Oct. 6, 1997 — March 21, 2023
Matthew James Oland was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Ore. He attended school in Creswell, Ore. and graduated from Creswell High in 2016.
Matthew joined the US Navy in 2019 and qualified as a Submariner in 2020. He made the rank of Torpedoman’s Mate 2nd Class (E-5) in only three and a half years. He was selected by the Command as the boat’s Weapons Expert in 2022. He just completed the Navy Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor Training (SAMI) in 2023.
Matthew helped educate Enlisted personnel and Officers to properly use and respect firearms. Many Sailors said Matthew would work with anyone until they were comfortable with a firearm no matter how long that took, including meeting with Sailors and spouses off duty to answer questions and practice shooting on the range until they felt capable of using a firearm safely. He was able to explain complicated job details in a way that many people could understand and pass their Evaluations. Matthew loved his job and proudly served his country for four years until his death.
Matthew enjoyed telling stories of playing football for the Creswell Bulldogs with his older brother, Devon, and his cousin, Dylan Hillsman. He loved being part of the team and was honored as MVP his senior year.
Matthew was an avid hunter who loved to fish and hike the trails of Oregon. He loved older trucks and enjoyed making plans on how to restore them.
Matthew was known for his kindness and thoughtfulness toward others, his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His genuine love for family and friends, but most of all, his big, tender, loving hugs.
He is survived by his parents, Mike and Terri Oland; his brothers, Brian and Devon Oland; chosen adopted brothers, Paul and Dennis Lowry; and many other family members. He also leaves behind his fellow Shipmates of the USS Wyoming as well as many brothers and sisters of the heart.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 29 at the Creswell Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m.
