Beloved Professor Matthew Hilton-Watson Passes Suddenly
It is with extraordinary sadness that we announce that Associate Professor Matthew Hilton-Watson passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon. Matt was in the midst of doing what he loved—teaching students.
Words cannot fully describe what Matt meant to his students. He embodied all that is good about our profession. He gave of himself tirelessly, always trying to find a better way. His enthusiasm, his passion and his love of knowledge were infectious and inspiring. Many members of the campus community have very fond memories of Matt. He was simply everywhere, doing all he could for our university. That was Matt.
Matthew was the Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Department Chair of the Foreign Languages Department as well as the Director of the International and Global Studies Program. He was also heavily involved in the Honors Program, working with Honors students. No stranger to spearheading new projects, Matthew was working with the Cultural Center planetarium to do “Poetry Under the Stars,” a special program that highlighted foreign languages. He also recently lead a group of students to Montreal, Canada for an alternative spring break experience. His contributions to this campus are numerous and valuable.
Matt was a teacher, a scholar, a leader – a colleague and a friend. This is a personal and devastating loss to all who knew him. And all of us who knew him, loved him.
Please keep Sarah and their children in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family.
The family of Professor Matthew Hilton-Watson has requested that the memorial service be held at the University of Michigan-Flint. The memorial service will take place on Friday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the University Theatre. There will be a reception in Michigan Rooms C & D following the service. The entire campus community is invited to the celebration of Dr. Matt’s life and work.
~You may leave a message of remembrance in the Comments section below~
Angelica wrote:
I unfortunately was never graced with the presence of Dr. Matt. Yet, I was one of the many to hear wonderful words shared by students that were blessed to have him part of their lives. When it is of great sadness to a complete stranger, I can only imagine the sadness of his family members and friends; my heart goes out to them the way that Dr. Matt gave his heart to his career, his students, and this university.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:09 am | Permalink
courtney j. campbell wrote:
we will conserve that spark of yours that generated stars in this world. thank you for your friendship and your faith. my life is so much richer for having you in it.
my heart is with sarah and the kids. if there were anything that i could say to make this easier, i would say it here. i send hugs and my faith that you will see your way through this instead.
au REvoir, matt. merci pour tout ce que tu m’as appris.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:11 am | Permalink
scott russell wrote:
He was always a pleasure to listen to, whether speaking at a microphone or in conversation. One was always left wanting more.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:20 am | Permalink
Darlene wrote:
Dr. Matt was a dedicated professor who became a friend. I will always remember his support, enthusiasm, and energy. Many laughs were shared with him. I never got bored of his stories!!! My thoughts and prayers go to his young family. Tu vas me manquer, Repose en paix Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:06 pm | Permalink
Prof.FrankFriedman wrote:
I am very sorry to hear of the sudden death of an outstanding professor. What a loss. I am a retired French professor of Mott College. Although I never knew him I know his colleagues well. To his family and children my condolences. My professor now deceased used to tell her students: COURAGE! Prof. & Mrs. Frank Friedman
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:16 pm | Permalink
D. Eric Walker wrote:
Matt was a terrific human being. He was always smiling and simply a joy to whomever he came in contact with.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:22 pm | Permalink
Lindsay Silver wrote:
For those of us who knew Dr. Matt we do not just have memories that make us smile but memories that make us laugh out loud. He will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to his family.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:23 pm | Permalink
Ashley wrote:
We will all miss you Dr. Matt. You were one of the most lively professors of your time and we will remember you for that. Rest In Peace…
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:28 pm | Permalink
Andrew wrote:
He taught with a certain energy and passion that could never be faked. His love for his field and his students was completely genuine.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:39 pm | Permalink
Lisha Drouin wrote:
I have so many great memories with Dr. Matt that are all overwhelming to me at this moment. He once told me that memory is poetic, and the only thing I can think to say right now is that every memory that I have with him, every moment that I spent with him in class, outside of class, in Montreal…every one of those moments is beautifully poetic and a piece of art in themselves. We love you dearly Matt, and we will miss you more than any word or phrase can describe.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:41 pm | Permalink
Sarah Pugsley wrote:
Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson was a phenomenal teacher, scholar, mentor, and friend. I will always remember his fantastic Honors Great Books course, and I know that my friends and I will miss him always.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:43 pm | Permalink
Lauren Buswell wrote:
Matt was the best professor that I ever had. He made class fun and interesting, and he inspired me to pursue a career as a professor. Matt also supported my boyfriend and me through difficult times. Matt changed my life, and I can never thank Sarah enough for sharing him with us.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:43 pm | Permalink
Stephanie Mantey wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of my favorite professors ever. There was never a dull moment in his class. His enthusiasm for teaching and for the French culture permeated the souls of all his students. We will never forget him, and his memory will live on in our hearts.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 12:44 pm | Permalink
Melissa wrote:
Dr. Watson, during the honors scholarship competition tours, your face turned red as I introduced you to the students as, “my favorite teacher of all time, and soon to be yours.” Back in the day, you gave me confidence when I was a terrified freshman in the honors program, a confidence that I take with me wherever I go. I looked forward to coming to school just for your classes. You showed me people are capable of great things. You won our hearts as you read French poetry and you made us all obsessed about a man named Claude so much so, that we all name our cats Zola. Your stories about your crazy antics as you would jump on stage during the Rocky Horror Picture Show inspired us to do the same, making us look at you in a whole new perspective. You impacted my life as your spread your passion for art and literature. You inspired us all to be passionate about the things we loved. The world lost one of its most cherished men; a man who profoundly changed the world one student at a time.
A quote from one of the books you forced us to read and analyze that continues to inspire me. “Perhaps my life is nothing but an image of this kind; perhaps I am doomed to retrace my steps under the illusion that I am exploring, doomed to try and learn what I should simply recognize, learning a mere fraction of what I have forgotten.
I myself shall continue living in my glass house where you can always see who comes to call, where everything hanging from the ceiling and on the walls stays where it is as if by magic, where I sleep nights in a glass bed, under glass sheets, where who I am will sooner or later appear etched by a diamond.” (Andre Breton)
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:04 pm | Permalink
Melissa Leemhuis wrote:
Dr. Matt was, by far, one of the most inspirational people I have ever been blessed to meet. He was a professor, but could relate to students like he was a peer. Dedicated to his family, his work, and his students, he always did everything he could to better the lives of those around him.
This university lost a key member, and will never be the same without his presence. Those who knew him will carry his spirit in our hearts forever.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:26 pm | Permalink
Ashley Ziola wrote:
Dr. Matt was an outstanding professor, always giving nothing less than 110% to his lessons. He made Honors interesting and class I actually looked forward to. He will be forever missed by the university community. My God bless him and his family. We love you, Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:29 pm | Permalink
James B. Milner wrote:
His energy unbounded, his passion endless, his teaching effortless, his concern genuine, his friendship true; Matt, te serais toujours avec nous, dans la coeur et dans l’esprit.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:35 pm | Permalink
Laura L. Staudacher wrote:
I didn’t know him well, but came across him now and then in a meeting. I learned quickly that if I saw his face on the other side of a table, the meeting would not be boring! Last fall I sat across from him on a bus on the way to a University Outreach retreat. It was a long ride, but his animated stories and silly items he pulled out of his bag to share their meaning with us, made the ride too short. His love for his work was apparent; his love for his family even more so, all wrapped up in every story. Again, I didn’t know him well, but I’ll miss the parts I did, and I’ll regret not knowing more.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:38 pm | Permalink
Travis wrote:
Dr. Matt was an amazing professor who viewed the world in a way that I’m only starting to understand. I don’t think it was possible for him to control his passion. Dr. Matt was always energetic about what he was teaching, infectiously passing his enthusiasm on to his students. I remember once after he had us read Nadja, I followed a passage in the book and put up paper eyes all around my apartment. There’s no way to explain it on here, but Dr. Matt understand the wonderfulness of that weirdness. (And in reality, it was mostly his idea.)
Dr. Matt was a wonderful person and will be missed not only by his former students, but by the future students who won’t have a chance to experience his intense passion. Dr. Matt was a wonderful man, a passionate scholar, a a great person to be around.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:39 pm | Permalink
Brian Proffer wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of the most energetic, passionate and dedicated educators on our campus. His flair and fervor for life and broadening one’s mind was unmatched and infectious. He was a great teacher, mentor and collegue. We will miss him terribly, and always remember him. And no doubt that the way we will all remember him will be by continuing his passion for expanding our lives in every aspect with the same passion and love of life as Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:45 pm | Permalink
Danielle wrote:
I am a student who has always hated english and reading the books that the school made me read. However, Dr. Hilton-Watson found a way to make me appricieate french literature, which is something I would have never read. Even if I hated the book we were reading I looked forward to his class because I knew his stories and lectures would always be entertaining. He always found a way to relate a story to our everyday lives and clearly loved his family and talked of them every class. He found a way to make even me enjoy english and I will miss that part of my day. He will be greatly missed and I send my prayers to his family.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 1:51 pm | Permalink
Brittney wrote:
I only met Dr.Matt one time but i will never forget him. He was very enthusiastic and he just pulled you in and made you share his happiness.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:06 pm | Permalink
Kim Isbister wrote:
I will always remember Matt zooming around campus. It seemed to me he had 2 speeds, fast or stop, which he didn’t use often. He always seemed to have so many things going on, but always had a smile when we passed each other. He will be missed.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:10 pm | Permalink
Judi Jennings wrote:
Hi,
I am Judi Matt’s OLD friend from KY. I came to his party celebrating the 400th anniversary of the French in North America and met some of you there. MATT WAS TRYING TO GET ME AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE TO PUT OUR FACEBOOK STATUS IN FRENCH ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH. I am going to do that and please join me in honoring Matt’s love of French in this way. Au revoir Judi J
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:12 pm | Permalink
Rebecca wrote:
Dr. Matt was a beautiful person. He made everything fun and interesting. He was so animated and involved. He will be missed dearly. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. We love and miss you, Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:17 pm | Permalink
Ally wrote:
There is so much I could say about Dr. Matt, but right now I can’t think of anything. He was so much fun to be around, and the nicest person you could meet. In his presence I was always laughing and having a fabulous time. I’m truly lucky to have had him for Honors, and for the amazing opportunity he gave those of us who went to Montreal with him. I have memories that I will treasure forever.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:22 pm | Permalink
Sue Byrnes wrote:
Matthew Hilton-Watson was truly a life force. His good humor, positive attitude, and joyous approach to living made him an inspiration and delight. To his family go the deepest sympathies of my heart.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 2:24 pm | Permalink
Ellyn Ackerman wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met. He imbued each lecture with passion, and laughter. I can truly say that his was the only class that I know of where students were truly disappointed if it was cancelled. I was lucky enough to have him for four different classes, and cannot imagine not having that chance again. He inspired everyone who met him even if it was only for a moment to do what they loved. It was impossible to be around Dr. Matt and not be in a good mood. I send my deepest condolences to his family and will remember him always.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:01 pm | Permalink
Carolyn Nur wistrand wrote:
The untimely passing of Dr. Matt fills me with much sadness. His was a generous spirit that held a formidable mind and a deep love for creative expression. Matthew supported my work as a playwright more than any professor outside of my own department. He always stopped me or found me to inquire about projects involving the Creole dialect.
The child and boy were very much alive in this especial man whose memory will be cherished in many languages. You are deeply missed, Matthew.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:12 pm | Permalink
Dennis Notenboom wrote:
Dear Matthew,
You made my world so much larger.
I never have laughed more with one in a week then with you, never someone did so much for me than you did for me in a week, you made me feel home allthough so far away. Why? Why you? I will miss you forever, you are very special for me. Sarah and children, allthough we are 4000 miles from you, we are there for you in your heart.
Love,
Dennis Notenboom and family
The Netherlands
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:18 pm | Permalink
Eric Burns wrote:
Dr. Matt was as much fun as he was enlightening. And that is a hell of a thing to be able to say about a professor.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:26 pm | Permalink
Karen Palmer wrote:
My words are insufficient when it comes to properly describing what kind of person Dr. Matt was and how he positively affected who I am. If someone were to ask me to list the positive experiences I’ve had during my time at university, in all honestly, learning from Dr. Matt would probably be my first response. His passion for teaching was apparent in the way he brought comedy and enthusiasm into the classroom. His ability to be exactly himself always amazed me! Even if I was having a bad day, going to Dr. Matt’s class was always something I would look forward to. Aside from being a fantastic teacher, he was also a beautiful example of a human being. He loved his job, his family and had a passion for learning. Never had I met someone so incredibly outgoing and infectious… you couldn’t help but feel happy around him. Losing loved ones is never easy, but it is particularly tragic when we loss a truly radiant person. Though I have many fond and happy memories of Dr. Matt, I already feel like the world has become a little less friendly without him in it. To his family I send my deepest sympathy and love. I may have lost a teacher and friend, but you have lost so much more. Know that we share a least a small portion of your sorrow, and be comforted by the fact that you were blessed enough to have been so close to such an amazing person. To my grieving classmates, we must remember who Dr. Matt was and strive to be better people and students for him, because I know that’s what he would have wanted.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:30 pm | Permalink
Bea Kendall, SEHS wrote:
It was a joy working with Dr. Matt Hilton-Watson as a part of the HTH Worldwide Insurances Services, Inc. team for UM-Flint. He was always receptive to any inquiry made.
To his family you have my sincere sympathy and prayers.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:32 pm | Permalink
Bea Kendall, SEHS wrote:
I was saddened by the passing of Dr. Matt Hilton-Watson. It was a joy working with him as a part of the HTH Worldwide Insurance Service, Inc. team for UM-Flint. He was always receiptive to any inquiry made.
To his family you have my sincere sympathy and prayers.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:36 pm | Permalink
Fred Svoboda wrote:
Matt was an excellent colleague, full of energy and intelligent enthusiasm. We’ll miss him greatly.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:51 pm | Permalink
Crystal wrote:
Yesterday the University lost one of its brightest stars. Dr. Matt was always energetic and enthusiastic with his teaching. He was truely blessed with the ability to present otherwise unbearably boring material with a certain edge that was able to spark excitement in the hearts of his students. Although I was only granted a half of a semester with Dr. Matt, his love for his students, family and teaching will remain with me forever. I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family, colleuges and friends who were forced to give up this special man far too soon. You will be forever missed.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:52 pm | Permalink
Mousab Eteer wrote:
During my 1st year here at UMFLINT I met Dr. Matt has my Hon 156 professor. At first I thought he was a bit odd, but as the semester passed I saw how much of a wonderful teacher he was. His jokes, sarcasm, and bright teaching made me really proud to be his student. I’m not really good at writing these blog messages but I just want to say, Dr. Matt you will be missed very much. Its sad not to be able to thank you the day I graduate for all the work you put into making me who I am today.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 3:58 pm | Permalink
Jung Koral wrote:
Dr. Hilton-Watson will be sorely missed on campus. His energy and passion inspired students campus wide. His programs and support of various initiatives touched students who didn’t even know him. Everyone seemed to know Matt. His efforts to internationalize the Flint Campus were spectacular and those dreams of global programs and international student presence are becoming realized. One way in which to honor his memory, would be to investigate a study abroad program or a way to increase personal cultural awareness.
My sympathy and prayers go out to Sarah and the kids. I know there is nothing that we can do or say to ease the pain, but the entire campus feels for them at this time.
- JK
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 4:19 pm | Permalink
Erin wrote:
I was a theater student begrudgingly taking French as a gen ed credit when I ended up in Dr Matt’s class and his enthusiasm was so overwhelming and inspiring that I almost ended up with a French minor. He was truly one of the best teachers and coolest people I have known and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. I live in NYC, so I will not be able to make the memorial, but I will be there in spirit.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 4:27 pm | Permalink
Nicole LeBlanc wrote:
Heavy heart, sad thoughts… the opposite of Matt in life! If there was a way to hook Matt up to a giant power grid, his energy, enthusiasm and pure joy could power a major city for weeks. I know I am not the only one who will dread any future health insurance meetings without his sunny presence to liven the discussion. His tireless efforts to internationalize Flint and Facebook will be missed and his family and colleagues around the world are in my thoughts.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 4:52 pm | Permalink
Fatima wrote:
dr. matt made hon 156 one of the best honors courses. with his jokes, stories and his style made the class a source of entertainment.
one day he brought his son to class and after several attempts to settle him down he told him to go seat in the front corner for time out hahhahaa
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 4:52 pm | Permalink
Akera Davis wrote:
Dr. Hilton-Watson was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. I remember the first time I experienced his infectious personality as a junior in high school, and finding out that he was going to be my professor in college was something I looked forward to with great expectations. He did not dissapoint me one bit; every class was filled with laughter from beginning to end! He made the most boring topics interesting; he brought to life every book we read. He told stories that had every student in the class bending over in their chairs with laughter. There was never a dull moment. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know him. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers. Although I will miss him, my grief cannot compare to what his family and close friends are feeling. He loved his family so, and talked about them every class. He was just a wonderful person; words are not sufficient to express his character. He will be missed by so many!
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 4:53 pm | Permalink
Debi Rowden wrote:
Yesterday, the UM-Flint community suffered a terrible loss. Dr. Matt was an extraordinary light on campus. He gave outstanding energy to all that he was involved in and light heartedness to every situation, even working with me on websites and blogs. I will miss him greatly and will keep his family and students in my thoughts as we grieve the loss of our wonderful colleague.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 5:19 pm | Permalink
Cindy Lutz wrote:
I am stunned as I just recently learned of Matt’s passing from my daughter. Alex, Matts son, is in her class at Springview in Flushing. Words escape me as I am completely and utterly shocked. Please join me in prayer for the wonderful family he left behind and that God does what only He can do, be their father, their support and their comfort.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 5:20 pm | Permalink
Angela Long wrote:
I will always remember Dr. Matt as the most fun and most inspiring teacher I have ever known. I learned so much from him and had SO much fun in the process. He was a passionate teacher and showed his students how much he truly enjoyed every minute that he spent in the classroom. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. Dr. Matt, you will be greatly missed!
