A former Oxford Village councilman lost his brave battle with cancer last week.
Matthew R. Weber passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 7. He was 42.
‘I would describe him as one of the most determined, loyal and friendliest people that I have ever met,? said Steve Allen, who served on council with Weber and was proud to call him a friend.
Weber, a village resident since July 2001, served on council from March 2003 until his resignation in March 2005.
During his tenure, Weber was an advocate of improving township-village relations and a staunch supporter of building the Polly Ann Trail bridge over M-24.
‘Every decision that he made when he was on council was well thought-out and generally in the best interest of the village,? Allen said. ‘He really, truly loved the Village of Oxford.?
A fitness enthusiast, Weber was an avid Polly Ann Trail user and often worked out with his canine companion, Ruby.
But his fitness regimen wasn’t just limited to the Oxford area.
Weber participated in everything from the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon to the world famous Boston Marathon. During his life, he completed eight marathons and an Iron Man event.
Aside from staying in shape, Weber ran these events as a way to raise money and awareness for the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a cause very near and dear to his heart.
Weber’s father, Gilbert, died of MS in April 2007 following a 25-year battle with the disease.
A 1986 graduate of Lamphere High School, Weber was a sales manager for Hubert Distributors.
Professional, political and personal accomplishments aside, Allen said Weber’s greatest attribute was his friendship.
‘If you’re fortunate enough, you get a person that comes into your life that becomes your ‘friend of a lifetime? and he was that for me,? he said. ‘It was an all-or-nothing friendship, just like he lived his life.?
‘He will be missed,? Allen added. ‘Our loss is Heaven’s gain, believe me.?
Weber is survived by his wife Errica Shanahan; mother Jackie Weber, of Sterling Heights; siblings Laura Weber, Mike (Marina) Weber and Jason Weber; mother and father-in-law Chuck and Kathy Shanahan; and sister-in-law Amber (Glen) Skrent.
A funeral was held Dec. 11 at Coats Funeral Home in Clarkston. Memorial contributions can be made in Weber’s name to the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.