Matthew Robert Painter
Born: November 16, 1948
Passed away: February 27, 2026

Matthew was born and raised in Grayling, Alaska, a full-blood Athabascan Native from the Yukon River. He grew up in a large, close-knit family with five brothers and six sisters. When he married Sue, he became a father to a ready-made family of five children. Together, they had two more children of their own, making seven children in total. Later, Matthew and Sue opened their hearts and home to four more children: Andy Childs, Sammy Stanshaw, Tommy Carlson, and Anthony Mailelle. Matthew loved his family dearly and was a devoted father and grandfather, always present in his children’s lives.

As a young man, he was sent to boarding school in Anchorage, where he was discouraged from speaking his native language, but he never forgot his Athabascan roots. After finishing school, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier and was part of the crew that recovered Apollo 11 in the Pacific Ocean. After leaving the Navy in 1971, he met Sue, the love of his life, in San Francisco while visiting her brother. Together, they moved to Eureka, where they married and raised their family. Matthew worked as a logger for many years, contributing to various companies, but he spent 25 devoted years as a lumber grader at Arcata Redwood until his retirement.

In addition to his work, Matthew had a passion for carving; he created many beautiful Alaskan carvings, some of which are displayed in the Fairbanks Museum. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and passionate sports fan, always cheering on his children and grandchildren. His warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his mother and father, Delia and William Painter; his son Anthony Mailelle; his grandson Omar Dean IV; and his great-granddaughter Natea Dean-Dowd.

He is survived by his wife Sue and his children: Darla Marshall (Emil), Robert McGahuey, Scooby Sienicki, Susie Astor (Mick), Sunny Joe Allen (Delmar), Misty Painter (Romero), and Matthew Pride. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Matthew Swanson (Sah-Sep), Lonnie Dean (Tashina), Alkenny Dean, Joseph Marshall (Naila), Jude Marshall (Wendy), Monica Marshall, Rachel McGahuey, Bering, Nicole Sienicki, Delmar, Shawn, Alden Allen, Stormy, Robert Woods, Caitlin Watkins, Carissa Gonzalez, and Tasha Painter. Matthew had 47 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy will forever live on in all of them.

Pallbearers: Matthew Swanson, Pride Painter, Lonnie Dean, Al-Kenny Dean, Peter Norton, Robert Woods, Daniel Woods, Calvin Woods, Richard Dean, Omar Dean V, Sebastian Swanson, Jude Marshall, Joe Marshall, Tommy Carlson, Delmar Allen Jr., Bering-C Sienicki, Bradley Painter.

Honorary pallbearers: Emil Marshall, Romero, Mick Sanders, Robert McGahuey, Frank Murdock Jr., Joseph Murdock, Wesley Scott, Dean Painter, William Painter, Alfred Painter, Jason Mailelle, Travis White.

Service details: A viewing will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11 o’clock at Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka. Address: Sanders Funeral Home, 1835 E St, Eureka, CA 95501, US.

A burial will follow after Sanders at Trinidad Cemetery.

If we have forgotten anyone, please accept our sincerest apologies; the family is going through a lot at this time and deeply appreciates your grace and understanding.