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 6:00 pm | Permalink
Leslie wrote:
Hilton-Watson was the teacher to have. He was one of the most passionate and fun professors at UMF. His youthful nature, dry sense of humor, and love of the language were infectious. I nearly failed the class, but I had the best time doing it. He will be greatly missed, but his influence and memory will live on. Repose en paix Dr Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 6:22 pm | Permalink
Steven Ethier wrote:
It is hard to put in words how Dr. Matt impacted UM-Flint. He brought so much joy and liveliness to the work that he was doing. He made it so much easier for me to be a student in HON 156. To tip it off, he made us all feel like we were one of his friends. What a great contribution he has made to the university. His lessons and his personality will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts go with his family and friends.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 6:37 pm | Permalink
Krystle wrote:
I was lucky enough to have had meet Dr. Matthew. He was a very understanding and compasionate person. He had a love of teaching that is rare to find nowadays. He will be greatly missed my everyone who’s life he had be in. My wishes are with his family.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 6:49 pm | Permalink
Rana Al-Dabagh wrote:
Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson, a man so great that he touched the hearts of many, a man so talented that he made French literature enjoyable to many college students. Personally, Dr. Matt had a profound impact on my life, the fun times I had in his class are unforgettable, the times I would go into the foreign language office only to have him joke with me and make me laugh. It will never be the same when I enter that office again. He was so intelligent, comical, passionate, enthusiastic, understanding….and the words to describe this man of principle are many. He encouraged me to go on a study abroad trip and here I am in May of 2009 heading off to Spain. His advice was valuable and his wisdom immeasurable. Such a caring father and husband, he talked about his kids and Sarah all the time. Sarah, please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Let me just say, Dr. Matt, you will never be forgotten and your great memories and achievements will continue your great legacy not only at U of M Flint but in the entire world.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 7:30 pm | Permalink
Danielle Campbell wrote:
Thank you for helping me to go to Quebec Mr. Hilton-Watson. You taught me sooooo many things. I will miss you dearly. Danielle
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 7:55 pm | Permalink
Traci Dean wrote:
Matt, thank you for all the wisdom and guidance you gave to me over the years. When I was a freshman, you met with me over lunch although I had not yet had the pleasure of being your student. I wanted to major in French but was uncertain of where it would take me. You gave me confidence to pursue my dreams and then stuck by my side for 5 years after that until I graduated with my degree in French. I will miss you and will remember you always. I will pray for Sarah and the children. Au revoir.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:01 pm | Permalink
Andre Linden wrote:
I am privileged to have been a student of Dr. Matt. My heart sank low when I heard of his passing. His presence will be missed. He was a great person. My sincere sympathies for the family of Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:11 pm | Permalink
M Rettberg-Chuleas wrote:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I did not know Dr Matt but just reading the long list of accomplishments and his dedication to the community and students is awe inspiring. Our Heavenly Father will surely bless him upon his entrance into eternity. My prayers are with you and your children during this difficult time.
Michelle Rettberg-Chuleas BSN Program
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:27 pm | Permalink
Carla Dochenetz wrote:
Thanks to Dr. Matt, I am able to pursue my love of travel and study of lands far and away. I thank him for the opportunity to speak and, hopefully, convey the great gift of other cultures and as I enjoyed them, just as he did and he conveyed to me. He will be deeply missed by the students that he influenced to study abroad and the missed by the students that will not have the chance to hear his tales of adventure.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:40 pm | Permalink
Julie Jo Phillips wrote:
I’m just so sad.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:42 pm | Permalink
Rafael H. Mojica wrote:
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
[...]
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flame are in-folded
Into the crowned knot of fire
And the fire and rose are one.”
Throughout his tenure in this department, Matt preserved the youth and wisdom of all life in its beginnings, and for this we are grateful.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 8:50 pm | Permalink
Andre Louis wrote:
Matt, I can’t wait to hear another one your stories when I see you again. Until then, I wish you a peaceful rest.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 9:05 pm | Permalink
Ariel wrote:
Although I am still in my first year at university, I think it is safe to say that Dr. Matt will always be my favorite teacher. He was one of those people who made you smile when you saw him, even if there was nothing to smile about. I hope that we can all take what Dr. Matt has taught us and make a difference in our lives and others, just as he did for so many years.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 10:21 pm | Permalink
Ellen Maddix wrote:
Whenever I went into the Foreign Language office and I saw Matt, he always smiled, said hello and asked me how I was. His family are in my thoughts. I am deeply saddened and sorry for their loss. His life was too short but already his impact had become immense.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 10:26 pm | Permalink
Holly Crabtree wrote:
Comme un étudiant pour étudiants j’ai eu le privillage d’avoir de Professeur Hilton Watson pour quelques cours français. Il était un grand professeur et je n’oublierai jamais comment il a fait apprenant l’amusement pour nous et comment il était aussi si plein de vie et de spunk ! C’est un choc terrible pour penser qu’il n’est plus avec nous et j’aimerais envoyer ma sympathie la plus profonde à sa famille, ses amis, ses étudiants, et ses étudiants qui n’a jamais eu le hasard l’avoir. Nous vous avons apprécié et vous manquera énormément.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 10:46 pm | Permalink
Sandra Johnson wrote:
I only met him once. That sentence is currently the biggest regret of my life. That day I was thinking of giving up on foreign language, but the minute I met him and talked to him I felt more confidant than ever. I left that day looking forward to my next exam just to get to talk to this professor with boundless enthusiasm even during illness. I ill never forget him.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:09 pm | Permalink
Ashley Adams wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was so easy to get along with, and too hilarious for words. I could never keep a straight face in his classes.Dr. Matt had a very distinct rumpled charm. He always ran his hands through his hair and ended up with this rooster hair thing going on. It was so funny, and he never seemed to realize what we were laughing at. When Dr. Matt cancelled his classes I was always unhappy, his classes were the highlight of my week. He could always make you feel better no matter what kind of day you were having. I never saw him in a bad mood. He never really had to try to teach it just exuded from him because his passion for what he did. I will always remember that the last thing we talked about with him was fachism. That is part of his charm interesting topics! I know that he is somewhere and trying to use his Blackberry with no luck and is very distressed with that fact. Dr. Matt was one of the people who had a great impact on my life and I will never forget him. I plan on becoming a teacher and I will teach in his memory. I will try to be half the teacher Dr. Matt was, and if I can accomplish that I will have done well in life. Dr. Matt I miss you more than I can say, though I knew you for a short time I’m better for having known you. Thank you for all the experience, expertise and enthusiasm you brought to class. I hope one day I can make you proud. To Sarah, Alexander and Catherine I hope you can take some solice in knowing how much Dr. Matt was loved. Thank you all for letting us know him. My prayers are with you all.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:35 pm | Permalink
Jasmine Bell wrote:
I did not have the opportunity to have this wonderful man as a professor, but the opportunity that I had to accompany him on the Montreal trip was an experience of a lifetime. He took us to a place that everyone thought was so beautiful, and it truly was, but Dr. Matt saw the help they needed on the inside and provided many students the opportunity to help. When I heard the news it took my breath away. Everytime I think about it I am lost for words. I know I didn’t know him as half as much as the many students who did, but his spirit leaves an impression of a lifetime. I know that without his help in assisting with the trip, an opportunity like the Montreal trip would have never happened for me. He gave us the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on those whom needed us most. Dr. Matt will be greatly missed by me and I know he will by many others as well. My heart goes out to his family and those who held him dearest to their hearts. Rest in heavenly peace Dr. Matt.
Posted on 17-Mar-09 at 11:42 pm | Permalink
Barb Gerber wrote:
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Matt. He was an extraordinary and devoted professor, a constant mentor, a wonderful friend, and an amazing man. Although Matt was continually optimistic and energetic about everything he was involved in, he also would not hesitate to “tell it like it is.” If it wasn’t for Matt, I would have never made it through my first year of grad school. His wisdom and advice echoed in my thoughts daily. His pedagogy is one that I attempt to model everyday in my classroom. Matt, I thank you from the bottom of my heart; a heart that is today filled with much sadness. You will be missed!!
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:06 am | Permalink
Desirée Sharland wrote:
Dr. Matt was an all around great person. He loved his family, job, friends, and students; everything. I don’t think he knew what the word “hate” meant. He was enthusiastic, energetic, lively, and passionate about everything. He was always hyper and dancing around in class. The material was sometimes boring, but I was never bored because I was always laughing thanks to Dr. Matt.
I’ll never forget the time when the Honors Program went to Montreal back in 2007. After visiting McGill University, we were allowed to spend the rest of the day however we wanted. I was planning on going to a museum by myself. Dr. Matt actually called to find out if they were still open for me. They had already closed so my backup plan was to visit the old part of the city. I asked him for directions, and instead he said he’d take me there himself. A few others followed. We were under the impression that it wasn’t far from where we were, but it took a long time to get there, and we were walking at Dr. Matt’s pace (lol). After we got there, he had to run (and he did) all the way back to go to a meeting. The whole way there we kept telling him just to give us the directions, but he kept on walking. Also, along the way, a mime walked by us, and it happened so fast, but all of a sudden Dr. Matt had ducked many seconds before the mime had even came near him to pat his head (or whatever he was going to do). We were amazed at his reflexes!! It seemed like he had a sixth sense because none of us saw it coming. Later on in the trip, late at night, he took a group of us up to the church to see the city at night. It was a long walk, even though we took the subway and a bus. He loved to share what he loved with others.
