Matthew Marsden

‘Matthew George Marsden (Wot’ko…meaning raccoon in Creek) passed away tragically on March 29th, 2022. He was born in Yakima, WA on March 31,1989; the son of Patrick Marsden and atwi’ Chumila Hill. He was a member of the Tsimshian Nation, as well as a descendant of the Yakama and Creek Nations. He attended schools in Wapato WA and graduated in 2007. He briefly attended Haskell University in Kansas and then decided to join and serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his discharge he reunited and eventually married his childhood crush: Nicole, “the chicklet with the feather in her hair!”. They have four beautiful children. He enjoyed being outdoors. He was determined to get a “buck” for his first kill and did so. He was recognized by the community ceremoniously at the Toppenish Community Center. It was witnessed by his father-in-law, Nick (whom he referred to as “dad”). He was also an avid fisherman (hook’n line & gill nets on the Columbia River). He fished with the Kuneki family who had a special place in his heart. Matt was known for his laughter and bold humor (pulling pranks on family and friends all the time!). He loved making everyone laugh “sometimes to a fault”! (If you knew him, you know what that means). He was always going back’n forth playing “frybread” with his sister-in-law, Dawn. He was a devoted husband and father always making time for his children- playing with and teaching them. He was a very outspoken and avid WSU Cougars and Seattle Seahawks fan. Matthew is survived by his father, Patrick (Nicole) of Metlakatla, AK., by his wife of 10 years, Nicole and their children: Melea, Caleb, Odyssey & Joey; two sisters, Lahoma Doublerunner (Kyle Hawkins) & Winona Marsden. Aunts: Sharon Hill & Espoke (Stuart) Jim. Nieces and nephews: Lynnita, Kyren, Hazel, Layla & Sebastian. He is preceded in death by his mother, Chumila Hill, brother William Hill. Maternal grandparents: Joe & Helen Hill. Paternal grandmother: Mae Marsden. Nicole wishes to express her deepest gratitude for all the love and support of family & dear friends that helped her through this unexpected loss. Thank you especially to those who traveled far to show their love and respect and Thank you to everyone for all the Prayers and good words–they were much needed and appreciated. A special THANK YOU to the drummers and to the Yakama Warriors. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Matthew Marsden, please visit our flower store.