Obituary of Matthew Dennis Brodie

Matthew Dennis Brodie, 70, slipped away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona, on the morning of September 20, 2023 while in hospice care at Tucson Medical Center after fighting numerous health battles over the last few years.

Born in Alameda, California on November 25, 1952, Matt grew up in Oakland and Berkeley, California, before following family members to Hawaii in the late 1960s.

Predeceased by parents James Robert and Eugenia “Jeanne” Adair (nee Langley) Brodie, and older brother Steven William.

Survive by his beloved son Cullen Elliot of Tucson, and siblings Karen Maureen, Eileen Ann, Kathleen Mary “Kat”, Janet Claire, Susan Frances, and Mark Langley. His uncle Jack Brodie, Aunts Janis (Langley) Taylor & Cecelia (Brodie) Doherty, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Matt served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. His parents were both Veterans; father Jim an Army paratrooper; mother Jeanne in the Navy Waves.

Known in his younger years as Dennis, returning Veteran “Matt” was a great chef, and worked in restaurants in Hawaii.

He later followed his father and older brother in becoming a Union Reinforcing Ironworker, traveling to different cities over the years, completing challenging projects including massive cooling towers in Utah and high-rise projects elsewhere. He met his wife, Cynthia Slade, also a daring Union Ironworker, on the job. They settled in Fort Collins, Colorado, where they welcomed son Cullen. A devoted father as well as being a jack-of-all-trades, after their divorce Matt moved as necessary, using his skills to find work in order to always be closer to his young son.

Eventually, he settled in Tucson after the passing of his ex-wife.

After retiring from Ironworknig, Matt worked skillfully as a valued supervisor with Habitat for Humanity of Tucson for a few years, as had his father. Later, he did work in Tucson as an expert handyman, before his health declined.

Matt had a unique sense of humor, he was quick-witted, punny, and always kept everyone entertained and laughing. His comedic and loving spirit will be greatly missed.