Matt Westphall September 7, 1976 - February 15, 2023

Harry Paratesteez, aka Matt Westphall left us a couple of days ago. He helped build this forum, and he was a cherished member and friend.

We met because he kept making pieces similar to the work Matt G and I were doing at the time. It was one of those moments in life where synchronicity speaks loudly. We knew we had to see where it could take us, so he flew out. Matt G, Matt W, and me collabed, and the "M3" series was created.

Over the years I went to Minneapolis numerous times to blow glass with Matt, those pieces are signed "Em an M". I don't have photos of all the pieces we made throughout the years, I don't really have that many photos in comparison to the place he held in my heart because we were always too busy blowing glass or fuckin around to take pics. I picked a few good ones from the pile and posted them on FB. I'll post a few here, too.

He made me laugh, cry, pushed me to be a better glassblower and was one of the few people in life that I knew always had my back, no matter what. Matt was such an important part of my life for the last 21 years.

It was awesome watching him become a father, his kids meant the world to him. I'm really glad he got to spend more time with his son recently. Matt And Taylor, you were the lights of his life.

Matt had a really hard time the last few years but he kept a positive attitude most of the time, and we'd regularly get on webcam and joke around so I could get him laughing. I worried about him a lot, I knew when his sister called that I was getting that call. I got to tell her stories and make her laugh, at least for a moment. He was supposed to come to Eugene in the spring. I'll try to find some of his art in my shop so we can make a last collab posthumously.

Matt takes a huge part of my heart with him. I will miss him dearly. :heart:

My sincere condolences to those of you who loved Matt.

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Rest in peace, Harry. Condolences to his family and friends.

So sad!! Condolences to his family and friends :bummed:

Rip :(