Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) lost one of our very best ski guides and a great human being with Matt’s passing. He will be greatly missed by SRSFL!
Matthew Stein, aged 62, of Truckee, CA died suddenly on Dec. 19, 2018 while rock climbing. He was on the rock, leading, when he announced “I think I’m going to faint.” He went limp, and was lowered down to the ground by his climbing partner. In spite of the best efforts of his friends and the 1st responders, Mat was gone.
Matthew was born and raised in Burlington, VT. He grew up in an outdoorsy family, hiking and skiing. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.
Mat was a mechanical design engineer and expert witness, and a renowned author. As the chief engineer at Haws until 1994, he was responsible for the design of many of the water fountains that we all see everywhere we go. He authored 3 books: When Technology Fails, When Disaster Strikes, and a children’s book, Geronimo the Frog. He had completed 16 chapters of an autobiography.
He was an avid climber and skier. He volunteered for over two decades guiding blind skiers and hikers for Sierra Regional Ski for Light. He was very generous with his time and energy, bringing joy to many.
He will be missed by many, most especially his fiancée, Mary Beedle. After being widowed at 57, he had found a new life with Mary. They enjoyed music, dancing, and time with friends. He is also survived by his daughter, Elisha Jussen-Cooke, step-son, Josh Satcher, and siblings Daniel E Stein, Jennifer Barker, Debby Stein Sharpe, and David M Stein.
There will be a celebration of Mat’s life on Sat 1/19/19 from 2 to 5PM at the Glenshire Devonshire Clubhouse, 15726 Glenshire Drive, Truckee CA. Condolences may be sent to Mary at 10591 Belford Place, Truckee CA 96161.
From Mike and Pam Bittner:
We lost a very dear friend suddenly this week. He was one of Mike’s favorites guides in the SRSFL group. Matt you will be missed by all that knew you and loved you. Thankfully we have so many WONDERFUL memories of your kind gentle spirit, crazy amount of energy, and love for everyone and everything you came across. You never knew a stranger, and never let anything stop you from laughing. THANK YOU for all the good times shared on the snow, in the mud, and on the trails. We love you more than you know, and are grieving the loss of such an amazing man!!!! RIP dear friend!!!! Go out and climb the highest mountain, fjord the widest sea, ski the snow covered mountains, and always have that beautiful warm smile on your face!!!!
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Matt guiding Sylvia at 2018 hiking weekend.
