Matthew Workman ’03

Matthew R. Workman, age 40, passed from this life unto the next in the “Big House” with God on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

He was born August 2, 1980 in Lansing, MI to H. John and Kathleen L. (Clark) Workman and lived most of his life in Norton Shores. He was a generous, loving soul – an independent free-spirit who lived life to the fullest. Next to God, his family meant everything to him. He had a special bond with his wife, Laurel and their 2 children – a daughter, Avery (age 6) and a son, Grayson (age 4 1/2).

He was always thinking and planning goals he wanted to accomplish in life and anything he did – he did 110%. Even in junior high, his whit, humor and personality were infectious. He played football at Mona Shores High School and football and lacrosse at Hope College where he graduated with an Engineering Degree. He coached football at Holland Christian. He became fluent in Spanish so he could spend time in Guatemala to help build a school there. He worked several jobs until his leadership skills could be put to use starting his own business – Top Line Engineering. He was a hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He especially loved to fly fish and teach others the skill. He also loved cooking meat on the smoker and had a green thumb with his fruit and vegetable garden. He loved life and his heart was as big as his hugs were strong. His laugh was especially infectious and would fill a room with joy. He was a donor for Gift of Life so that he could continue to help others even in death. He will be missed by all who knew him. He will live in our hearts forever.

Survivors include his wife, Laurel Workman; his children, Avery Ellen and Grayson John Workman; his parents, John and Kathy Workman, Laurel’s parents, Mary and Cres Fregoso; his brother, Mike (Ella) Workman; 2 sisters-in-law, Linda (Scott) Sowles, Susan (Philip) Heinlen; nieces and nephews, Clark, Alice, Shannon, Kaitlyn, Aaron, Danni, Philip, Jackson; and his Aunt Marti Driscoll. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Michael Pfister and his uncle, Mickey Clark.

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