Matthew James White

With love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Matthew James White on March 1, 2025, at his home in Sisters, Oregon. Surrounded by his beloved wife and children, Matthew departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, deep friendships, and cherished memories. Born on July 22, 1964, in Athol, Massachusetts, to Harry C. and Josephine White, Matthew moved with his family to Medford, Oregon, at the age of four. Alongside his four siblings, he grew up in Medford, attended Medford Senior High, and later briefly settled in Eugene before moving to the Portland area, including Milwaukie, Gladstone, and Oregon City. It was in Oregon City that Matthew married and welcomed his greatest joys—his children, Luke Cody White and Mattison Clare White. Though his marriage later ended, his children remained his unwavering companions and closest supporters. Matthew built a successful career in the lumber, trucking, and freight industries, working for Green Line Transportation, Interstate Freight Services, North Pacific Lumber, and Oregon Forest Products. His passion for business and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Pacific Trading Inland, Inc. (PTI) in 1998, where he remained President until his passing. He found great fulfillment in the hustle of the industry and the many friendships he made along the way. In 2018, Matthew married Barbara (Bateman), and together they made their dream of living in Sisters, Oregon, a reality. It was in Sisters that Matthew spent his final years embracing the beauty of the outdoors and the close-knit community he loved. Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Harry C. White, and infant twins lost at birth. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his devoted mother, Josephine; his children, Luke and Mattison of Sisters, Oregon; and his stepson, Nicolas Jacobson of Vancouver, Washington. He also leaves behind his siblings, Chris (Tami) of Milwaukie, OR; Mark (Trisha) of Agnes, OR; Paul (Linda) of Prospect, OR; and Nancy Jo (Bill) of Eugene, OR, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and his dedicated PTI team, all of whom he loved dearly. Beyond his professional success, Matthew was a man who lived life with enthusiasm and humor. He found joy in fishing, dirt biking, and side-by-side riding, and treasured time spent with friends and family on trips to Palm Springs, California. He was known for his endless supply of memes, jokes, music, and heartfelt messages, ensuring that everyone in his life had at least one text from him that they’d never want to delete. As he would say, “You’re welcome!” Matthew’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lauren Brown, founder of Matt’s Way, for her unwavering support throughout his ALS journey. Special thanks also go to David Benson and Tiger Turner, whose kindness and assistance made the difficult days more bearable. Matthew will be laid to rest at Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held in April 2025 in Sisters, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Matthew’s honor to Matt’s Way at mattsway.org, an organization dedicated to advancing research for alternative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Though Matthew has left this world, his humor, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Tributes

Matthew James White

July 22, 1964 - March 1, 2025