Timothy Ralph Matchett, a longtime leader for the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau and operator of one of Michigan’s largest sheep farms, died May 24, 2025, following a bout with cancer. He was 66.
Matchett was the first farmer Matt Kapp called on in 2004. Kapp had just become Michigan Farm Bureau’s north regional manager and needed to learn more about the area.
“Tim Matchett always provided that help,” said Kapp, who served Farm Bureau members in the six-county region from 2004-07.
“When you needed something done, you picked up the phone and called Tim,” added Kapp, now MFB’s government relations specialist. “We could always count on him, and he passed that on to his kids. His son Isaac is now on the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, just like his father was.”
Those who knew Matchett say he was easygoing, kind and genuine — the type of person to start a conversation and feed it so it wouldn’t die out.
“He was the kind of person who always wanted to give back to the community,” Kapp said. “He was a loyal Farm Bureau member, loyal to agriculture, and loyal to the sheep industry.”
Born to Sanford and Agatha (Ranney) Matchett on May 31, 1958, Matchett was a lifelong Charlevoix County resident. Family and friends attest he dedicated his life to stewarding its land, people and communities. Over the course of his farming career he worked alongside his parents, his wife of nearly 41 years, Linda, and their two sons.
According to his obituary, Matchett guided the family farm through four decades of change, including transitioning the farm from turkey production to sheep. Today, Matchett Sheep Farm LLC manages a 1,500-head flock of ewes.
Kapp successor Cole Iaquinto also met Matchett when he first started working the region in 2012. He said their first conversation covered politics, Farm Bureau goals, the weather, membership and local history.
“Tim always made the conversation meaningful,” said Iaquinto, who now manages MFB’s Member Benefits and Relations Department.
“From that very first conversation, I knew I’d met someone special. He had a way of listening patiently, asking the right questions, and helping you see things from a broader perspective.”
Outside agriculture, Matchett served the Marion Township Board for 25 years, the Marion Township Planning Commission for 44 years, and the Charlevoix County Conservation District Board of Directors for more than 40 years. He led the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau for 30 years.
In 2023, Matchett told Kapp that agriculture needed to be involved in all local government issues because “road millages and zoning ordinances affect agriculture.”
“It’s definitely a time commitment — I admit it. If I’m baling hay and have a township meeting I’m going to, I have to stop baling early,” he said at the time. “But that’s the sacrifice of serving my community.”
Matchett is preceded in death by his parents, Sanford and Agatha (Ranney) Matchett.
He is survived by Linda (Himebauch) Matchett; children Isaac (Brianna) Matchett, Mia (Scott) Rhudy, Noah (Sara) Matchett, and LilyAnn Matchett; grandchildren Weston, Lane, Kinzie, Forrest, Hayes, and one soon-to-be-born; siblings Melvin (Judy) Matchett, Joyce (Steve) Tchozeski; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A visitation for Matchett will take place 5-8 p.m. June 6 at Mortensen Funeral Home in Charlevoix. Funeral services follow 2 p.m. June 7 at Barnard Methodist Church with a graveside service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends and family to honor Matchett by making donations to Barnard Church, c/o Barnard Treasurer, 1450 Matchett Road in Charlevoix.
“Tim was a valued mentor, a loyal member and a true servant leader,” Iaquinto said.
“His dedication to agriculture and community service was unmatched — whether as township clerk, on the conservation district board, or through decades of leadership as county Farm Bureau president. His knowledge, his steady wisdom, and his good humor left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to know him.
“He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of leadership, kindness, and service will not be forgotten.”
Matchett guided the family farm through four decades of change. He told Michigan Farm News in 2024 that "farming has always been in my blood," that it came natural to him. "If you don't stay involved with Farm Bureau," he said, "your voice isn't heard."