I’ll miss you and always regret that I was never able to fit French 111 into my schedule whenever you taught it. R.I.P. Dr. Matt.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:08 am | Permalink
Mike Watson wrote:
I am “Dr. Matt’s” little brother and can not explain how moved I am by everyone’s comments. Unfortunately, due to distance and circumstance I never knew my brother the way many of you did. I am full of regret right now as a result of this, but take great solace in the fact he touched so many lives….I only wish I had one more day to call him…Miss you bro.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:59 am | Permalink
William Michals wrote:
Matt was first a professor, then a friend. I met him in French 211, or whatever the class number was. I was impressed by his enthusiasm and delighted by his self awareness and self-deprecation. I was always someone that wanted to talk, to get advice on my life and Matt provided that. We talked about everything over coffees at Borders, just the two of us. What would I do? Academics? Film? Politics? This is a really a professor? I thought. It took some getting used to. Later, I did a documentary on influential professors and teachers and Matt was one of the people that I sat down with. I picked his brain for 90 or so minutes and got his life story and his philosophies, basically. I will always appreciate his willingness to do that and his honesty and willingness to set bullshit and decorum aside. Since graduating and moving to New York two years ago, we kept in touch through emails and facebook, the latter of which he took to quickly, becoming a presence on it and using it as another tool to drive people to learn languages and celebrate everything francophone. Over the summer when I was back in Michigan I met up with him and his two lovely children. We walked around a playground talking about our lives. He was always trying to get me to do a project involving France/French and was always there for consultation/encouragement. I honestly cannot imagine anyone else leaving as big a hole in the university as that one man surely will.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 1:31 am | Permalink
Martha Jerrim wrote:
My saddness is not only for Sarah and the children, but also for the entire UM Flint community. However, I am also sad for all those students who will never have the opportunity to be inspired by Matt the way so many of my friends and colleagues have been in the past. There is a heart in Istanbul that is aching for this great loss…
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 2:05 am | Permalink
Sapna Vyas wrote:
Matthew was an incredible colleague, mentor, and friend. He truly modeled the importance of being dedicated, passionate, and sincere in everything he did and was an inspiration to all. We will miss you greatly.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:33 am | Permalink
John Prince wrote:
Sarah, we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers – may the Lord bless you and give you comfort at this terribly sad time.
With love and our deepest sympathies,
The Prince Family
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:35 am | Permalink
Sheena wrote:
I had the pleasure meeting Dr. Matt through the honor’s program… his class is the one I will never forget. He made everything feel like we were learning it for a purpose. I had never cared for art until his class where we read about different artists and as they became more human I began to see that each piece of artwork not only told a story, but had a story of how it came to be. When we took a class fieldtrip to the DIA I remember standing in front of “Venus in the Sunlight” by Frederick Carl Frieseke and I was speechless and gawking… I began to feel a little silly for feeling so passionate about a piece of work, and Matt told me not to feel silly, that this is exactly what he hoped would happen to us after taking his class. He was an amazing professor and I am glad that I had the chance to learn from him.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:54 am | Permalink
Shannan wrote:
I did not know Dr. Matt, but he obviously was dedicated to the U of M Flint, and for that I am grateful. I would like to express to his dear family and friends my deepest sympathy. GOD Bless.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 9:25 am | Permalink
Jim Anderson wrote:
I only knew Matt from his enthusiastic invitations to local cultural events sent through Facebook, from conversations with my daughter — one of his many students who admired and adored him — and from the quiet exchange of a smile and a nod as we passed one another in the hallway. It’s not much of a connection, but it’s enough to say that he was a community builder and a terrific teacher.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 9:35 am | Permalink
Jeff Fyke wrote:
I had Matt for French back in Fall 1997. He was a great professor and just a wonderful person in general.
He will be greatly missed.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 9:42 am | Permalink
Teddy Robertson wrote:
Mathieu brought joy to students, colleagues, everyone. His zest for life lifted us when we were with him. A small meteor across the space he traveled here. I see him now explaining with zany arm gestures and raised eyebrows just how he got translated to the stars. May it have been painless, cher Mathieu. Keep them joyous there and we will do our best to help out here—
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 9:52 am | Permalink
Caldwell's wrote:
We send our deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of a wonderful teacher and dedicated father. Even though we never met in person, we shared many conversations by phone during the visit of our mutual friend, Dennis Notenboom, of The Netherlands. Our prayers are lifted to God to watch over Matthew and especially his family who need comfort during this time of sadness. His memory will live on in the students he guided and taught. May God bless you all.
Robert and Adrian Caldwell, Tupelo, Mississippi
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 11:27 am | Permalink
keri jaggers wrote:
Words cannot express the deep sympathy I feel for Matt’s family. Matt’s son is friends with our son, and this is a shock for many. My prayers have been continuos for the whole family.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 11:43 am | Permalink
Kristen Males-Carl wrote:
I am a French major, so I had Matt for most of my classes at UMF. He was the most amazing person. He loved his students. He and I were so close–he even came to my wedding. I am going to miss him so much. I want to send my best to his wife and kids. Miss you Matt.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:21 pm | Permalink
Roberta M. Radovich wrote:
I had the opportunity to work with Matt formally for the first time last year. He helped EOI shape and conduct a component of the Student Leadership Conference we called the “Global Student Leadership Institute”. He joined us as a panel member and needless to say, he brought his “whole” self (as he always did) to an amazing conversation. We talked specifically about the importance of inspiring students to develop an “international personality” rather than simply just focusing on “internationalizing” our campus. Matt was one of those spirits, one of those scholars that each of us apsires to be like. With much respect and support to his family and friends…
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:23 pm | Permalink
Roberta M. Radovich wrote:
I had the opportunity to work with Matt formally for the first time last year. He helped EOI shape and conduct a component of the Student Leadership Conference we called the “Global Student Leadership Institute”. He joined us as a panel member and needless to say, he brought his “whole” self (as he always did) to an amazing conversation. We talked specifically about the importance of inspiring students to develop an “international personality” rather than simply just focusing on “internationalizing” our campus. Matt was one of those spirits, one of those scholars that each of us aspires to be like. With much respect and support to his family and friends…
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:25 pm | Permalink
Chris Waters wrote:
I don’t know where to begin or end this message about my dear friend Matthew. I met him when he first arrived, ABD, at UM-Flint. He was 28 and a wild man, much as he was just two days ago until the end. There are all sorts of appropriate adjectives to throw around when describing Matt and some good ones are Brilliant, hysterically funny, witty, ENERGETIC, and oh so loving. He loved his kids so much and understood them so well partly because he never really stopped being a kid in the important ways and so he understood. He loved his students, even the ones who weren’t such good students and he made them better. He truly understood his colleagues and yes, he loved them too even when they were not acting in very lovable ways. I will remember all of that about Matt but most of all I will remember him as an incessant tease! When his son Alexander was was little and going through a shy period Matt brought him into my office one day and the kid burst into tears. You can imagine the years worth of material he had out of that. But even more than that I will remember Montreal with Matt and the rest of the crew. Montreal was Matt’s city and he made it ours too. I have no French and of course Matt teased me about that. On the final day of volunteering we were working with children and in a circle exchanging introductions. I introduced myself in French. Under his breath Matt corrected my pronunciation. He couldn’t help himself. That was Matt, I loved him.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 12:38 pm | Permalink
Jonathan wrote:
The world lost a great man today, yet no one will ever know it.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Kimberly Princing wrote:
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of this wonderful educator. Dr. Mathieu had a passion for the beauty of the French language and greatly inspired his students. He was a rare teacher who will be deeply and sorely missed. My most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and those who loved him.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 1:44 pm | Permalink
Stacey wrote:
I will never forget how Dr. Matt embraced his students with the power of his teaching. Students like me who had trouble learning a foreign language found it much easier to learn with his teaching because he made it fun and he was enthusiastic about teaching. You could always tell that what he loved the most, teaching. My prayers are with the family and his children during this sad moment and I will never fail to remember Dr. Matt.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 2:16 pm | Permalink
Nate wrote:
Those of us who were blessed to know Dr. Matt will never forget him. He was an inspiration and a source of joy. He made it fun to learn. It was a privilege to have known him.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 2:29 pm | Permalink
Randy Freeman wrote:
My heart goes out to the family. I remember, as so many do, the great energy Dr. Hilton-Watson lived and shared with others. What a wonderful person he was.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 2:57 pm | Permalink
Brian Kettler wrote:
Wow, what a sad sad loss. Matt was a great professor who absolutely loved being involved with his students. I am truly saddened to hear of this terrible news. Matt would almost do anything for his students, he wrote me a letter of recommendation WHILE ON VACATION. Overall I believe I had Matt for 5 classes, he was the one who convinced me to get my French minor. I did not ever get the chance to meet his wife or kids but we are all sending you warm thoughts and you will be in our prayers. Matt, you will be greatly missed, RIP.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 3:05 pm | Permalink
Jennifer Hogan wrote:
Matt was a larger than life personality, but I will always remember the very small, simple things that he did. I remember he once asked me about my Blackberry because he wanted one so he could keep up all his correspondence with his students. I also remember his help with the Cultural Center Invasion last fall as part of the Welcome Week Activities. Matt was so proud of the fact that he had gotten us a great deal on the food from Panera Bread. He also lead students through the Cultural Center, tell them they needed to go to these wonderful places and enjoy them. But the memory I can’t get out of my head is cleaning up from that event. It was a beautiful September day, and we were gathering up blankets on the lawn of the Flint Institute of Arts. Matt, Sarah and the kids were all there, laughing and folding blankets. I remember thinking to myself, “What a great family.”
Matt, thank you for all you did to make our campus and community better. My thoughts are with Sarah and the children and the rest of your extended family. I am privileged to have known you.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 4:47 pm | Permalink
Nadine Badmann wrote:
My first class ever, as a scared 17-year young college freshman, was Matt’s FRN 309. I was so scared about how difficult this all would be, and how I was in over my head, that I skipped the first class, opting instead to be sick to my stomach with fear. When I finally showed up for the second class, Matt arrived and I thought he was a Teacher’s Assistant because he didn’t use his last name or title. He was so laid back and super-friendly that I was waiting for the professor to walk in the door at any moment. Needless to say, I waited all the way until graduation a few years later.
I have since moved to Paris, France. Matt is in part the reason why I can communicate here. Many people have complimented me on how well I can speak French, having gotten married and had a child here, all ‘en français’. I don’t think Matt had any idea how much he had impacted my life, and how grateful to him I was for this. I had just contacted him again in the last several weeks. Little did I know how short his time was.
