Matthew Jackson Wilkes, who was born in Texas, and spent most of his childhood in San Diego, moved to Telluride in the late 1990s. He enjoyed snowboarding, camping, fishing, boating and spending time with friends and family playing games, especially bags, and barbecuing.  

He enjoyed surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and spending as much time in the water that he could, living in the mountains. He loved adventure and living every day to the fullest, brought joy and laughter to all those around him and had love and compassion for those in his life.  Matt, who worked in the hotel and restaurant industry, most recently at Smuggler Joe’s, died on Aug. 13 and is survived by his wife, Cally Anderson of Telluride; his children Ronin and Virginia and their mother Shayla, of Norwood; his parents, Roger and Carol Johnson, of Maryland; his brother Scott Wilkes, of California; and brother-in-law and best friend, Casey Anderson of Telluride.

There will be an intimate memorial for close friends and family on Sunday, Aug. 26, followed by a potluck celebration of his life.  A communitywide celebration and benefit will be held at the Elks  in late September in his honor. For more details contact Tony Hornyan, 708-0025, Carrie Niebruegge 708-4549, or the at Elk’s 728-6362.

“Thank you all for the love, support, and prayers. Let us share his memory with peace and joy. He lived his life to the fullest and made me smile everyday. He taught me to love unconditionally, find beauty in the little things of life, and be happy  everyday. Matty your memory will live on in us all, I love you and you are at peace now.  Always and Forever,  till we meet again… your soulmate and best friend,” Cally.

Memorials in Matt’s honor and for his family can be sent to Rose Hill Hospitality House, 605 26 ½ Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506; The Hospice and Pallative Care Center of Western Colorado, 3090 North 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, CO, 81506; Cally Anderson, P.O. Box 2819, Telluride, CO 81435 and American National Bank.