Matt was a lot of things to so many people. He was a husband, a son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and friend and to me he was my best friend. I remember the first time I met Matt. He kind of gave me a bit of attitude and a tough guy look. At that point I wasn't all that fired up to learn more about him. Intimidated by him more than anything. That all changed once we realized we both had a passion for the Oakland A's. We went to countless games. And bonded over the trials and tribulations of the A's over the years. I have to share a story of one of these games. We were at a midweek day game. I'm pretty sure he had convinced me to skip work to go with him. We were sitting down the right field line right near the foul pole in the outfield. As always a few cold ones were flowing. We're watching the game when Jason Giambi hits a rope down the right field line just high enough to clear the fence and right at us. Matt jumps up and runs over into a crowd where the ball was coming in hot, he reaches up into the crowd and makes a one handed bare hand catch of the home run ball. Not kidding. Everyone around us was in disbelief. He and I just looked at each other and started laughing uncontrollably. We both knew how ridiculous this was, especially since we had drank more than our share of beers at that point. Being as generous as Matt was he sold the ball for $20 to a fan sitting next to us and went and bought the next round. He said, "This round's on Giambi". Just such a true character. To pull off the catch, and then to sell it so he and I could enjoy another beer. Unreal. Hawk is the most intelligent person I've ever known. I trusted him and leaned on him for advice and support in every aspect of my life. What seemed like the most complicated situation, whether it be something about life, sports, business, or poker, Hawk was able to analyze and break the situation down to the simplest of answers. I was always blown away by this talent and sometimes feel lost at times without him here. I think the one thing about Matt that everyone here has experienced at some point is his sarcastic and witty humor. He could disarm anyone with a snide comment or quick remark. If you didn't laugh, then you just didn't get it. He was not afraid to express his true feelings and that made him so unique. In a world where most tip toe around the truth, he came straight at you. And we all loved and admired him for that. Each and every day I think about Hawk. Last week I was sitting in starbucks before an interview. I was really nervous as always, but then I started thinking about Matt. I felt him with me and immediately calmed down and became confident. I could hear him telling me to "sack up" and go in and "own it". That is what I did. Probably one of the best interviews I've ever had, and the whole time I felt as though Matt was sitting right next to me and we were teaming up on the poor guy interviewing me. The guy had no chance against the two of us. This is just one example of something I feel every day at one time or another. Of all my time spent with Hawk over the years, what I will remember most and what I will always carry with me is his incredible courage. I witnessed it every time I saw him the last couple of years. No matter how he was feeling he always took the time to ask how I was doing, and if I needed anything. Matt made me realize how incredibly strong the human spirit can be when tested. He showed no fear and I am so proud to have witnessed this. He is such an inspiration and that is what will live on forever in all of us who knew him. He has changed the way I will live my life forever. All of these words and thoughts just don't do Hawk justice. There really are no words to describe how much he meant to me. I want to thank Geri for loving Matt, caring for him, and being his rock. The care and devotion you had for Matt was unending. The love that Geri and Matt had for eachother is truly special, and we all saw it on display each and every day. You are amazing Geri and I am so happy that Matt had you at his side as his wife. Thank you Hawk for making me a better person, for being the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I love you. I miss you, but I will never forget you.