Matt’s Story

(2/10/2025)

It is with immense sadness that the family of Matthew William Cooper shares the news of his death on January 27, 2025. Surviving are his parents, Daniel and Wendy Cooper, and his sister, Elizabeth Jean Cooper. Matt was also fortunate to have aunts, uncles, and many cousins who loved him dearly.

Matt was born in Chico, California, on October 7, 1992. In 1993, at six months old, the family moved to Fortuna, CA, to be near his grandmother (Jean Wright) and where his father would begin his legal career. Those early years in Humboldt County afforded wonderful memories with his grandmother, cousins, and friends at the family cabin in Bridgeville. He loved riding four-wheelers, fishing (and catching!) steelhead, hitting baseballs in the orchard, and actively participating in all the projects and work involved in the cabin property. He often talked about splitting firewood in the rain, how his jacket hood would fill with water and need to be dumped out. His father would cut the rounds, his sister would roll them to Matt, who ran the splitter, while his mother stacked—truly a cherished family memory.

In 2005, Matt’s family began dividing their time between a home in Durham, North Carolina, and Fortuna. Matt attended school in NC from 8th to 12th grade. His experiences at Jordan High School were so fulfilling as he was involved in the theater program, managing lights and sound, as well as various activities with his all-time closest advisor and teacher, Mr. David Green. As recently as November, Matt traveled to Chapel Hill to attend Mr. Green’s Celebration of Life, and we know they are beyond ecstatic to be together again.

Matt was accepted into every university to which he applied. At Duke, he was selected as a B.N. Duke Scholar; however, he ultimately chose to attend Stanford University. Matt would say the best thing about his time at Stanford was meeting his friend Kirill Kalinichev, who applied to be Matt’s scribe/assistant in his Electrical Engineering class. This friendship led to his career as an Electrical Engineer at Apple, where he worked until his illness in November. Kirill has remained a close friend, and Matt was thrilled to recently meet and hold his 10-month-old daughter.

Matt’s life was about connecting with people. He always preferred meeting up with someone or talking on the phone rather than texting. Matt had many special friends in his short lifetime, and we need to mention a few:

Jill O’Connell was his braille instructor, mentor, and friend. She taught us as much as she taught Matt, especially not to fear blindness. They would talk for hours on the phone, and having Jill at his Stanford graduation was a highlight for him.
David Green, Matt’s physics teacher, never saw him as a student with a disability. Each class activity became a game and challenge to figure out how to adapt it for Matt while allowing him to be fully involved with the other students.
Ashley Butterworth was more of a brother than a colleague to Matt. Their friendship developed over dinners at work and, in recent years, long, late-night phone calls. They solved bugs, discussed creative projects like blind shooting and building submarines, or talked about new equipment they had purchased. Trips to the family cabin together involved Matt teaching Ashley how to drive for the first time—albeit in the Gator, not a car. With their brilliant minds, we are sure they solved the world’s problems many times over.
Daria Zawadski provided years of friendship, guidance, and love. She was usually the first person he would call with exciting news or new challenges he was facing. She was always there for him.
Donovan Motley, Manager at Bay County Shooting Range, took a chance on Matt. He was the only person who gave him the opportunity to shoot at a range, and after seeing Matt’s skills, he believed someday Matt would shoot a mile. Donovan’s statement was, “He’s better than 95% of the people out here!”
Ken Johnson, singer/songwriter, became one of Matt’s best friends. They formed a bond in months that many take years to develop. Ken took the time and gave Matt the opportunity to record his first original song in the home recording studio he built in Florida. Matt loved any chance to listen to Ken and Andi perform and to sing along with I’ll Fly Away at the end of their show.

Matt’s accomplishments were more than can be listed here, but a few included:

Youngest Dog Guide user in the world at age 11
Graduated with Honors from Stanford University
First blind member of the Stanford Archery Team
Inspiration for the Oomiak Foundation
Developed a target shooting system for the blind
Blind golfer
Featured in National Geographic Kids magazine
His story, Blind Ambition, is in a 4th-grade reading textbook
Member of Lighthouse Guild Visionary Committee
Creator of Defending Vision website and podcast

The past two years, Matt found the happiness he had always dreamed of. Moving to Florida brought him neighbors, friends, and activities he loved. He was never without a neighbor offering a ride, a friend to play golf with, or live music to enjoy. He made friends everywhere—not because he was blind, but because he was Matt. Thank you to all of you who loved him so quickly and so dearly.

The hole we feel in our hearts is immense. We were so blessed to be Matt’s parents and sister. Our family will forever feel as if it is missing its “Rock.” Matt lived life without fear and without worry. He really didn’t understand wasting time with either of those emotions. He left this life exactly as he lived it—he decided to do something and did it quickly, on his own terms.

Matt loved God. He loved music, golf, teaching, comedy, The Big Bang Theory, and hot chocolate. Remember him with joy and laughter.

For those who wish to honor Matt, you can do so in several ways. First, visit his website and listen to his podcasts at DefendingVision.com. We suggest the following organizations for donations:

Guide Dogs of America
School where Matt received his last two dogs, Sauly and Walker.
https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/
13445 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342
Lighthouse Guild (New York City)
Supported Matt through their teen tele-support groups. He was a member of their Visionary Committee.
https://lighthouseguild.org/
250 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023
PGA Reach Foundation
Important to Matt for supporting veterans and youth through golf.
https://www.pgareach.org/

We will be having a Celebration of Matt’s Life on May 17, 2025, at Camp Creek Golf Course, Inlet Beach, Florida, beginning at 11 AM. Come enjoy lunch and then join us for desserts at his home nearby. We hope many friends, family, and colleagues will be able to attend.

Please contact Dan and Wendy Cooper to RSVP or for more information at hejcoop@gmail.com.