Matthew David Barnes Memorial Fund

Matthew D. Barnes was born in Arcata in 1977 and died suddenly from heart complications at age 29. He was a top scholar at Arcata High School, a champion showman for 4-H and FFA, and a decorated athlete in soccer and wrestling. Matt was an avid golfer, and loved the SF Giants and 49ers. Matt graduated from Cal Poly--SLO with a degree in Agriculture Engineering and worked for the John Deere Company. He was devoted to his career. Matt had a passion for agriculture, sports, hard work, and his family and friends. This fund was established in Matt's name to benefit students wishing to pursue a four-year education in agriculture or engineering. Consideration is given to students who have actively shown livestock or dairy at the Redwood Acres or Humboldt County fairs, who are high academic achievers, and who have shown extra-curricular and community involvement. (2006)