I am so sad for Sarah and the kids. I hope they can find any comfort in the many, many people who are sending their most heart-felt thoughts to them.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 4:53 pm | Permalink
Jared Degeneffe wrote:
Dr. Matt was a wonderful man and a wonderful teacher. He loved his family very deeply, and always had time to share his life experiences with the class. I loved his wooden spoons! He was always upbeat and through his natural humor, he always had the class begging for more. He was an inspiration to me and I will thank him eternally for the wonderful experience I had in his class. My condolences to his family, Alex, Sarah, and Catharine, and may he RIP. Goodbye to a GREAT MAN!
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 6:33 pm | Permalink
Tyeisha Cox wrote:
Dr. Matt is a great example of what education is all about. In the short time that I have known him, he has been nothing less than phenomenal. He is the best professor I have met since I started school last August. Dr. Matt taught to his students, not at them. His passion to educate his students motivated him, not his paycheck. As cliché as it may sound, he made learning fun. The lessons we learned from him are invaluable. Each day we crossed the threshold into class, we learned something to broaden our in-class knowledge, but he did not limit himself to that. Dr. Matt oftentimes gave us lessons that we could take outside of the classroom. Many instructors strive to implement that kind of bilateral teaching, but only few succeed. Dr. Matt was definitely a success at it. He always found a way to make us laugh. I knew that if ever I was sad on a Monday or Wednesday, I could just go to class, and he would make the sun shine. His work did not start nor stop in the classroom because Dr. Matt was always available. He was always involved in something. The alternative spring break trip to Montreal, or his presentations at the Planetarium, Dr. Matt was always busy. It is an honor to say that I knew him, even if it was only for a little over two months. The opportunity to work with such a great professor, the changes he has caused, is insurmountable. I remember the first day of class when he walked in; I instantly felt a sense of tranquility. Dr. Matt brings so much peace with him, be it through his humor or just his demeanor. The experience that I had with him is something that I will always cherish. Best of wishes and love to the Hilton-Watson family, Dr. Matt’s Wolverine family, and to all of those he connected with over the years.
God Bless
~Rest in Peace Dr. Mathew Hilton-Watson~
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 6:42 pm | Permalink
Rawan wrote:
One of the best teachers I’ve ever had!
you will always be remembered .. R.I.P
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 6:43 pm | Permalink
Jenn& Josie Curtis wrote:
Dear Alex,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister and Mom. We can’t wait for you to come back to school and see your “random dancing”.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 6:45 pm | Permalink
Andrew wrote:
I’ve had a lot of teachers in my life so far, many who’s names and classes I struggle to remember.
That is certainly not the case with Matt.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 7:20 pm | Permalink
Sydnee Adams wrote:
I can still remember the Honor’s Scholarship Competition when we went into a classroom and Dr. Matt spoke to us as a group giving us information about the school and the program. At the time I thought if all of my professors were like him, this was definitely the school I wanted to come to. He was so alive and happy and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. When I found out that he was going to be our teacher in the winter semester, I knew it was going to be be a fun class and it was. He was my favorite professor and he took his time to get to know every student. After having honor’s with him, I had a French class with him in the spring that I was very glad to have taken, considering I am not a fan of foreign language. Even being in his french class this semester was a joy and his love for the language and culture was infectious. He helped me learn things in a different way that was helpful, but still fun. I looked up to him as a teacher and a role model and I am very sorry that I will not be able to see him walking quickly and talking loudly down the halls or skip into the classroom excited to share new information.
I will always remember him and everything he taught me in French and in Honors. My thoughts go to Sarah and their children and I want you to know that I thought he was a wonderful professor and a great person.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 7:26 pm | Permalink
Shannon Jacobs wrote:
Dr. Matt was by far my favorite professor and made class so enjoyable! Some of the topics that we discussed in HONORS 156 were so boring but Dr. Matt made them interesting and he had a passion for teaching. He had an AMAZING personality and I always found myself laughing in his class! I will never forget the first day I ever had him in class, we had to draw a big star on our paper since he said we were all “superstars” and describe ourselves so he could get to know all of us better! This shows that Dr. Matt was not only a professor but someone who cared about his students. I was so lucky to have had Dr. Matt for a professor and get to know him! He will be greatly missed and my prayers go out to Sarah Hilton-Watson and his children!
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 7:28 pm | Permalink
Christina wrote:
I will miss seeing him bouncing along the halls in French Hall and seeing his friendly face when I would literally bump into him as he was rushing off somewhere at the speed-of-Matt.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 7:48 pm | Permalink
Elizabeth Houbeck wrote:
Dr. Matt, you were hilarious and I actually liked being in class when you were teaching. French 212 won’t be the same without you. I will keep your family in my prayers and will always remember you as the most entertaining teacher I’ve ever had. Thanks for everything.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 7:53 pm | Permalink
Matthew Schultz wrote:
To have had Dr. Matt as one of my first professors coming to the university level was a true privilege. He was an individual that truly represented the university and its ideals, and really showed how enjoyable class can be. I have never experienced such an animated educator such as him, his personality is what put him in a league of his own. I look back at my short time with him as my professor as one of the most prominent in my educational career. He will be sorely missed.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:12 pm | Permalink
Beth LeBlanc wrote:
Dr. Matt filled every class with laughter, excitement, and energy. But I will remember him most because he made every single student feel like they were someone important. A lot of people have commented about this, saying that Dr. Matt called us his superstars and that we were as good as it gets in terms of students. . On Monday, in HON 156, Dr. Matt told us that we were the “intellectual elite of Flint”.I actually think that Dr. Matt told this to all of his classes, butit says a lot about him, that even in his last hour he was building people up. His positive outlook on life and his hilarious classes made everyone around him smile. We are going to miss you a lot Dr. Matt! My condolences to Sarah, Alex, and Catherine.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:12 pm | Permalink
Ayla wrote:
Dr. Matt was definitely my favorite professor I have ever had. He was so hyper and energetic while teaching that it was impossible not to be interested in what he was saying. I was always so excited to attend any event where he would be present. He was just the life of the party. He told me he liked my belt once and it made my day, so much is my respect for him. My prayers are with Sarah and the children. He will be greatly missed.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 8:15 pm | Permalink
Sandra Alberto wrote:
I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Matt. I can’t even count the number of funny stories that come to mind because of him. His wit and brillance combined to make one awesome professor and friend. When he set foot on campus you could literally feel it — his incredible energy. Nothing he did was for selfish reasons — it was all for the betterment of the university and to help students be successful. Our campus will never be the same.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah, Alexander & Katherine, and all those who knew and loved him. I miss him so.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 9:55 pm | Permalink
Mark Csapo wrote:
As his neighbor, I never realized how many lives Matt actually touched at UM-Flint and around the world.
The Matt I saw everyday was the one who RAN the 30 feet from his front door to his car, flailing his arms, slamming the car into gear and buzzing out of his driveway seemingly without hitting the brakes. It seems appropriate because Matt was always in high gear.
There are also the wacky memories I’m going to have of Matt: him constantly spying on me from his living room window; the “chaos” with the dead deer in his backyard; the trip to the emergency room with his cut finger that required one stitch (one stitch!); the problem with raccoons nesting in his chimney; and the fact that I don’t think I ever saw him mow the grass or shovel the driveway (Sarah is awesome!).
There are also the touching memories: Matt always inviting me to his planned functions with UM-Flint, even though I have no connection there; walking to get our kids from elementary school; his random phones calls about nothing in particular; and him lending me a hand in a possible job search in this tough economy.
Who am I going to tease now? Who am I going to affectionately call “Dr. Flotsam-Jetsam”?
I always knew Matt was a good neighbor. But more importantly, he was a good friend.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 10:33 pm | Permalink
Rachel Hagen wrote:
I will never forget Dr. Hilton-Watson. His honors class was an amazing course and I cannot begin to imagine how the enormous gap left by his passing will be filled. The days were filled with crazy videos, fun filled antics and jokes followed by great discussions of interesting literature. I know that he will be missed and I have not stopped thinking about his family and close friends. I will keep them in my thoughts.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 10:36 pm | Permalink
Nathan Oaklander wrote:
Matt’s death is a tragic loss. Now that he is gone, I am sorry that I did not know him better. I did know him well enough to say, however, that he was a good man with wit and charm. He was loved by many and will be missed by many.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.
Posted on 18-Mar-09 at 10:50 pm | Permalink
Katie Welch wrote:
One of my first memories of Matt is when he was teaching my French 111 class vocabulary words and trying to come up with different actions by which to remember them. We were learning “un tapis”, so Dr. Matt said, “Ok, when you see this word on the test, just think of tap-dancing, because you tap-dance on a rug, and you’ll remember un tapis!” He then proceeded to demonstrate tap-dancing on an imaginary rug in front of the class so that we would have a visual, sending the class into a cascade of giggles. I will never forget the French word for rug. At the time I was thinking, Yeah, this semester is going to be a blast, I just know it.
That was in the fall. Over spring break, I went on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Montreal with Matt. He was so excited to show us around Old Montreal on the first day, beaming as he led the line of us like a proud mother duck. After we returned to Michigan I stopped by his office to return something and chat, but he was out sick that day, so I didn’t get the chance to see him.
Monday evening, when I heard what happened to Matt, I went into shock. I didn’t understand how it could have happened, how a person like Matt could be here one second gracing us with his amazing presence and then gone the next. But after a few days of thinking about it, I realized that I was mistaken.
