Intermountain lost another caregiver to COVID-19 last week. Matt Sevald, RN, an Employee Health nurse at St. George Regional Hospital, passed away May 20 after fighting the illness for weeks.
“Our hearts go out to the Sevald family,” says Mitch Cloward, hospital administrator. “This loss is devastating. Matt’s wife, Eva, was also one of our caregivers, and she passed away unexpectedly at work from an aneurysm about 16 months ago. Matt and Eva leave four children in the care of their loving grandparents, Carol Thomas, Harold Thomas, and Donnie Peace. Donnie also works here, and we extend our support and sympathy to him and all who are grieving.”
Matt was an influence for good to all who knew him. He was constantly learning, earning his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Dixie State University. He was always ready to add a new skill or interest to his love of history and historical role-playing, language, cooking, beekeeping, hunting, camping, and more. Most of all he loved his family and friends.
Friends Chris and Katie Erbe say, “When I think of Matt and Eva the word ‘love’ comes to mind. The feeling they gave you—no matter if they were family, friends, acquaintances, or people they just met—was nonjudgmental, respectful, unconditional, and pure. They loved and cared for all they came into contact with. Most of all they loved each other and their beautiful amazing children.”
Matt’s manager, Nichole Harward, says, “Matt was an amazing addition to our Employee Health Team. He had a passionate dedication to the caregivers he served as was seen through his kindness and compassion. Though he loved his work, it was obvious his love and priority were his children. He often talked about them, and his goal was to love and provide for them. We’re all privileged to have known and worked with Matt.”
Coworker and friend Chet Loveland says, “I’ve known Matt and his family for more than 15 years, both in professional and personal settings and always enjoyed his friendly manner and outstanding character. He had a quick wit and could also calm stressful clinical situations, reassuring both patients and caregivers. He and Eva were devoted to their children and very proud of their growth and accomplishments. They both invested their time outside of work in supporting their children in a variety of activities and academics, bringing them great joy and peace. Matt was a big man with a big heart for his faith, his community, his fellow caregivers, and mostly his family. He will be greatly missed.”
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 27, at 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2260 Red Cliffs Drive in St. George. Following the service the U.S. Marine Corp will conduct a brief color guard tribute in a nearby park. Anyone who knew and loved the Sevalds is welcome to attend.