Matthew S. Brofft

Matthew (Matt) Spencer Brofft, 68, died on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in Fort Collins, CO. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca Everette and Kelly Becker, sons-in-law Lance Everette and Josh Becker, grandchildren Logan and Marten, parents Bonnie and Gordon Brofft, brother Gordon Brofft, Jr. and sister-in-law Ann Brofft, and former spouse Karen Kellogg Brofft. Matt was born on January 9, 1957 in Fresno, California.

Matt grew up in the redwood forests in central California. Some of his favorite memories included adventuring along the San Lorenzo River, fishing from the Santa Cruz wharf, and caring for many pets – including basset hounds, a bobcat named "Bob," and an alligator that briefly resided in the family bathtub.

Matt graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School in 1975, where he played baseball, wrestled, and was awarded "most valuable player" as the quarterback of the football team. Matt served as student body president and vice-president of the Key Club, and one of his proudest moments was meeting the governor of California while representing his school at Boys State.

After graduation, he played baseball and football at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (1979) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (1984). While in college, he met and fell in love with Karen Kellogg, and they married at the Agnes Flanagan Chapel on campus on March 14, 1981. Matt and Karen enjoyed 30 years of marriage together.

Matt and Karen relocated to Colorado in 1985, where they welcomed two daughters into the world, Rebecca Dawn (1986) and Kelly Memphis (1991). Matt was a devoted father who loved playing in the backyard, sledding at the park, and introducing his girls to every sport imaginable. He inspired a lifetime of compassion, integrity and curiosity in his daughters.

Matt knew from a young age that he wanted to be a P.E. teacher, and he lived out that dream over his 30-year career in education. After getting his start at Gardiner Junior High School in Oregon City (1979-1984), he taught at Castle Rock Elementary (1985-1988), Acres Green Elementary (1988-1992), and finally Highlands Ranch High School (1992-2015).

Athletics were Matt's life, and he had a particular passion for experiential education. Over the years, he coached football, baseball, wrestling, volleyball, and rock climbing. He co-founded the Highlands Ranch High School Adventure Education program and successfully raised funds to construct an indoor climbing wall and an outdoor ropes course. Mr. Brofft believed in igniting the potential of every student, trusting them with the freedom and independence they needed to develop into self-confident community leaders. He changed the lives of countless students, giving them a home in the Adventure Program and supporting their personal growth. His teaching truly embodied the Lao Tzu quote: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

When Matt was inducted into the Highlands Ranch High School Hall of Fame in 2023, he reflected that, "building the adventure program was my honor and my legacy, and I will forever be a Jolly Rancher. In my career I had one sick day, and equally impressive, I never got sued."

After retiring in 2015, Matt relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado to be closer to his daughter Rebecca and her growing family. He adored his two grandchildren, Logan and Marten, and he was a fixture at all of their school and sport activities. He always had a pocket full of cookies as a reward for their efforts. He enjoyed cheering on the Colorado State University Rams, creating ceramic pottery, exploring the local golf courses, and searching for the best fried calamari and chile rellenos in town.

In honor of Matt's life and legacy, a celebration of life will be held from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at The Lone Tree Hub, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Tree, CO 80124. In lieu of flowers, please join us in celebrating Matt's life by stepping outside your own "comfort zone" to try something new.

Donations can be made in Matt's honor to support the Highlands Ranch High School Adventure Program at: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ66HM5ME8NJROO .