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Author
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808star
Moderator
(3/28/02 10:19:45 pm)
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MATT "GIZMO" LUBER PASSES AWAY
March 28, 2002, 9:10 p.m.
Dear Gang,
I just received a phone call from Jewel, wife of Alfred, of Team Ronin.
Matt passed away this evening at Castle Memorial. After a lengthy fight, Matt suffered a heart attack. Matt's fellow teammates were near or at his side at the time. TEAM RONIN, known for their camaraderie and fellowship, as well as field play, had come out to Castle Memorial in force to support Matt in his fight from the beginning. Matt wasn't alone.
Players, family and friends from all over the world pulled in support of Matt by way of this website. No, he wasn't alone.
Matt Luber will live on in each of us. His infectious smile and laugh, his ability to mediate, his compassion and understanding of others, just the way he carried himself as man, as a human being, will long be the topic of conversation for endless days. Matt's is a good standard to live your life by. For example, always the optimist, he'd tell me "Don't worry too much, it'll all work out." To hear that from him had a calming effect and I would see things much clearer making my decision process easier.
On the paintball side, Matt's unheralded role as a Hawaii ambassador of paintball to the world needs to be noted. For long-time Hawaii players like Matt, John Kumashiro and Stuart Leong, have for years, spread aloha by way of contact with vendors and participation in mainland tourneys. Always, always, going onto the field not just representing their team, but also Hawaii. Their play and spirited demeanor is of legend on the mainland.
What of the Hawaii player? For those who got to play with Matt on the field or just watch him play, be like Matt. Not just in play style, but, be humble, help other players out, live your life the way you play your game. Play to inspire. Aspire to play. That's what Matt did time and time again on the field. Whether it was my field or someone else's. Be like Matt. One of the things I always admired about Matt was that he had his head screwed on right. For example, sometimes Matt, Jill and the kids would make it a day outting at All-Star. Matt would suit up and play. He'd come off the field and ready his equipment for the next round. But, he'd stop what he was doing to spend time with his kids. He'd cut out a couple of rounds for that. That impressed me.
Personally, I have a bunch of Matt stories, but I'll save them for another time, except this one...
When I opened All-Star, I knew that I would have to learn how to play all over again. Back in the 80's, I ran the most formidable team on Oahu, "Kaahekili"("Rolling Thunder"). Four guys and a girl wrecked havoc on everybody, including Matt Luber and John Kumashiro (They hadn't yet developed their respective killer playing styles, thank God) Every tourney, every time, for three years, we haunted them. We were the itch that wouldn't go away. Anyway, here I am in the millenium (Jan, 2001) on All-Star's Hyperball field, not knowing what the heck I'm doing cause it's the first time I've played since 1990. Matt is on the other team, but I've lost track of his position. My mistake. I run for the crackpipe just past midfield. As I lean back to shoot, five paintballs, in ONE SECOND intervals, hit me centermass. As I stand up to leave the field, I notice Matt all the way across the field waving at me. Nothing cocky, just a friendly wave. After the game, Matt comes up to me and I tell him "nice shooting." He replies, "THAT was for the 80's." Don't worry, you'll learn fast, Brandon." Both laughing and walking to the staging area, Matt leans over and says "You know why I shot you SLOW?" I know this is your first time out in years. I didn't want you to freak and close down the field." What a riot.
I will sorely miss him. To those who really know me, it takes a lot to earn my respect. Matt will always have mine. To Jill and the kids: On behalf of All-Star's staff and myself, our deepest condolences. We are here to help within our power, please let me know.
Thanks to ALL for hanging tight. This is and will be a dark day for both RONIN and Hawaii All-Star families for some time. For me, I'm still in shock mode. But, we all need to help one another hold it together. I'll be asking you all for your assistance in the near future to support a project for Matt and his family.
Sincerely,
Brandon
Hawaii All-Star Paintball Games
Edited by: 808star at: 3/29/02 3:13:25 am
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Lost8085
Registered User
(3/28/02 11:19:21 pm)
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A great guy
My sincerest sympathies go out to Matt's family and friends. I was shocked to hear about his passing. And offer my deepest condolences to his wife and children.
The paintball community has lost a great member.
Although I didn't get to play with him often, it was always alot of fun when I did. He was a good player and even more important, he was a GREAT person. Always greeted me with a smile and a handshake.
He will be missed.
Aloha Matt!
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King Of Tonga
Unregistered User
(3/29/02 1:16:20 am)
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Aloha MATT...You Will Be Missed...
