Matthew David Bliss

With profound sorrow and great love, we mourn the passing of Matthew David Bliss, beloved husband, devoted father, loving brother, son and uncle, and cherished friend, who joined our Heavenly Father on June 12, 2026.

Matt, as he was affectionately known, was born to Paulette and Dave Bliss in Clarkston, WA on August 22, 1975. His childhood was filled with joy and adventure. Hunting trips throughout Idaho with his father and brother, Nick, cultivated an early love for the outdoors.

Matt attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, class of 1993, where he met the love of his life, Heather Zappone. While in high school, Matt found his passion for wrestling, going on to compete at the collegiate level. Matt attended Pacific Lutheran University, graduating in 1997, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and a minor in Exercise Science. Matt dedicated four years to the PLU wrestling team, earning a varsity letter each year. His phenomenal work ethic and natural talent earned him two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American Honors in 1995 and 1997.

On July 18, 1998, Matt married his sweetheart, Heather, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, WA. On August 3, 2007, Matt found his true calling as a father when he and Heather welcomed their first son, Patrick David into the world. They were blessed with their second son, Christopher Ryan on January 29, 2010.

Pursuing his passion for health and wellness, Matt founded and built his business, Beyond Fitness in 2004. A kind and dedicated mentor, Matt fostered an uplifting and motivating atmosphere, directly impacting the wellness and betterment of his clients.

Matt held a deep appreciation for the outdoors. An avid and skilled outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved sharing his passions with his friends and family. Most notably, he took great joy and pride in teaching Patrick and Christopher how to hunt and fish, and their many hunting trips in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Matt’s winters were filled with long days of skiing with his family at Crystal Mountain, and his summers at lakes boating, skiing, and fishing. His adventurous spirit and love of traveling took him on many trips with his most favorites being Ireland and Italy.

He strongly believed in the importance of celebrating the many joys of life, and had a unique ability to draw family and friends together in a warm and loving environment. Matt enjoyed hosting holiday parties and recognized the value of sharing a well cooked meal. He was a phenomenal chef and took pride in pairing wine with the right cuisine. His love of music originated with his mom which he passed down to his boys by regularly searching for concert tickets of up and coming artists. There was music in all activites whether he was blasting tunes on country backroads, or starting a dance party at home.

A pillar of his community, he dedicated numerous hours to volunteering at Bellarmine Preparatory School. He was often on the lacrosse field, helping out and cheering on Patrick and Christopher during their games.

One word cannot capture the essence of Matt, but if there was just one we could use it would be “ROCK”. He was the steady rock for his wife, family and friends. Matt is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Heather, and sons, Patrick and Christopher; father Dave; brother Nick (Lisa) and children Natasha, Norah, and Caden; brother in law Ryan (Kristy) and children Parker and Bradley. Matt is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Paulette Bliss.

Matt’s legacy is one of selflessness, dedication, and love. A gathering for prayer and recitation of the Holy Rosary is scheduled for June 24, 2026 at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Tacoma, WA. A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on June 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington with reception immediately following.

Keeping with his steadfast devotion to his sons, Patrick and Christopher, donations in his memory may be made to a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/bfd7a4c67) to support their education.

In his selfless service to others, Matt was a cornea and tissue donor so others may see and be restored to health.