On a beautiful Christmas day in a land that he loved, Matthew Christopher Weed valiantly completed his earthly mission. Above all he was a dedicated husband and exemplary father. Matt loved, savored, and made the most of life, always in consultation with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
He was born on a blustery Tuesday, March 1, 1982, to Matthew Taylor Weed and Annette Gardiner Weed in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together this family of three navigated life, and his keen intellect and wonderful sense of humor became apparent early. He grew up in Holladay, Utah with his four younger sisters Emily, Kate, Eliza, and Samantha, who will always dearly remember his enthusiasm and his unrelenting humor. While he always wished for a younger brother, he fiercely loved his sisters and was the only brother they needed.
Attending Highland Park Elementary, Holladay Elementary, Olympus Junior High and Olympus Senior High (class of 2000), his curiosity and natural capacity for learning brought many new opportunities and achievements. He went on to study at BYU before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Costa Rica (2001-2003). He treasured that experience, which further honed his character and defined his life’s path.
While an undergraduate at BYU he met Malerie Bates from Spokane, Washington. They married on June 10, 2005 in the Salt Lake Temple; theirs is a true love and true partnership. Completing his degree at BYU in microbiology, he chose to pursue a career in medicine. While attending medical school at University of California-San Diego, their first child, Madeline Marie Weed, arrived. This family of three, together with dear friends, made these years memorable and fun. Matthew excelled in medical school and in his internship at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, during which time their second child, Charles Matthew Weed (Charlie) joined them.
For a variety of reasons, Matthew ranked University of Iowa Ophthalmology as his top choice for residency, matched there, and the four moved to Iowa City, where he continued his training with exceptional mentors. He engaged fully in this opportunity, building knowledge and skill, also completing fellowships in pediatric ophthalmology and ophthalmic genetics. In Iowa, Everett Taylor Weed arrived and the family of five continued their pattern of frequent fun, inquisitive learning and devotion to God.
Settling next in Malerie’s hometown, Matthew began practice at the Spokane Eye Clinic, providing expert, compassionate care to patients who loved him. Thomas Henry Weed (Tommy) arrived during these years completing their family of six. Matthew and Malerie prioritize connecting their children to the Savior, Jesus Christ. As a family, they value hard work, education, kindness, and relationships. He loved family time especially outdoors: backpacking in the Cabinet Mountains, waterskiing at Waitts Lake, “golden time” at Newport Beach, and the magic of Stonington, Maine. Matt was an avid BYU sports enthusiast and also enjoyed cheering on Boston teams, a love his family shares.
In 2025, they felt Matt should accept an offer working for the University of Utah at Moran Eye Center and Primary Children’s in Lehi. He was so excited about this new opportunity, and was eager to further his own knowledge and broaden his scope in ophthalmology, as well as mentor those entering the field. While this move was somewhat daunting and leaving Spokane was not easy, it felt right. Drawn to the majestic mountains and peaceful nature of the area, they chose Alpine to be their next home. The family has been so warmly welcomed by the community.
While serving in numerous church callings, Matt especially enjoyed working with the youth, always taking interest in each as individuals. He loved campouts with the young men, helping with youth basketball, and participating in gospel discussions, often saying he learned the most from interactions with the young men and young women.
Matt was a steady and equal partner, someone Malerie could depend on, who always supported her and shared the load. He was quick to help, encourage, love, and apologize. His passion for life brought fun, curiosity and joy into their home and marriage. Matt loves Malerie and his kids fiercely. His priorities were to God and his family before anything else. Although the partnership between Matt and Malerie has changed, we know heaven is close and their relationship will continue eternally.
Matt never let other responsibilities take precedence over his role as a father. He always said the best day of his life was the day he became a dad. When he came home from work, he would immediately seek out his kids individually and spend quality time with them. His children will remember reading with him, fun times with him, his engagement in their interests, and his pride in their accomplishments big or small.
We know he has a next chapter and that it is joyous.
Preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Richard Weed, and maternal grandparents, Ray and Janet Gardiner. Survived by wife, Malerie, and their children, Madeline, Charlie, Everett, and Tommy; parents, Matt and Annette Weed; sisters Emily Hansen (Taylor), Kate Weed, Eliza Holland (Derek), Samantha DeSeelhorst (Nic); grandmother Marguerite Weed; Malerie’s parents, Steve and Julie Bates; in-laws Cassi Campbell (Mike), Sean Bates (Jenni), Jessica McComas (Carson), Ryan Bates (Afton), Justin Bates (Kresta), Brady Bates (Bethanie); numerous treasured aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, cousins, colleagues, and friends.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6-8 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Holladay 18th Ward building, 2625 Milo Way, Holladay with a private family visitation prior at 10:30 am. The funeral service may be viewed online using the “Watch Service” button above.
Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.