Whiskey's Last Run - A Browncoat Memorial


"Whiskey"

Cheryl Barton Mattson

Sept. 3, 1970 - Sept. 29, 2019

There are many kinds of families in this world, and the Browncoats are a unique example. Brought together not just by the love of an imagined 'Verse, but by the drive to do good and effect change in the world through combined effort, Browncoats worldwide have been coming together to help one another, have fun together, and create found families of their own for some time now.

From the beginning, there have been those who take on the Good Work to help others and who dedicate their efforts and energy to that cause. The Utah Browncoats Society joins the larger community of friends and family in mourning the passing of one of our shipmates who did dedicate so much. We are devastated at the loss of a founding Board member, passionate volunteer, and incredible friend - Cheryl Barton Mattson, known to us as Whiskey.

We ask that you join us in honoring her tireless efforts for the Utah Browncoat community and beyond. She was a fierce advocate for the charity, so if you can, please join us in donating to one of her favorite causes. Equality Now

Mal: "Love. You can know all the math in the ‘verse, but you take a boat in the air you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turning of worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughtta fall down… tells ya she’s hurtin’ ‘fore she keens… makes her a home."

We love you, Cheryl.

- Posted by the Board of the Utah Browncoats Society, October 1, 2019


Utah Browncoats Memorial Video, by Maggie Arnold




Utah Browncoats Announcement


The news was first shared on October 1, 2019 - on the Utah Browncoats Facebook group,
by former Board member Brooke Moffat, who wrote the following:

I heartbreakingly share the news of the passing of one of our own, Cheryl Barton Mattson. She took her own life on Sunday night. This is something I never imagined I would write.

As you all know, Cheryl was passionate about building up our Browncoat family - especially fundraising for Equality Now. Her years of volunteerism with the UT Browncoats and global CSTS attest to that. And if you have been to any UT Browncoats events, you were pretty much guaranteed to see her there.

I can't say it any better than Tracey & Zoe: When you can’t run, you crawl. And when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that… you find someone to carry you.

So let's help carry each other through this, my Browncoat family.

If you're sad, angry, confused, want to share a story, or just want to be there for everyone else, share it. Let's support each other through processing this.

Memorial video by Brooke Moffat



Statement from Can't Stop The Serenity Global  - October 17, 2019


It is with great sadness that we write to let you know of the passing of CSTS Global Steering Committee Chair, Cheryl Barton Mattson. Cheryl unexpectedly chose to take her own life on September 29th and she has left a huge hole in our ship that can never be filled. A founding member of the marvelous Utah Browncoats Society charity, Cheryl was CSTS Global Communications Director for three Can't Stop the Serenity seasons between 2016 and 2018, moving on to the CSTS Steering Committee as Chair for the 2019 season. 

In every position she’s held, as in all of her life, she was a powerful and vocal advocate for our work. She believed passionately in women’s and girls’ rights and in our mission – she knew that being a Browncoat meant making a difference and she threw herself into that selflessly and with her whole heart. 

Given the nature of her passing, we’d like to remind you of some poignant words from The Message – “When you can't run, you crawl, and when you can't crawl…when you can't do that...you find someone to carry you.” 

If you find yourself struggling, find someone to carry you. We know that can be hard but if nothing else please know you can lean on your fellow Browncoats to carry you that little bit further. 

Farewell dear friend. 
CSTS Global Steering Committee and Organizing Team



Memorials

Her funeral was held Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Westlake Ward. It was attended by hundreds of her friends, family members and co-workers. She is interred at the Valley View Memorial Park in West Valley City, and her grave is in the Pioneer area of the park.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, a private wake was held at the Midway Tavern in Midvale, Utah, titled "Whiskey's Last Run." It was attended by dozens of friends from Utah and beyond. 
View the event, photos and videos on Facebook

On Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, a Viking style memorial pyre was held at  Black Rock, at the Great Salt Lake. A large paper model of Serenity was filled with mementos and other items at the Saturday night wake and set afire on the water at sunset.