Home Surname List Name Index Sources GEDCOM File Email Us | Seventeenth Generation11032. Matthew Alan "Matt" Chatfield was born on 18 April 1976 in Onsted, Lenawee Co., Michigan, USA. He died Colon cancer on 26 November 2015 at the age of 39 in Jenison, Ottawa Co., Michigan, USA. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ottawa County Deputy Matthew Alan Chatfield passed away in the arms of his wife on November 26, 2015 at his home in Jenison, MI, at the age of 39. He leaves behind his wife and true love, Heather Chatfield; their sons, Greyson and Gage; their daughter, Karis; and Matt’s beloved spaniel, Bentley. Matt was born on April 18, 1976 in Onsted, MI, to father Marion Chatfield and mother Linda Chatfield. He grew up in a loving family with his older sister, Marsha, and his younger brother, Michael. Matt was an exceptional athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and track in high school. He brought his considerable athletic talent with him to Grand Valley State University, where he played on the football team’s offensive line and served as the long snapper. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in Physical Education Pedagogy in 1999. Matt married classmate Heather Chatfield on May 30, 1998. After graduation, they remained in Georgetown Township, where Matt began his career as a deputy for the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department. There the couple has lived and raised their three children. Matt was a dedicated officer with a true passion for serving his community. He poured all of himself into everything he did, including coaching countless youth athletic teams. When diagnosed with colon cancer last year, he remained dedicated to his work in his will to fight his illness. He was still serving as the School Resource Officer for Jenison Public Schools only weeks before he went to meet his savior. He coached his son’s football team to a championship just a month earlier. He remained a faithful, brave, iron-willed man throughout his life, right up to his final breath. It is fitting that Deputy Chatfield passed away on Thanksgiving Day. We are thankful to have had Matt in our lives, even if his stay was not long enough. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind, which will be seen daily through his beautiful children and through our wonderful community that he so greatly impacted. He has taught us all so much. A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at 5 PM Sunday, December 6 at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, 5100 Ivanrest Ave; all are welcome. Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 PM and 5 to 8 PM Friday, December 4 and 10 AM to 2 PM Saturday, December 5 at Resurrection Life Church. The family would like to thank the community for their unwavering support and continuous prayer. Matt knew how much he was loved; your prayers held him up. Now the Lord lifts him up to heaven. Memories and messages are welcome in the family’s guestbook online at www.cookcares.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a fund for Matt’s children’s education at any Lake Michigan Credit Union location for Heather Chatfield and will be administrated by Ottawa County Deputies Association. Matthew Alan "Matt" Chatfield and Heather Lynne Chwalek were married on 30 May 1998. Heather Lynne Chwalek was born on 25 February 1976. Matthew Alan "Matt" Chatfield and Heather Lynne Chwalek had the following children:
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