Matthew ‘Matt’ Chipps: ‘A kind man who raised his children to be honest, hardworking family people’

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Matthew “Matt” Chipps was born in San Francisco, California, on September 2nd, 1950, and passed away in Eureka, California, on December 29th, 2024.

After growing up in San Mateo, California, Matt served with the US Coast Guard abroad, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, and ended his service in Humboldt County. After his service, Matt began a career in the grocery business, first as a clerk, and worked until he became a manager.  Matt then purchased Bonominis Market, followed by Cutten Family Market, Northcoast Catering and BBQ, and was involved in numerous businesses and rental properties in the greater Eureka area.

Matt was known as Uncle Matt to a collection of close friends and their families.  He enjoyed working on his home in Eureka, his children’s homes, and attending family functions.  Throughout the year, he could be found enjoying conversation and grilling on the deck, playing golf, taking the occasional hunting trip, and watching any sports, especially the 49ers and the Giants.

What most people didn’t get to experience, was the man his children called Dad.  He was a kind man who raised his children to be honest, hardworking family people.  He coached and sacrificed much of his time to ensure that those around him could enjoy a great life.  Matt was a selfless man who valued his family and experiences over material things, and instilled this same trait in his family so that a legacy of love and friendship would be passed on.

Matt is preceded in death by his father, William “Clay” Chipps, mother, Phyllis Betty DeSchane, and his sisters, Marjorie “Jo” Parnello (Sacramento, CA) and Diana Wertkin (Ben Lomond, CA).

Matt is survived by his sons Joshua Chipps and wife Jenn Kennedy (Campbell, CA), Bryan Chipps and wife Keri Chipps (McKinleyville, CA), Clayton Chipps and partner Jamelle Dube (Eureka, CA), and two grandchildren Brylynn Chipps and Kolby Chipps (McKinleyville, CA).

The Chipps family would like to thank his care teams, too numerous to list who have been instrumental in his comfort and happiness in the last few years, and all of his friends near and far who’ve kept him and the family company.

Matt requested that there be no services.  The family asks that anyone who knew Matt who may want to send a gift or flowers, instead recognize the support provided by Hospice of Humboldt and Palliative care teams by making a donation to Hospice of Humboldt in his memory at https://www.hospiceofhumboldt.org/