Matthew Scott Emslie, 27, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, as the result of a motor vehicle accident near Ferndale. He was born on May 27, 1981, in Ludington, Mich., to Scott Robert and Anna May (Wysocki) Emslie.

Matthew was a devoted son and brother. He will be greatly missed.

Matthew graduated from Bigfork High School and continued his education, receiving his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Montana. He had been working for several years for Vern Smith and his sons as a house painter.

He loved sports and was a member of the state champion baseball team for Senior League Alaska in 1996, in 1998-'99 went to the Montana State Tournament in basketball, was an all-state senior tight end for the Bigfork football team in 1999 and was the MVP on offense in the Shrine Bowl.

Matt enjoyed traveling and camping. He had just returned from Honduras and was planning on moving there in December.

Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Yvonne and Alexander Wysocki.

He is survived by his parents, Scott Robert and Anna May (Wysocki) Emslie; a brother, Adam Emslie; a sister, Amanda Emslie; and his paternal grandparents, Bob and Shirley Emslie.

Funeral services for Matt will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, with Pastor Joe Strandjord officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank the Bigfork QRU and Fire Department for their care and compassion.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Matt's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Matt's guest book.