NORTH BEND – Matt Thayer was known by his family, friends and co-workers as a morally strong, intelligent, artistic and caring man. He volunteered at his son’s school, enjoyed his job, was a Boy Scout leader and, above all, loved his family.

When Thayer, 30, lost his life in October after battling cancer for three years, he left a hole in the hearts of many. The city honored him by planting a magnolia tree April 27 at the corner of Fourth and Ballarat in North Bend, near Two Rivers Alternative School.

It was the very area for which Thayer designed a landscaping plan. He worked for the city for six years as a geographic information systems technician, which involves mapping and drafting.

“I was very pleased, his whole family came,” said Mayor Joan Simpson. “It was a really nice event and it was nice to remember and to honor him.” Thayer’s family members, friends and at least half of the city staff joined Simpson in dedicating the tree, and each helped shovel soil to stabilize its roots.

“Matt was a very intelligent young man with a witty sense of humor. He was dedicated to his job and mostly to his family. It was an honor to have known him,” said North Bend employee Kathy Clayton, who worked with Thayer since 1996. She added that she and Thayer developed a strong friendship over the course of working together.

About 40 people attended the ceremony, where Simpson gave a speech and called for a moment of silence to think about the “good times with Matt.”

“One of the points I made was that we remember Matt with tree planting because trees symbolize strength, and Matt was certainly strong in fighting this insidious, vicious disease. Trees are about renewal and show that life goes on, and Matt lives on through the lives of his children.” Simpson said. To add to the meaning, the magnolia was planted on Arbor Day.

Thayer’s two children, Hannah, almost 2, and Ian, 9, were in attendance, as well as his wife of almost three years, Laura.

“It was pretty amazing. The city’s been very supportive and really has gone above and beyond in everything that they’ve done,” Laura Thayer said, explaining that city staff played an important part in her family’s life during her husband’s illness, and their support continues to this day.

“We wouldn’t have made it without [the city]. They were flexible, they brought food, they let him work at home. It was truly amazing, and they just keep doing these things,” she said.

The city purchased a brick at the North Bend Depot with Thayer’s name engraved and has also ordered a carved stone marker to place by the tree, so everyone will know Thayer’s impact on the city and the lives he touched.

For those who knew Matt Thayer and were unable to attend the ceremony, they may visit the tree. In addition, a fund has been set up for his children at Washington Mutual.