A bright and radiant light gone out too soon, our beloved Andrew was welcomed into the peace and love of heaven after his sudden passing on December 7, 2015.
Born October 12, 1982, Andrew was a beautiful green-eyed baby with a beaming smile that spread joy to all he embraced. As a young boy, his great athletic abilities were soon apparent and his family never missed an opportunity to cheer for him from the sidelines, from his early days in the little league and youth football to continuing at Ventura High as the revered #57.
The quintessential Ventura boy, he attended Blanche Reynolds Elementary, Cabrillo Junior High, and graduated from Ventura High School in 2001. After school, Andrew excelled as a machinist, and after years of working in the oil industry he decided to leave it, finding contentment working side by side with his father.
Andrew also had a great love and respect for the outdoors, frequently enjoying time with family and friends at the beach, hiking in the mountains, fishing, camping, and hunting. A big burly man with his signature black shades, Andrew was in actuality the gentlest, kindest, most warmhearted man who loved deeply with all his heart.
One special love in his life was his "Goo" - an affectionate nickname he coined at the birth of his niece, Reylene. Known for walking through the door and enthusiastically calling out "Hi Goo" so she would come greet him, Andrew was the ever-loving, protective, best uncle he could always be for his "Goo."
Preceded in death by his grandfather Esequiel C. Mata, Andrew and his memory are survived by his parents Ron and Heidi Mata, sister Regan Mata, brother Reggie Mata, niece Reylene Mata, grandmothers Maria J. Mata and Elda Salvage, many many aughts, uncles, and extended family throughout Ventura County, his girlfriend Amanda Hood, who stood by his side until his final breath, and lastly Maya his Malamute who's been his cherished companion for 13 years.
A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held at the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura, on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 11:00 A.M., directly followed by a reception with details to be given out at the memorial.
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy" - Eskimo proverb.
Family and friends are invited to attend Memorial Services to be held Monday December 14, 2015 at 11am in the JOSPEH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura.