Mathew Lewis Hinchey

Mathew Lewis Hinchey 49, of Palmer died Feb. 9, 2010, at home with his brother Jeffrey by his side.

A memorial party held in Mathew’s honor will be March 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Buckaroo Club at 2811 Spenard Road in Anchorage. Mathew was born in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 24, 1961, to Ken and Vida Fae Hinchey. The couple left Colorado in 1965 with their five boys in tow for the great state of Alaska.

Mathew grew up on the west side of Anchorage and attended North Star Elementary School, Romig Junior High School and graduated from West High School in 1979. His family was encouraged by the strength and courage he had gained in recent years toward facing life’s challenges on his own terms. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mathew lived in Anchorage for 35 years before moving to Wasilla in 2000 and finally Palmer in 2009.

Mathew’s brothers, Jeffrey and Clark, wish to express their sincere appreciation to those friends who came forward to offer assistance of every kind. Mathew was a lover of Alaska and enjoyed a multitude of adventures including skiing at Alyeska in the winter, water skiing at Big Lake in the summer and dropping a line to fish just about anywhere. He also was a talented artist and especially enjoyed drawing cartoons.

Mathew is survived by his four brothers James, Mark, Jeffrey and Clark and friends too numerous to list (you all know who you are), including his life long best friend Lewis Dischner.

Mathew lived by a certain creed familiar to many, he would say, “Shed me no tears for I have lived and loved in what may be the best of times. I have no regrets, no sorrow, only the happiest of memories with many friends and with outstretched arms I love you this much. Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more.”

Mathew’s generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to all.

Arrangements were made by Jennifer Irwin of Palmer Mortuary at 209 South Alaska Way, Palmer, Alaska 99645.