Dr. Matt did not leave us. He is still here, just as real as the French words I speak that I learned first from him, as real as the crinkle that comes to my lips when I look at pictures of his goofy grin, as real as the map sitting on my kitchen table that he bought me in Montreal so that I wouldn’t get lost in his favorite city. Matt’s spirit, his memory, all the plans he set into motion and the things he did for us… they’re still at work.
Everywhere I’ve turned in these past few days I’ve found people whom I never would have suspected who knew Matt. I’ve heard their stories and listened to silly things and also bits of wisdom he said to all these different people. I discovered that Matt is still teaching me to how to laugh, cry, love, and live. He’s reminding me to be joyful even in this time of mourning. I’m joyful because God gave us the gift of Matt’s life. And that gift will keep giving; the wrapping paper is just of a different design.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 1:05 am | Permalink
Sara Rasnake Devlin wrote:
My last memory of Matt is — to the best of my recollection — from his wedding. And I’m so angry about that. Over the years, I “looked for” Matt, but never found him. The stupid reason probably is that I forgot he took Sarah’s last name and became Matt Hilton-Watson instead of the Matt Watson that I knew and loved. Why did I forget that? It was SO his character.
Matt and I studied French together at the University of Kentucky. To this day I’m convinced that one of the reasons that I never did a Phd in French is because I knew that I could never compare with Matt. He was amazing… he was an intellectual powerhouse and he knew how to explain so that others could understand. I’m actually shocked that he didn’t end up teaching French at Harvard or Princeton or Yale… that’s what I always expected….
I’m so angry right now that I’m finding it hard to breathe. You know how there are those people… the ones that you always wanted to find again from earlier periods of your life, but you couldn’t — at least until Facebook? I’m reading all the Facebook references and thinking… just three days ago…. why didn’t I find him just three days ago…..
Sarah, if you read this, and if you ever feel like being a friend with another Sara who will always hate herself for losing touch with Matt… you can find me on Facebook. I’m crying for you and for the children and for us all. Bless your special family and know that if anyone can send down rays of love from beyond, Matt can.
I wish you strength, I wish you a network of family and friends to care, and I wish you a happy ending.
With much love for my old friend,
SARA
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 8:09 am | Permalink
Marta Wyngaard wrote:
Matt dreamed of a Flint full of foreign students walking around town, and I dreamed of a Mott Park neighborhood full of professors like Matt walking around and giving it a character of “the irreverent place to be where you could have a good laugh and a good life together at the same time in a great neighborhood.”
We dreamed that some day we will bring a Fringe festival to Mott Park, the Cultural Center, and Downtown Flint. Could you imagine…?
There is a lot of work to be done in Flint; and yet when the frustrating slow pace of progress and the maddening of investing more buildings with the fantasy of a university town without the essence of caring for the students- the soul of our reinventing economy in this aging city; I would talk to him and he would have funny comments, but with a serious commitment that yes, we can do it; yes, there is an option; yes, let me help you.
Our lives cross intermittently thru the lives of our children Alex and Omid who attend the Flint Youth Theater and the summer programs at the University of Michigan;
Matt like the rabbit of Alice in Wonderland will be running from one place to another meeting people and making things happen, and I will catch five minutes of him between the phone conversations and our picking up the kids. He will always give me some ideas and suggestions.
I look at him as a mentor and a transformer of energy, and with his theatrical way of life I know that the dramatic part of the “Four Weddings and a Funeral: After the Funeral, With W. H. Auden Poem will fit him perfectly…
Funeral Blues
Stop all the clocks,
cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin,
let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message ‘He is Dead’.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
…I hope his memory show us that touching the lives of students and the youth in Flint can move mountain and could prove wrong the Spanish phrase “Una Paloma no hace el verano,” for a dove indeed can make summer.
Marta Wyngaard-Tavakoli
President Mott Park Neighborhood Association
And mother of Omid and Arezu
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 9:15 am | Permalink
J. Michael Cates wrote:
Dr. Matt was an inspiring professor. Although I never could appreciate French litterature as he did, he strived to share his love with his students. My most favorable memory is when we went to Ann Arbor and the Michigan Theatre to watch “Un long dimanche de fiançailles” and then went to this wonderful Vegeterian restaurant.
From trips in Michigan, to trips to Montreal, Dr. Matt shared his love of language and culture and I appreciate it more than I ever knew I would.
J. Michael Cates
SPC, USA
Healthcare Specialist
“Je me souviens toujours. Je vous manquerai toujours. Vous pouvez avoir de nombreux professeurs, mais peu de mentors. M. Matthew Hilton-Watson (1968-2009).”
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 9:51 am | Permalink
Searles Family wrote:
Dear Sarah, Alex and Katheryn; Parents of Matt and Sarah,
We go through life meeting so many people and everyone of them touch our lives for one reason or another. Your Matt touched so many lives. Our heart goes out to his family, close friends and all those he came in contact with.
Fondly,
The Searles Family
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 10:06 am | Permalink
Sara Mason wrote:
My memories of Matt date back to elementary school. As a grown-up, he looks like the same kid he always was with tons of energy and goodwill toward everyone. It makes perfect sense that he became such a successful and beloved professor and scholar. What a tragedy that he was taken so young. Matt will always be remembered fondly by all of us old friends. My sincere condolences to the family…
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 10:09 am | Permalink
Gail Todd wrote:
I only knew Matt and Sarah through their neighbor, Mark, but what I did know I liked very much. Matt would stop by sometimes when I was over at Mark’s and I always enjoyed our conversations. I could tell instantly how much he loved his work. What a nice guy and caring neighbor. I thought at times he felt empathy for me knowing I also was a recipient of Mark’s clever jokes. I was glad to know him even for a short time. He will be missed.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 11:04 am | Permalink
Pam Peasel wrote:
Matt was a phenomenal teacher and such a wonderful person at heart. Looking back at all the French language and literature courses I had taken with him, I am remembering why I chose the profession of a teaching French. His energy, enthusiasm, and love for his students was so inspiring! He not only desired for each to succeed but also believed in each of us! Thank you Matt! My prayers are with you and your family!
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 11:12 am | Permalink
Lisa Hitch wrote:
I had the pleasure of taking a class with Matt during my B.A I recently finsihed my M.A and he inspired me to continue my education. His passion and dedication to his students was amazing. He truly represented our university. He guided me with a learning disability that I was not aware of, but he was. Because of him I was able to achieve my goals. My thought and prayers go out to his family.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 12:35 pm | Permalink
Todd Butler wrote:
Dr. Matt Hilton-Watson was a great professor. His love for teaching was evident in the atmosphere that he brought to his students. Not only were his classes interesting, but he was quite a character himself. I still remember him embodying the character of Claude in “The Masterpiece”. Matt was someone who you had to like, and he kept you engaged no matter what he was talking about. I will miss you Matt and give my deepest sympathy to your family for their loss.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 1:11 pm | Permalink
Adam Zettel wrote:
I struggle to write anything worthy of Dr. Matt. I suppose that is best way to express the enormity of the loss that our community shares. His depth of feeling, understanding and expression truly was without a match. I found him to be one of the few people to really be able to take in the world around him and turn it around so that it was a better place.
I shall never forget the way he spoke to us during the events of September 11, 2001. It is with the greatest of empathy that I wish the best to his closer friends and family.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 1:14 pm | Permalink
Melissa Turner wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of my favorite professors. He was so enthusiastic and I never thought anyone could make reading Zola’s “The Masterpiece” exciting but he managed to do just that. I looked forward to his classes every week and while I hated the books we had to read, I loved his classes. His teaching even made me consider taking a French class, even though I never had a desire to take French before. He will be sorely missed and I wish I had had the time to take another class with him. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 1:40 pm | Permalink
Mariam wrote:
Dr. Matt was so full of life and energy. He made class enjoyable and I was always
laughing at his stories or just how he hilariously he explained things. He was very helpful, compassionate, and amusing at the same time. He made honors memorable. My thoughts are with Sarah and his kids. You will not be forgotten Dr. Matt
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 2:25 pm | Permalink
Krissy Welch wrote:
Flint Journal writer Beata Mostafavi had it right when she wrote that “Matt dared to dream.” He didn’t just think outside the box, he didn’t have a box! What other people thought of as barriers he thought of as temporary challenges. Among other Michigan-French-Canadian ties he created, it was Matt’s dreaming that brought me to Montreal with fellow students and staff over this past spring break to volunteer and take in the French atmosphere.
It was Matt’s infectious love of French and learning that got me so excited about this language. Before I took his class, I had never spoken a second language. But now I’m thinking of minoring in French because I was so inspired by Dr. Matt!
