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On Thursday September 14th, 2000 we lost Matthew Couto; he was 17. He is survived by his parents, Louis and Lauren, and his dog, Thumper. He attended Manzano Day School in Albuquerque for two years and recently Phoenix Country Day School, where he was beginning his senior year. Born September 21, 1982 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he and his family also lived in Sydney, Australia and Tucson, Arizona before settling in Paradise Valley, Arizona. A life-long soccer player and sports enthusiast, Matt could always be found participating in PCDS varsity athletics. Soccer was his first love-he played his whole life. At school he was co-captain of varsity-managing to score the first goal of the season all four years-and made the All-Region team. Matt also played varsity Basketball, Lacrosse, and Tennis. Matt had many loves and interests. He enjoyed traveling, working, and snowboarding during his vacations and had a passion for dancing. Arts, music, literature, poetry, history, and cooking were among his many pursuits-Matt was a modern Renaissance man. His personality was rounded out with an amazing sense of humor and a keen intellect. Not one to be too serious, he never forgot to have a good time or to show off his impressive juggling and ping-pong abilities. Everyone who ever met Matt was immediately enveloped by his loving warmth. His light touched so many. His parents remember him as a team player and a loving son. Friends from all over the world recall a truly giving person who loved others with all his heart. Even his friends' parents gush with affection when asked about Matt. All agree that Matt was a gift to anyone he came into contact with, providing support, hugs, and anything else while never thinking of himself. A gathering to remember Matt was held at Phoenix Country Day on Tuesday, September 19. A celebration of his life in the Buddhist tradition was held on his birthday, Thursday the 21st. Sensei Jitsudo, Abbot of the Hidden Mountain Zen Center in Albuquerque officiated at a friend's house. A memorial has been set up in his honor at the Hidden Mountain Zen Center at 216 ninth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Donations will be accepted in the form of money as well as goods. For information, please call Sensei Jitsudo Acheta at 505-248-0649. Louis and Lauren Couto can be contacted at 4311 N. 39th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018-4122, (602)-977-2906. A bright light in the lives of many has gone out and will never be forgotten. Matt, you were loved more than you could possibly know; you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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