Matt Garber, 22, a former U of C student remembered by friends for his artistic talent, died November 7 at his father’s home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He committed suicide.

Garber, who was born in Sacramento and spent most of his life in Oklahoma City, attended the University of Notre Dame for his freshmen year but transferred to the U of C with hopes of finding a more creative environment.

His time spent at the University was one of Garber’s best periods, according to his friend Kelly Richter, A.B. ’05. He especially enjoyed his graduate-level poetry class. A social person, Garber “knew and loved an incredibly large and diverse group of people,” Richter said.

Though he had a positive experience at the University, Garber left after fall quarter of 2003 to pursue experimental film. He wanted to not only study art, but also create it outside the classroom. Despite his eagerness, Garber continually struggled with financial hardship and found it difficult to work on his art.

“This death has been very hard on everyone who knew Matt because he was an extremely charismatic, passionate, and artistically gifted person,” Richter said.

Garber left behind a large collection of his writings and art. Friends hope to exhibit the work on or near the University campus during winter quarter.

Garber is survived by his two parents and younger sister. A funeral was held for him in Oklahoma City on November 11.