When people look back on who made a big impact on their early lives, therefore positively altering the path of their entire lives, most people remember a few special teachers. Dr. Matt was one of the greatest I’ve ever had, and I feel blessed to have known him for the short while that I did.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 2:42 pm | Permalink
chaquiato wrote:
Dr. Matthew Hilton-watson was a great professor. He had the most bubbless personalality of anyone I knew. He made learning a forgeign languae fun. I will never forget the time that he taught my spanish class. I always made the class laugh no matter how bad of a day you may of have been having. Matt was the type of professor that everyone loved and now that he is no longer with us he is truly missed:( My thoughts and prayers are with the Hilton-Watson family.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 7:09 pm | Permalink
Caitlin McCarthy wrote:
Despite only knowing Dr. Matt for this past semester, he has influenced me in so many ways. I would love to live my life and love my work as much as Dr. Matt did. He shared his passion with us everyday in class and shared it in such a unique way that I will never forget. I still remember the day before my first Honors 156 class and pondering what my other professor, Dr. Hilton-Watson, would be like. I honestly expected an elederly British gentleman, with a harvard degree and a pompous air wearing an itchy wool suit and terrible tie. However,I was greeted by a rather lean, petite man with a southern accent, which he admitted was totally “Red-Neck”, and a neon orange lunch pail with his name scribbled on the front in Sharpie as you would expect of an elemntary student. From then on there was no way I would ever forget Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson, but decided that “Dr. Matt” fit his personality perfectly. After the memorable meeting, there were only more funny memories to come in class and in emails or passes in the halls. I took French in high school and traveled to Paris but forgot how much I loved the language until I met Dr. Matt who gave me back the passion to study French again. Thanks to Dr. Matt I am thinking about minoring in French and really impressing those Med schools with my passion for my future career. I can only hope that I will be as passionate as Dr. Matt was and that I can better or change even just one person’s life the way he changed so many. I’ll miss you Dr. Matt and saying Dijbouti with you because it is such a funny word. My prayers are with Dr. Matt and his family. We all love you!
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 8:01 pm | Permalink
Aimi wrote:
Our beloved Matthieu (spelling from a cherished Jean-Marc/Matt moment):
First: Matt, the husband: He adored Sarah. I so enjoyed listening to him adore his beautiful and amazingly brilliant wife. The University is lucky to have Sarah. She is a cherished member of our community.
Next: Matt, the daddy: All that he embodied shines through two incredible children. I would live a lifetime waiting to have a dad like Matt. You did it Matt. You really, really did it. They are “da bomb” (wording from a cherished Matt moment).
Next: Matt, the professor: He exemplified the academy and all that it stands for. He was completely committed to his students and to the art of life and learning. There is no single person that could ever, ever keep up with him in this regard. I once heard a speaker (Chip Anderson) that challenged all people in higher education to treat each student as if we loved them. Matt absolutely did that, every day and every time – because he did love them.
Next: Matt, the friend: Every once in a great, great while you meet one that you would consider a “best” one. He was that for me. I will never, ever, ever forget my friend. I am better because of him. My life will never be the same. Tru dat? Yes, My Eternal Friend – Tru dat! (wording from many, many cherished Matt moments).
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 9:28 pm | Permalink
Don & Brenda Koertge wrote:
Sarah, Alex & Katheryn; Parents of Matt and Sarah,
We did not personally know Matt well, but based on this long list of loving tributes, it seems he was a great leader, father and husband.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you in this very difficult time. We pray that God, in his grace, will hold your hand, and give you strength, courage and peace.
Don & Brenda Koertge
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 9:28 pm | Permalink
Valerie Bordner wrote:
Matt was my neighbor for seven years and by all accounts I can not say I knew him like his students and peers. I had no idea how many lives he had touched and inspired. All I knew was the Matt that raced down the road trying to get his son to school on time and once he got there put his hazzard lights on to drop him off!! The Matt that would push his then baby girl in her stroller on warm summer nights… who doesn’t adore the sight of a dad with his daughter?! The good neighbor to Mark….if I visited Mark too long (which were mere minutes) Matt would be calling to act as if he needed his expertise on something right that moment just to get rid of me!! A seemingly unique individual he was, I only wish I would’ve taken more time to get to know him better. May his memory live on through all those who knew him best.
Posted on 19-Mar-09 at 10:59 pm | Permalink
Lauren Taylor wrote:
I have never known anyone who possessed the same energy, charisma, and all-around spectacularness that Matt did. He has inspired me in more ways than one can count or ever know, for that I thank him from the very bottom of my heart. My life has been forever altered by his terrific influence, and I am so thankful that I got to know him as I did. I think he is truly the most amazing person the world has ever seen and the world’s light has gotten dimmer since he left. My thoughts are with his beautiful, wonderful family. I am grateful that I have memories of his classes, other random meetings or get-togethers, but most importantly of Montreal.
Posted on 20-Mar-09 at 11:32 am | Permalink
Imane Hakam wrote:
Matt, cher ami, collègue, petit frère,
Je t’écris en français parce que c’est la langue que nous parlions ensemble, que nous avons enseignée ensemble avec passion et pour laquelle tu as déployé tant d’énergie. Pendant des années nous avons partagé, au quotidien, l’amitié, le travail, les joies et les peines, les succès et les soucis, les nôtres comme ceux de nos familles, ceux de nos étudiants comme ceux de notre département. Nous avons fait très bonne équipe et nous nous complétions si bien! Nous avons formulé des rêves et formé des projets. Ensemble, nous avons toujours travaillé à les réaliser et nous y avons souvent réussi. Tu n’as pas pu pourtant tenir la promesse de vieillir ensemble au département des langues étrangères. Tu t’en souviens? Tu es parti beaucoup trop tôt! Et tu me laisses une montagne de souvenirs. Ami, collègue, petit frère, une part de moi s’en va avec toi. Une part de toi vivra toujours en moi.
Posted on 20-Mar-09 at 11:48 am | Permalink
Samantha wrote:
Words cannot possibly describe Dr. Matt’s dedication to both his students and his teachings. Every day, our lectures were filled with enthusiasm as he encompassed his entire class in the discussion and made sure that no minute was left without students smiling. Dr. Matt was never hesitant to discuss his family, and though his words, it was clear how dearly he loved them. I was honored to have Dr. Matt as both a professor and as a role model. He will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.
Posted on 20-Mar-09 at 1:34 pm | Permalink
David and Vick Koert wrote:
Sara, Alex, and Catherine,
Our hearts ache for you at this horrible time. Please know that you are in our constant prayers, but we know you understand that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Sara, you are strong and brave. Let those who can help you through this difficult time be there for you. One thing we will always remember about your wedding is that you had the “Best Dog”. All dressed up in her fancy bow for your wedding. How we laughed! How many men would be willing and love someone so much as to add her name to his and share it with two wonderful children. What a tribute to your family!
Love and prayers
David and Vick Koertge
Posted on 20-Mar-09 at 5:17 pm | Permalink
Fallon wrote:
I have never had the honor of Matt’s presence, but only the communication with him via e-mail. Even through e-mail everybody’s perception of him holds true as he was very knowledgeable. That is very much appreciated in a professor and i know he will be greatly missed. I send my condolences to him family. I’m sorry for your loss, but it is imperative to stay strong and keep with you how much he is loved and respected. He was a rarity to the college community and memories of him will continue on.
Posted on 20-Mar-09 at 10:16 pm | Permalink
Marcy Sheldon wrote:
Your ability to squeeze French culture so tightly that diamonds and laughter pop out astounds me. In the years since graduation I guard the memories of each poem we dissected and pressed, hoarding them like precious stones they are. Lamartine and his depressing lake, Proust and his tea and madeleines. The drunken boat and Baudelaire’s love poems to beauty. Tristian Tzara remains one of my favorites, Chanson Dada ringing in my years. But none so heavy with value as Guillaume Appolinaire’s Pont Mirabeau… the refrain “Les jours s’en vont. Je demeure…” I can still hear your voice from that night at the Planetarium, reading it to us under the stars. With me now are galaxy-sized memories, gargantuan laughs, and my heart and soul just might burst from the happiness I feel whenever I think of you and what I have because of you. Thank you for everything.
Posted on 21-Mar-09 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
Doug Cook wrote:
Dr. Matt was a good man, and it was an honor and a great pleasure to learn from him. He inspired all of his students to explore alternative languages and cultures, and to discover the diversity in the world around them. In this moment, we need more people like him. I will keep the language, and the spirit of exploration he imparted in his teaching, with me always.
Merci, Mathieu. Nous tu manqueras beaucoup. C’est vrai…tu es parti trop tot.
Posted on 21-Mar-09 at 1:55 pm | Permalink
Danielle Oland wrote:
Words can not explain the deepest condolenscenes. Dr. Hilton-Watson helped me aquire a much needed foreign language requirement years ago, however he was such a wonderful professor that I never forgot his name or face. He made impressions that left a legacy.
I know there are no words that make it any easier to deal with. I know because I too lost my husband unexpectedly, to undetected health conditions, at the age of thirty. My truest, deepest, most genuine thoughts and prayers are with you every time I speak with God. May you find comfort with your friends and family.
Posted on 21-Mar-09 at 11:06 pm | Permalink
Kasey Cronin wrote:
As Alexander’s Principal, I enjoyed many interactions with Matt. In some cases it was on a daily basis. We were fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of his commitment to cultural exchange. Due to Matt’s efforts, the students were able to enjoy the music of French Canadians and learn about their culture. On a personal basis, I was the beneficiary of daily laughs from conversations or email messages from Matt, having my house full of individuals from a variety of backgrounds (which was great fun), and spending quality moments with the Hilton-Watson family (Matt, Alex, and Katherine would also stop by the school on the weekends when they saw me working… I will cherish those encounters). Through the years, Matt taught me about the importance of sharing the world with children. His passion, humor, kindness, and daily comedy relief will be missed. There has never been and will never be another individual like Matt. I will miss you Matt but please know that the Springview community will take care of Sara, Alex, and Katherine.
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 8:49 am | Permalink
Jean Lamarre wrote:
I am still in shock. My first thoughts go to Sarah and the children. I hope that you will find the strength to get through this.Matt was so inspiring. He always had full of projects and had the determination to realize them. Humanist, brilliant, with a high sense of humour, I will never forget him.
A salute to the greatest American francophile ever.
