Matthew King McLain

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Matthew King McLain on April 30, 2026, from both Pancreatic and Throat cancers. He was 59 years old. Matt was born in Bangkok, Thailand on September 18, 1966, but lived much of his life in Phoenix, Arizona.

He graduated from Camelback High School in 1984, attended Arizona State University and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1994. He was primarily a system engineer, designing and up keeping business computer systems.

Matt loved being outdoors where hiking and mountain biking were his passions. Of his many favorite places, hiking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and staying at the family cabin near Mormon Lake were always memorable. One of his favorite trips was hiking and camping in New Zealand in celebration of his 50th birthday. Matt loved building and playing the guitar, going to concerts, and anything having to do with music.

In the last years of Matt’s life, he became involved in the Seena Magowitz Foundation which inspires research and hope for pancreatic cancer patients.

He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend and he will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his mother Norma Beckmann (Dennis), his father Will McLain (Lois), his sister Erin Thomas (Jeff), his brother Michael McLain (Emily), his nieces Regan and Eliana Thomas and many close family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors who tended to Matt during his battle with cancer. Special thanks also to Hospice of the Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to the Seena Magowitz Foundation in Matt’s name.