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1956 - 2005
AGE: 48
CYGAN, Matthew Joseph
Kalamazoo
Formerly of Paw Paw
Passed away Monday, July 11, 2005 at home. Matt was born August 11, 1956 in Battle Creek the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Ripoli) Cygan. He was formerly employed by Duo-Tang and Merit Systems; currently Matt was an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in computer programming. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Paw Paw. Matt owned several pinball arcades and continued his interest in vintage amusements and restoration of old pin balls. On August 5, 1977 in Battle Creek Matt was united in marriage to the former Belinda L. Hayes who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons; Steven, Timothy and Lee Cygan all of Kalamazoo; daughter Amber Cygan of Kalamazoo; 4 aunts, Marguerite Hill, Jean Ripoli, Johanna Driskill and Josephine Marko. Friends will be received Thursday 6-8 pm at the ADAMS Funeral Home, Paw Paw where services will be held Friday 11 am with Rev. Fr. Robert F. Creagan, Officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Right to Life, Kalamazoo Nature Center or Christians Children’s Fund. Share a memory or condolence on line: www.timeformemory.com/adams
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There are currently 11 condolences.
Mario Approbato
approbato.m@hotmail.com; approbato@medscape.com
Saturday October 29, 2005 at
1:15 PM
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Belinda,
Sorry to know that Matt had passed way. We will ever had in heart the happy time we spent together with Matt you and the kids in Battle Creek. Be sure we are praying for him.
Yours Brazilian Cousin Mario Approbato, Fabiana and all family.
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Susan Newcomb
Friday July 22, 2005 at
7:11 PM
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Way back in High School, Matt had a pinball arcade at the Columbia Plaza.
I spent MANY hours popping quarters into machines and listening to the conversations going on. I'd go get a roll of quarters at the bank and then spend the day emptying the roll.
Matt had a wonderful set up there, with Air Hockey and Foos Ball machines to round out the experience. It was somewhere safe to go and hang out during those rough teen years when everything was in question and times were growing turbulent. More than once, I skipped school to hang out there.
Matt was a nice guy that you could feel comfortable with. He was mature beyond his young years. I really didn't know his age back then and was surprised to find that he wasn't as old as I thought.
His twinkly eyes and quick smile would brighten any room. He always hung around with Kim Crawford and some other guys and they always had good clean fun together.
Once when I was at Captian Jack's, he was working on a machine and neglected to unplug it. He got zapped pretty good.
After he shook it off, he commented that he'd been shocked worse than that once or twice. That was one time when he literally lit up the room!
Frequently, I pass the house where was raised and I have wondered from-time-to-time how Matt was doing in life and where he was. He was such a special guy.
So very sorry to hear of his passing. The world is a dimmer place without him. I knew that whatever he did and wherever he went in life, he would brighten up every area he would enter.
My sympathies are with you and your children. You were very blessed to have been a part of his life and I am so sorry for your loss.
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Joyce Zweedyk
jzweedyk@kvcc.edu
Thursday July 21, 2005 at
11:06 AM
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Belinda and kids:
I just want you to know that you and the kids are in our prayers. Matt and I often talked and shared "kid stories". He was so proud of his children. Our grandson is about the same age as the twins, and we often shared stories about our kids. Matt was dearly loved here at Valley by staff, faculty, and students. He will be truly missed.
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Lisa
Sunday July 17, 2005 at
4:12 PM
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I worked with Matt at Duo-Tang Products during the 1980's. He was kind, funny, and a true genius. Matt had a rare gift for teaching, and possessed the profound ability to make people WANT to do their very best!
I am saddened by this news, and my heart goes out to you, Belinda, and to your wonderful family.
Lisa
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Bob & Peg Day
bopejoca@yahoo.com
Friday July 15, 2005 at
7:45 AM
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Dear Belinda and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are of you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Bob & Peg
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Jerry Wright
jswright29@chartermi.net
Thursday July 14, 2005 at
10:19 PM
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I worked with Matt at Duo Tang in the early 1980's. We shared teams in the Strat Baseball league during the 80's.
I enjoyed working with him. I appreciated his positive attitude and his ability to explain technical issues without "talking down to" a person with less computer knowledge.
Being a great baseball fan myself we hit it off quickly by sharing baseball stories.
I last talked to Matt a few years ago and the conversation was very positive. Just like several years before.
I am very sorry to hear of Matt's passing. You certainly have my sympathy.
Jerry Wright
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Leslie Ditto
Dittoland1@aol.com
Thursday July 14, 2005 at
1:43 PM
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Belinda, This has been such a long road for you and Matt. I'm happy for the many years you had with him and your wonderful children. Please know you've been in my prayers and thoughts even though I've been lousy at communicating it. I'll be back in Michigan late Monday if you need or want me. Take care, much love, Leslie
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Gerri Jacobs
gjacobs@kvcc.edu
Thursday July 14, 2005 at
12:33 PM
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Belinda, and family
You do not know me, but I am a Counselor at KVCC. Over the years I have had many opportunities to have casual encounters with Matt. He was an "easy" instructor to work with, accessible may be a better term. I appreciated knowing him, he will be missed at KVCC. My condolences to all of you,
God Bless,
Gerri Jacobs
KVCC Counselor
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Rich Fitch
rich@epiinc.com
Wednesday July 13, 2005 at
10:16 PM
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My deepest symphathy to Belinda and the family on their loss. I had the pleasure of working with Matt some years back and admired his skill, methodical approach and ethics. In fact in 25 years in the technical field he remains the only programmer I ever hunted down purely based on the observed quality of his code. I still remember him telling me "I can't believe they pay me to do this " when he started teaching at KVCC. I know many students have benefited greatly from his efforts.... I have two of his students working for me now.
Again, my sincere condolences to the family.... Matt was a special guy that will be missed by all who came into contact.
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Patty Pratt/Boorman
PttyBr54@aol.com
Wednesday July 13, 2005 at
7:51 PM
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Dearest Belinda and kids,
I am so sorry. You are in my heart, my thoughts, and in my prayers.
Love Patty
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Jon Palmer
Huskers1958@yahoo.com
Wednesday July 13, 2005 at
3:34 PM
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Matt was one of my best friends for many years. No matter where I was in the world, he always made an effort to keep in touch. He always spoke highly of his family, and cared very much for them. He was a very loving husband and father. He will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
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