Matthew MCCue

MATTHEW RICHARD MCCUE

Matthew McCue, 41, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2023 following a tragic accident at his home near Velarde, New Mexico. Matthew was born December 12, 1981 in Albuquerque and graduated from Freedom High. He joined the Army in 2001, first assigned to the 2-9 Infantry 2nd Division in Korea, and later with the First Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division, where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving in Iraq, he was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded The Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Following the Army, Matt enrolled at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he received a Certificate in Ecological Horticulture. Subsequently, he joined the Peace Corps, where he served in Niger, Africa, as an Agricultural Extension Volunteer.

Matt returned to California where he and his former wife Lily Schneider established a highly successful organic farming operation. During this time, Matt attended and graduated from the University of Phoenix (BS, Business Management) and the University of California at Davis (MS, International Agricultural Development), as well as served in the Army Reserve with Charlie Company, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, Marina, CA.

Matt had a long-term association with the Farmers Veteran Coalition in Davis where he assisted veterans starting careers in agriculture. He pursued several other careers including graduation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Academy.

Matt was never more in his element than when he was working in the service of others. He loved to travel and completed USAID Farmer-to-Farmer assignments in the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

At the time of his death, Matt had achieved his long-time goal of moving back to New Mexico, where he was working for the Bureau of Land Management in Pilar.

Matthew always aspired to working out of doors and pursuing physical activities. He loved hiking, camping, kayaking, and running, including participation in triathlons and other high-intensity athletics, including the Iron Man event. He had a strong affinity for people and made many good friends whom he kept close throughout his life. He had a hilarious sense of humor and was an accomplished guitar player. Matt loved Asian cuisine, in particular Vietnamese Pho.

He is survived by his mother Karen E. B. McCue (partner Terry Proctor), his father David R. McCue and wife Annette M. Hill McCue, sister Heather Hill (partner Josh Frederickson), nephews Damien Garduno (partner Mark Blundt), and Rion Bakes, former wife Lily Schneider, Grandmother Bindy Gralow, Uncle Bruce Gralow, and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Matt was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Bowden.

Matt was very much loved and will be sadly missed by his family and his friends all over the world. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to a favorite charity in Matthew McCue’s name.

Memorial Services: 1:00 PM December 16, 2023, SANTA FE FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS, 1091A Siler Rd

Santa Fe NM 87505, 505-603-7130; Light Lunch to follow: RSVP PLEASE: 904-571-1554 (text or call)