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 9:53 am | Permalink
Jennifer Ross wrote:
Dr. Matt,
You “shone out brighter than all the rest”. I have never had a professor so devoted to what he taught, so excited about the subject, and so fun to be around. You “were pulsating with life” and you brought “sunlight, open air, something bright and fresh” to the classroom. I will never forget how much fun we had learning about Impressionism and making fun of Claude in The Masterpiece. Remembering you and your hilarious antics still makes me laugh. You “put life into things and life into men”. No matter how much pain my fibromyalgia gave me or how sad I was, you could always make me laugh. Being in class with you turned the day around and made the sun shine even on a cloudy day. Thank you for everything – I was truly blessed by your presence.
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 11:49 am | Permalink
Diane Kincaid wrote:
Matt and I shared an office at the University of KY when he was working on his MA. I remember him as one of the funniest people I ever knew. Our nickname for each other was “Bob”. Long story there, but if you knew his sense of humor, you’d understand:) All my sympathy and prayers go to his family and children. Bob, you were one of a kind!
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 3:48 pm | Permalink
Shayna Pichette wrote:
Every since the first day of class, when he enthusiastically gave us all his business card, I knew that Dr. Matt was a unique teacher. He was enthusiastic and energetic and had an amazing connection with his students. There are teachers who instruct students on what to think and there are teachers who show them how to live. Even in the short time I knew him, Dr. Matt seemed to be more of a mentor than an instructor. He sincerely cared about us, and the way he allowed us into his life was incredible. I will never forget his passion for literature and the exuberance with which he lived.
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 6:42 pm | Permalink
Jessica Balanowski wrote:
Dr. Matt was hands down my favorite professor. He made class so incredibly fun because he was so vivacious and truly passionate about sharing his knowledge. I honestly believe that Dr. Matt was one of a kind and that the world will never see another amazing person such as he. He will be forever missed and the world seems like a darker place without him.
We love you Dr. Matt!
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 10:02 pm | Permalink
Zack wrote:
Dr. Matt was one of the most interesting and fun teachers that I have ever had. He will never be replaced.
Posted on 22-Mar-09 at 10:31 pm | Permalink
Chris wrote:
Words just cannot describe Dr. Matt. He always came to class with a smile on his face despite the aches and pains that he had that day. His outgoing and enthusiastic nature was contagious to everyone around him. He was one of those people who always put a smile on your face whenever you saw him. However, it was his kindness and unselfishness that impressed me the most. On multiple occasions he took time out of his busy schedule to come and speak to our honors living and learning community about the study abroad program. He also lead a week long trip to Montreal in order to do community service with a bunch of students. Dr. Matt would go to the nth degree to help anyone and everyone. I will never forget him for the great man that he was. He always was and always will be my favorite professor.
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 12:45 pm | Permalink
Lori Vedder wrote:
Matthew,
Your departure has left a void, an absence now felt on this campus that can never be filled. A standard was set by you, a mark of excellence in teaching, friendship and family. Yes time will heal and only fond memories will remain for those left behind…believe me, everyone has a Matthew Hilton-Watson story to share! Thank you Matthew for the collegiateness and laughter you shared with me upon each encounter. I am truly blessed to have known you!
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 2:41 pm | Permalink
Ahmad Dandachi wrote:
Although I did not know Dr. Matt as well as others, it was easy to see what a great person he was. During the brief time that Dr. Matt was my professor I quickly learned that he had a passion for teaching. Not only did he have a passion for teaching but he taught in a very interesting and unique way. He was an incredible member of the community and great mentor to students. Dr. Matt will be missed.
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 3:21 pm | Permalink
Todd Beard wrote:
Matt taught me more than just the subject matter he was hired to teach. He taught me about passionate, committment, and having fun. He went to the hospital with me in Quebec City, when I was afraid. He encouraged me to embrace my education, and he will always be an inspiration to how I teach.
“Je me souviens”
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 5:48 pm | Permalink
Adriana wrote:
Dr. Matt was an influence to all and will be greatly missed. Words cannot express the sadness felt by those who were embraced by his presence. May heaven be as sweet to him as he was to us on earth.
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 5:49 pm | Permalink
Marvin Diem wrote:
Matt, I don’t even know how to start. I can’t express the joy I got from hanging out with you. How you used to encourage Catherine’s hesitation when she was scared of me. Or at the Quebec anniversary party, I was drunk, reading French with Spanish accentuation on the words and you said “oh my god, I think my ears are bleeding!” When you and Sarah were talking about me in the third person while I was sitting at the table, like I wasn’t there! But, I think the best of all was when you’d call me, excited, and tell me about finding some new cultural gem to share with Springview, U of M or the city of Flint at large.
Matt, you were a friend, a brother and I miss you terribly.
Love, Marvin
Posted on 23-Mar-09 at 6:34 pm | Permalink
Guluma Gemeda wrote:
Matt is a dear colleague who loved teaching and always cared a lot about students. For me it is still difficult to beleive that he is not with us any more. I pray for his children and family during this very difficult time.
Posted on 24-Mar-09 at 2:53 pm | Permalink
williams wrote:
So sorry to the family of Matt Hilton Watson We did not know Matt and only met hime once. Once was an honor. Our daughter Emily was invited to the honors competition this year and met Matt there. We knew after a few minutes that if Emily were able to have him as a professor she would learn lots in a wonderful way. We were concerned about the support she would get from professors but in meeting Matt our decision was made that she would get what she needed. Several speakers and professors impressed us but we knew Matt was just what Emily would need, someone to make it fun and help her relax. We are so selfishly sorry that we weren’t able to have him as part of Emily’s college adventure. More importantly our hearts go out to his family. We live here in Flushing and did’nt even know the family until we met Matt at UofM. You were so lucky and still what an angel you will have watch over you. God Bless
Posted on 25-Mar-09 at 1:51 pm | Permalink
Alicia Hopkins wrote:
I took Dr. Matt’s french classes and found him to be an intelligent, funny and very caring human being. I always liked to here his stories about the french culture, his trips to France, and his funny stories about his wife and children. He was an exceptional professor and I always loved coming to his class. I have since moved away from Flint and just found out about his tragic death. My heart goes out to his wife and children. He was a huge asset to U of M and he will be missed terribly.
Posted on 25-Mar-09 at 2:51 pm | Permalink
Roz Ivey Education wrote:
Dr. Matt will truly be missed by all.
Posted on 25-Mar-09 at 4:58 pm | Permalink
Christina Spencer wrote:
I was truly blessed in having had wonderful French teachers, throughout my educational experience. Matt’s classes were among the best, he was always entertaining and we left know with more knowledge than we started with. As an extremely naive freshman, I took his 211 class. We did a reading one day and the word merde was in there. When I finished, he told me to say it again, this time with passion. I did, and when I finished, I asked “What did I just say?” I’d been swearing and had no idea.
Now, I am a French teacher myself and Matt has left a wonderful example of what a good teacher is to be. Thank you.
Posted on 26-Mar-09 at 11:48 am | Permalink
Martha Maier Case wrote:
Anais Nin wrote: “There are many ways to be free. One of them is to transcend reality by imagination…”
Matt was a free spirit; he imagined possibilities. Who but Matt would have thought a trio of French-Canadian folk musicians could resonate with suburban Michigan elementary students? Who but Matt would have conjured initiating a conversation–much less a visit–from a stranger who lived in Denmark?
I have the privilege of having Matt’s son, Alex, in my class this year. The intelligence, the creativity, the humor…the “freedom” of Matt live on in his son. I wish peace and comfort to those of you who knew this wonderful man best. May his legacy be your transcendence from reality.
Posted on 26-Mar-09 at 11:14 pm | Permalink
Amie wrote:
Dr. Matt was a great person I will never forget hin coming over to the residence hall to talk to the FYE group he always had a certain glow about him that made everyone smile thank you for making college enjoyable even if it was just a meeting every two weeks for three months
Posted on 27-Mar-09 at 1:42 pm | Permalink
Lillian P. Henry wrote:
From the first moment I met Dr. Hilton-Watson, when he visited the CAS Dean’s Office to interview for the Assistant Professor job in Foreign Languages, I felt immediately that he was someone the students and faculty both could relate to with much ease. He was truly a prince among the faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, and we all know he will be missed, but in being missed that he has touched many hearts, minds and souls and inspired so many to follow their dreams. My prayers are with his wife, children, family and all of his friends at UM-Flint. Although I am retired and no longer the Senior Exec. Secty. to Dean D. J. Trela, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, I know I still have many friends and people I love there. Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson was one of those people I could not help but love, and someone that the students can emulate as they pursue their careers and life goals. Always remember to have his personality, sense of concern, compassion and intellect in every endeavor, and you will always succeed in life.
My prayer is that the Lord will guide and keep Dr. Hilton-Watson’s wife, children, and the entire family as they live with wonderful memories of a wonderful man, husband, father and family member.
Sincerely,
Lillian P. Henry
Retired Sr. Executive Secty. to Dr. D. J. Trela, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Posted on 27-Mar-09 at 4:13 pm | Permalink
Mary Palmer wrote:
Although sad, tragic and unfair, this is a valuable experience for all of us to strive to be more like Prof. Matthew. If he’s approached and influced us all in such a kind and soft manner, shouldn’t we be gratifying those actions by doing it to another?
Posted on 28-Mar-09 at 2:10 pm | Permalink
Bronwyn Fauth wrote:
Matt,
I know we always joked about it, but you were truly a father to me. Since I was a little girl I looked up to you and was inspired by you like no one else in this world. I love you and your family so much and I will never let any memory of you die. My life will always be richer and more fulfilling because of you, mon ami.
Posted on 30-Mar-09 at 6:37 pm | Permalink