To the family, my deepest sympathy. God bless.
To Matt, you are in a better place. Take care of us from up above. Once in awhile, point out the other guy for me, I won't tell.
Aloha Matt. You will be missed.
"Gary"
aka King Of Tonga
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roninshaggy17
Registered User
(3/29/02 7:37:41 am)
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Gizmo
Why these things happen is beyond me. I am at a loss. Wiping tears away as I remember Mathias I am continually thinking of new reasons to miss him. For those of you who knew him you are blessed. I will miss his quick smile, his childlike grin, and his hokey chuckle. His passion for the game was only out matched by the love of God, his wife and kids. Brandon relayed a story of how Mathias shot him five times. Gizmo was a crazy player. I have never met someone before who thought the way he thought. It was like time stood still for him while his opponent made their way into his sights. In the heat of the moment Mathias would think to himself, �I should shoot�m in the foot.� Or �I will shoot�m slowly so not to freak him out.� Twelve people could be shooting at Gizmo and his only concern would be his direct threat. So focused a man was he. He was and always will be my paintball hero. So many people got into the game, stayed in the game, or had a better outlook on life in general because of him. I too have many Gizmo trates and stories to share but will refrain because it�s a difficult time. I will miss you Mathias. And I know you are in heaven shooting through the angels halos just to see if you can. I love you. Take care. We will all be together someday.
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Raul
Unregistered User
(3/29/02 11:22:21 am)
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RIP
Here's Matt as many may remember him:
www.actionpursuitgames.co...g00-10.jpg
"Luber bracket" and all.
Rest in peace.
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Psiber
Registered User
(3/29/02 1:42:20 pm)
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Gone but not forgotten...
My deepest condolences to Matt's family and friends. I have not had the privilege of knowing Matt personally, but after reading everyone's farewell's and best wishes, it is like Matt is an old friend. I wish I could have met him. Rest in peace, ...my friend.
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niz
Registered User
(3/29/02 1:59:05 pm)
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Re: Gone but not forgotten...
My sympathy..Goes out to Matt's Family and friends... I was ever so shocked when Phantom Stalker messaged me this morning telling me to check the forum..
As I this thread on the forum, all the great things that have happened between Matt and I flashed through my head...
Like the first time we met.. We met on Bellows AFS... He called "surrender" I turned, he shot me right in the eye.. From that point on, Matt talked me through strategies, ideas, styles of play... I felt ever so lucky and blessed to have the privilege of knowing and playing with Matt. He turned me onto stock class, he guided me through playing the "game" of paintball.. Which I soon began to realize, applies to life as well..
Matt will always be remembered, not for just his greatness on the field, but for also his greatness off the field.. by all of us.. His family and friends....
Matt Luber, Thank you for everything you have done for this sport and for me. For I know you can't read this, but I hope you can feel my thoughts and see the great impact you have implemented on my life... I will never forget you Matt.
Rest in peace...
Sincerely,
Scott "niz" Y.
Funny Colored Cocker = $500
1 Case All-Star Paintballs = $55
1 Kill after 1 case = Priceless... Yet sad.
------
Moral of story?! Get a pump!
 Edited by: niz at: 3/29/02 2:00:02 pm
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808star
Moderator
(3/29/02 3:00:37 pm)
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Re: Gone but not forgotten...
Raul,
Thanks for the cover shot of Matt!
For all you younger or newer players, Matt held celebrity status, although he was very humble about it. He posed for no less than 3 separate major paintball magazine covers. At one point last year, 2 of those covers actually hit the newsstands at the same time. If I recall, I don't think anyone has individually made 3 separate covers with perhaps the exception of the Cal Kamikazi Shooters in the early days of APG.
-808star
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dejoker123
Registered User
(3/29/02 8:52:42 pm)
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Re: Gone but not forgotten...
The first thing that came out of Rhyan's Mouth as i walked into Paintball Central was that Gizmo passed away, at first i thought i had just misinterpreted what he said, but then when i asked again, i got the same response. This truly shocked me, because i just didn't want to believe that this happened to such a caring, and honest man.
Matt brought a lot to the sport, he touched everyone one he met in a way that could never be changed.
You will be forever missed.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Matt, He will be missed dearly.
-sincerely-
Alex
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PBE
Unregistered User
(3/29/02 10:23:46 pm)
Reply
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Matt Luber
I am relatively new to paintball and never knew this gentleman and local icon. It is clear from reading the many postings that Matt was not only an great paintballer but more importantly, a great person.
