Last month we tragically lost one of our beloved co-workers and 25-year Hancock Lumber veteran with the passing of Matt Libby. While it’s hard to process the reality of this, we wanted to share some photos and words here to celebrate Matt, his lifetime commitment to Hancock Lumber, and the impact he had here. Our hearts are with Matt, his fiancé, Jenny, his family, friends, and all his co-workers. Matt’s contributions across his career and all his roles at Hancock Lumber will always be remembered. Throughout his career, Matt had roles in the yard and commercial sales, installed insulation, inside sales support and most recently as an Account Manager. Matt was a loyal employee and ultimate Team Hancock ambassador. We miss you, Matt!
Kevin Hancock shared a company-wide email on Saturday 1/29 after learning of Matt’s passing.
I’m sending this message of love for Matt Libby and condolences for his passing. My heart is with Matt, Jenny, his family, friends, and co-workers. I’m specifically thinking of everyone at the Windham store where Matt has been a fixture of stability, teamwork, positivity, skill, knowledge, work ethic, consistency, care, and fun for so long. You can’t really put words to a loss like this and I’m not trying to do so. I’m just reaching out to say my heart is where yours is today. I received the following message early this morning from another long-time Hancock Lumber front line leader from another store:
Going to work today won’t be quite the same at Hancock Lumber. We lost one of our family members. It’s so hard to believe. The Libby’s are the heart of Windham.
A fellow, long-time co-worker and friend, Berta Campbell, shared a few memories and thoughts on Monday, 1/31:
I am sitting here trying to get some work done and I find myself drifting and thinking about all the wonderful things Matt stood for in his life and for this company. I have had the pleasure of working with Matt for 21 years. Wow, when I look back, I can’t believe the memories and good times we had. The thing about Matt that I always admired was his ability to stay calm and cool during the busiest of times. He always had a smile, and he was always willing to help. His laugh ALWAYS made me smile. His sense of urgency and work ethic was bar none the best we have seen and could ever aspire to. Matt was the kind of guy that had the expertise and know-how to get things done and do them accurately. With grace and speed, Matt had a knowing that everything was going to be ALL RIGHT. He had a confidence and knowing that if you did your job well, everything was going to work out. At Hancock Lumber we have the support and knowledge of product to “GET HER DONE” and get her done well. Matt was that SUPPORT. Matt was the guy we all went to for help and guidance. He was the guy I could count on to get the answers I needed. He was the kind of guy that cared for his contractors and would go above and beyond the call of duty to meet their needs and orders. An avid woodsman, Matt lived a life we all envied.
I was so delighted when Matt met Jenny. Yay, two beautiful bright lights coming together that could nourish and cultivate an amazing future together. My heart breaks for you, Jenny. I know that this loss is greater than anyone of us can imagine. WE are with you, girlfriend—heart and soul we are here for you and will do whatever it takes to care for you.
Hang in there everyone—WE will see us through this with each one of us supporting one another.
Thank you for being an awesome work family!
Berta
This weekend another long-time friend and co-worker, Peter Allen, will help host a benefit concert in Matt’s memory. Please click on the poster for all the details on the event happening Sunday, 2/27 at the Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls. Tickets to the event can be purchased in advanced and are available at the Windham kitchen design showroom and hardware store.