December 20, 2021
In Memory of
Embedded Files
[Matt Gray]
Co-Founder of CoderDojo Twin Cities
Matt was an integral part of Code Savvy.
Matt was an integral part of Code Savvy.
Matt's contributions through establishing the CoderDojo Twin Cities program, and the lives he touched as a part of building that community are many. We are so lucky to have known him and benefitted from his passion and dedication to teaching computer science to as many kids as possible.
Contribute to the Matt Gray Fund through the U of M: https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/yourgift.html?&cart=24492
Contribute to the Matt Gray Fund through the U of M: https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/yourgift.html?&cart=24492
Matt definitely lived up to the CoderDojo TC core value to "Be Cool."
Matt definitely lived up to the CoderDojo TC core value to "Be Cool."
Marie, Matt, Dan, and Parker - at the 100th CoderDojo Twin Cities Session - 3/16/2019
CoderDojo Twin Cities gives kids opportunities to create and play with technology in ways that they may not have ever had an opportunity to before.
We continue this important work that Matt and Rebecca began, and we do so with their passion and encouragement as a driver for our continued success.
Our hearts go out to Carrie, Mabel, and Matt's family, as well as the entire MN Tech community - we know everyone is feeling this immeasurable loss at this time.
Love to all of you, from all of us at Code Savvy - CoderDojoTwin Cities, MNCodes and Technovation[MN]
Notes to Matt:
Hi Matt,
I recently learned about your updates with hospice, and I wanted to send you a note to let you know that I'm thinking about you and also to share with you how much of an influence you and your work with CoderDojoTC and Code Savvy have had on me.
We first crossed paths during the Coder Dojo days and I can honestly say that your passion for making computer science accessible and fun for kids (every CoderDojoTC ticket was usually claimed within minutes of registration opening!), as well as your calm, thoughtful approach to creating a safe, welcoming environment (even amidst wifi connection issues, ancient laptops, and the incredible amount of details to coordinate) inspired me to get more involved with Code Savvy, which in turn truly changed the course of my life.
The impact of your work with CoderDojoTC has been foundational in expanding computer science education in MN and has inspired so many people, myself included, to see themselves as having a place in computer science.
Matt, you make amazing things happen (and make it look easy), and I am grateful that our paths have crossed as often as they have.
I am thinking about you and your family and sending you all the best. I will be following along with your journey.
Take care and all the best,
Andrea
MN Codes Program Director
I met Matt at the very first CoderDojoTC planning meetings. It was clear from him and the participation of the other Clockwork employees present he brought a sense of giving and kindness to his work. He did a great job leading the early planning meetings, seeking everyone's input proactively and always being inviting of new thoughts. He was curious how best to make the effort a success, calling other chapters to see what worked for them, and always willing to learn from our early events to make them run better. By the second year of events things felt down to a science.
During events Matt would always be chasing down whatever anyone needed, always a very hands on and servant leader. He was always sure to get me my macbook charger back when I'd lent it to a group who was short.
I can remember not long after I had my oldest daughter, we were chatting at a CoderDojoTC planning meeting at Clockwork and Matt shared with me how he was so excited to be moving past the diaper phase with his daughter and on to potty training. It struck me how much of it for him was about environmental impact. He had a strong sense of community and humanity.
Though it's been a few years since I've mentored at an event, I will always remember Matt's generous leadership in getting the event started. Thank you Matt, I hope you're at peace wherever you are.
- Will Buck
AngularMN Co-Organizer
Hello, my name is Bill Shy. I first contacted Matt in Dec 2014 and began mentoring at the end of Jan 2015. I liked his group intro circles. 'If you're new we'll meet over there' he would say. I liked his soft approach and I miss Matt.
For those who would like to attend Matt's memorial service, it will be held Saturday, January 8th from 4-7pm at Bradshaw Funeral Home in White Bear Lake, MN:
Matt, we started our programs about the same time with Rebecca. Although we didn’t work closely together, I always thought of you as family. Crazy I know. It’s just when you start something like CoderDojo or Techno, you know exactly what it takes to make it work and have a bond. You’ve built something amazing here in TC!
You’ll beat this! I’ll be praying for you.
Shawn Stavseth
Co-Founder of Technovation[MN]
When I was 23 and completely clueless, I was dazzled by a visit to CoderDojoTC and wanted to bring that same joy to young people where I'd been student teaching...so I just cold-emailed the guy in charge to ask for advice.
Matt Gray, bless his heart, not only didn't ignore that email but was willing to have coffee and chat about his experience creating a volunteer-run youth program from scratch. Thanks to him sharing what he had learned, I did get to start that program. I got to meet so many interesting people of all ages, learn new skills and tools, build community, teach summer camps, and even travel to Ireland to present some of that work.
That coffee shop where we talked no longer exists, and Matt's life has come to a heartbreaking end as well. His legacy will live on, in hundreds if not thousands of young people who got excited about computers because of his commitment to the group he started, and in the memories of those of us who were lucky to know him.
When I #rememberMattGray, I'll remember brilliance and joy. I'll remember him telling me that the best way to start is...to just start. I'll remember emails with footnotes. I'll remember an example of quiet dedication, of willingness to do even the boring parts of building something you believe in. Above all, I'll remember someone who said yes to a kid who had nothing to offer but enthusiasm, and I'll watch for my chance to show that same grace.
Thank you, Matt.
-Eileen
Northfield CoderDojo Co-Founder
We are so sad to hear the news about Matt’s passing.
He was a kind and smart man who allowed our son to join Coder Dojo, which he always enjoyed immensely.
Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.
His legacy will live on through everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
With love,
Kevin, Lyla and Jack Westrup
I will never forget Matt. I was very new to the cities when I first started attending Coder Dojos and he was one of the people who made this place feel like home to me. It was years ago and I was young and struggling with social situations. I was so nervous and didn't know a single person, but speaking with him immediately put me at ease. He had such incredible, warm, welcoming energy and he put so much of himself into these events. I remember him talking about a bunch of the Coder Dojo equipment being stolen like it was just the weather. It had just been a bump in the road and the group was still just chugging along.
I'm so sad Matt is gone. I feel very lucky to have known him.
Matt, thank you for all you did to make Coder Dojo thrive. I've loved mentoring over the years, and the kids have loved it even more! You will be missed.
Thanks,
Abigail
Watch the memorial livestream from January 8th
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