Matthew Wayne DeJong, 46, of Richland, Wash., died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at Kadlec Medical Center. He was born Sept. 24, 1961 in Provo, Utah, to Cheryl Wagner and Norman DeJong.

Mr. DeJong graduated from Hanford High in 1979, and attended Eastern Oregon State College and Columbia Basin College studying in the machinist program. He worked in the past in the hotel and restaurant business as a chef and in management. During the past seven years he was a live-in caregiver for his grandparents in Richland.

Matthew was a loving, sweet and kind son and brother who loved and cared for his grandparents. He loved caring for others and placed that above his own needs, including a lifelong history of adopting and caring for animals. He had a spiritual soul and a genuine heart. His sense of humor always brought laughter to his family and friends.

Matthew enjoyed white water rafting, fishing, photography, traveling and music. He was an avid reader and history buff, and a collector of many things.

He is survived by his parents; sister, Kendyl DeJong; grandmothers, Lori Kernander and Ann DeJong, and extended family.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.