MATTHEW BRADLEY COY

Matthew Bradley COY was born November 06, 1967, and departed this world following his last breath on April 1, 2026, in a Veterans medical facility in Vancouver, Washington.

Matthew was born Matt Hugh Allen Ellis, to a very young biological mother Joan Marie Ellis and an unnamed biological father, in Washington, District of Columbia. As a child Matt lived in three foster homes in the Arlington, Viginia, area, finally being placed with Sammy R. and Lila J. Coy on January 29, 1971, at the age of 2 and one-half years. Mr. and Mrs. COY provided love, care and family continuity as foster parents, finally adopting Matt, renaming him as Matthew Bradley COY, effective February 26, 1973.

Matt was born into the family of God, raised to walk in newness of life at age nine, often working alongside his father, mother, and other Christian adults in helping teach children spiritual songs and lessons.

Matt graduated high school in Chinook, Montana, and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 16, 1988, and vigorously served on active duty until honorably discharged on February 2, 1992. He later graduated a Portland, Oregon, technical school having trained in computer assisted drafting (CAD). Matt continued connections with several very supportive Marine buddies over the years, meeting together for reunions as often as possible.

Although married for several years, no children were born to Matt and his wife, Carrie.

Matt is survived by his father, Sammy R. Coy, and mother, Lila J. Coy, of Battle Ground, Washington, where Matt had been living with his parents for a number of years due to ill health and amputation; seven natural-born siblings: Kaelea Smith, Portland; Tara Coy, Portland; Samuel Coy, Happy Valley, OR; Nathan Coy, Sherwood; Kami Travers of Portland, TN; Aaron Coy, Ridgefield; Autumn Coy, Goldendale; WA; his Aunt Karleen who also lived in Matt’s home; his Uncle Sidney, Havasu City, AZ; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Often hospitalized the last 15 years of his life, Matt’s pleasant and courteous behavior, even under less-than-desirable medical/physical conditions which ultimately took his life, was often the subject of VA Hospital nurses, doctors and service personnel. Matt loved to visit with and cheer along older veterans while he himself was incarcerated in medical facilities or in chance meetings on the bus or in doctor’s offices.

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