Matthew Samson , 17, Des Lacs, died Monday, January 5, 2015, in a Minot hospital from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Matthew was born March 12, 1997, in Minot, ND to Kelly and Shannon (Howard) Samson. He completed his middle school education at Jim Hill, attended Minot Central Campus during his freshman year and was currently a senior at Des Lacs Burlington High School.

Matthew was active in the Drama Club of Des Lacs Burlington serving the club as an assistant director. He enjoyed school and was a very good student. He played video games on his Xbox and was often found at the weekly dungeons and dragons gatherings with his friends.

Summertime often led Matthew to the lake for jet skiing, tubing and an occasional later in the day fishing trip with his dad. Riding and tuning up his quad were also on his list of favored activities. At a young age, Matthew knew the value of his time spent with family and cherished every moment and activity with them. He was a kind and gentle and could always be counted on as a friend. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

Matthew's loving family includes his parents, Kelly and Shannon Samson, Des Lacs, ND; sisters, Britney (Mark) Pinch, Phoenix, AZ and Shauna James, Tucson, AZ; maternal grandmother, Sheron (Joe) Robertson, Phoenix, AZ; paternal grandmother, Carol Martin, Minot, ND; aunts, DeeAnn (Rod) Mertz, Largo, FL, Michele (Tony) Michlitsch, Mandan, ND, Geri (Dan) Kayler, Phoenix, AZ and Sheri Rodriguez, Phoenix, AZ; uncle, Scott Griffith, Phoenix, AZ and numerous nieces, nephews, great aunts, great uncles and many cousins, including Corey Mertz, Elyse Nienow, David Nienow, Tom Nienow, Jordan Michlitsch, Karmen Klein, Amy (Ryan) Rader and Nichole (Don) Wilson.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Samson and step-grandfather, Lynn Martin.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 1000 3rd St. NE, Minot, ND.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.