My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Brandon--can you please identify those specific issues which featured Matt on their covers? I would like to order copies from the appropriate publishers and add them to my collection.
thanks
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hawaiian homegrown
Unregistered User
(3/30/02 12:12:19 am)
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Aloha Matt
To the family, my deepest sympathy. God bless.
To the paintball world, if you didn't know Matt, you missed out. He was a man with class. He was the most humble person who walked on the field.
To Matt, Aloha and God bless, you are now in a better place. May God bless your family and friends.
Jonah PeBenito team Hawaiian Homegrown.
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808star
Moderator
(3/30/02 1:48:26 am)
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Re: Aloha Matt
As word of Matt's passing spreads thoughout the paintball world, I'm receiving many calls on my cell from the mainland from players who knew Matt in one way or another. The received accolades are coming in and will not subside for awhile.
If you didn't know Matt, read the posts carefully and try to grasp Matt's way of dealing with people and life. Although this is a time of extreme sadness, I want Hawaii paintball players to try and create some positives for themselves. Now is the time to make changes to your player demeanor as well as your personal self, for the good. That's what All-Star, like Matt, tries to teach all players. Paintball is life and vice versa. Be the best you can be, as Matt always preached, in both worlds. You'll come out the better for it, as a player, but more importantly, as a person. Matt's passing is a opportunity to pick up and carry Matt's torch. Just do it! Don't let his death become a meaningless event in this menagerie we call LIFE.
-808star
Edited by: 808star at: 3/30/02 1:51:03 am
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warpedEmag
Registered User
(3/30/02 2:03:58 am)
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Re: Aloha Matt
Can't believe he's gone. Gonna miss him at the field ....
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gl0ryb0y
Unregistered User
(3/30/02 6:37:50 pm)
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Play hard, play safe...............
Well, this is Darin,from Team Empyre from Hilo Hawaii, Brandon called me like 15 mins after he heard the news about gizmo...It still hard to believe it , but I know where every he is, he`s going to always be watching us play, to make sure that we keep the same values that he had about the greatest sport in the world..paintball.
The last time I got to see and speak to him was at Hawaii All Star "who`s your daddy "...lol.. He thought I was another player that we had on our team,,This so called other player...Matt Isono..If you know who this is,you`ll know what a insult to injury this is,,haha, Well Gizmo Kept calling me that and finally he asked my team mate jay about "matt" coming back to play with us,, Jay asked him where with surprise expecting to see this other "matt' ,,,,When jay told him that I wasn't who he though I was,, he became very embarrassed and came up and told me this,,So for the whole rest of the day whenever I saw Gizmo I would say." Hi !, I'm Matt, its very nice to meet you... my team and myself including Gizmo Had a laugh all day...
To all played that had a chance to meet and play with him,and got to know him as a person,, he was one of the nicest players you could have every come across in this sport.
To his Family ,My deepest sympathy,,Take care and God Bless
Team Empyre
Hilo ,Hawaii
Captain, Darin Akiyama
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808star
Moderator
(3/30/02 9:03:21 pm)
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Thanks, Team Empyre.
Dear Team Empyre,
Cracko visited All-Star today and hand delivered the envelope for Matt's family. I will make sure that Jill receives it as soon as possible. You guys are super!
Thank you, again!
Brandon
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Phantom Stalker 
Registered User
(3/30/02 10:13:42 pm)
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bye matt...
I didn't know what to say before...
In the time that Scott and I had known Matt, he quickly opened up to us and always displayed an aura of acceptance and friendliness. Even though we were younger than him, he gave us the benefit of the doubt and treated us with respect, which we gave in return. He will be sorely missed, and all will know that his presence in the lives he has touched made all the difference.
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dejoker123
Registered User
(3/30/02 10:34:12 pm)
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for those of you who didn't know him
This is a picture of Matt "Gizmo" Luber for the people that didn't know him, i don't have an idea of what he looked like
 ( on the left with mask on his head) That day, Brandon said, he was an "honorary ref"
I will keep trying to find better pictures....
until then
Rest in peace Gizmo
-Alex-
Edited by: dejoker123 at: 3/30/02 10:48:09 pm
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roninshaggy17
Registered User
(3/30/02 11:59:25 pm)
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pix
I will be posting a page with pics of Mathias soon. I will post the link for all of us. Keep an eye out.
Rodney
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