Dennis Lee Matson, a free spirit and adventurer, left an indelible mark on this world before tragically departing on November 23, 2022, in San Francisco, CA. Born on April 18, 1970, in Santa Clara, CA, Dennis was destined to lead a life less ordinary.
From his early days, Dennis exhibited a penchant for the unconventional, with his favorite color, black, setting the tone for his unique journey ahead. As a youth, he reveled in cartoons like "Speed Racer," cherished books like "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein, and found solace in the rhythmic beats of "Kung Foo Fighting."
Educated at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), Dennis earned bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Philosophy. His academic pursuits ignited a passion for existentialism, inspired by the works of philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. Rejecting the traditional path of academia, Dennis ventured into the competitive world of high-tech sales, where his intelligence and irreverence made him a standout among his peers.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dennis was an avid athlete and adrenaline junkie. He competed in numerous Ironman competitions across the USA and abroad and raced a track-modified Honda S2000, always pushing his personal boundaries to the limit.
However, Dennis's life took an unexpected turn with the discovery and removal of a large brain tumor in 2010, prompting a period of deep reflection. Embracing his love for adventure and freedom, Dennis embarked on a cross-country, then global, journey astride his beloved Ducati Panigale 1199s, documenting his experiences and philosophical musings along the way for his ADVrider fans, the “inmates” from 2012-2015.
Dennis's artistic and literary talents shone through in his unique creations, reflecting his existential worldview and reluctance to conform to societal norms. He leaves behind a legacy of authenticity, curiosity, and a thirst for life that inspired all who knew him.
He may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Dennis was also a descendant of British royalty and an outlaw ancestor, He embodied a complex tapestry of heritage and spirit.
In honoring Dennis's memory, we have created the 3 book series “AntiHero Memoir: Journeys with an Italian Supermodel”. Available on Amazon Kindle Books. Visit our website by entering gottaloveitshack into your browser to preview Dennis' Fine Art and Books.
Dennis wanted his epitaph to read:
"HE WAS A VERY INTERESTING PERSON"
– and indeed, he was.
RIDE ANTI-HERO.
YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS ANEW.
NO STOPS. NO LIMITS.
In love and remembrance, Jack and Sharon D'Arcy. (mom,stepdad, and editors of the AntiHero's books)
