to hear the screams of delight during the ride and the smiles on their faces as they got off the ride. He was one of the most kindhearted and thoughtful people.

When Matt's, son, Coulden was young Matt would spend as much time as he could with him. One of the things they would do is ride bikes together. Matt had so much love for his brothers, sisters and son. He will be greatly missed by all.

Matt lived his whole life in Kelso, Wash. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1994. He then studied Welding and Fabrication Metallurgy at L.C.C. He worked at J.H. Kelly as a pipefitter for many years.

Matt is survived by his son, Coulden Hintsala-Pettit of Longview; father Ronald Ray Pettit of Richland, Wash.; brothers William Pettit of Kelso, Benjamin Pettit of Kelso, and Bradley Pettit of Beuna Park, Calif.; sisters Carrie Little of Kelso and Raeann Phillips of Longview; and seven nephews, three nieces, two great-nephews, and two great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother Henrietta Pettit; niece Paisley James Pettit; and grandparents Lloyd Wilson, Marie Oaks, Hugh Pettit and Vallie Pettit.

A service followed by a Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 27th, 2022 at his childhood home, 206 Louise St. Kelso, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any cause that helps those with addiction and mental health problems.