The family of Matt Leydens has scheduled the following memorial services for the public to attend beginning August 14th. They are encouraging everyone who knew him to bring photos, stories, and fond memories to share with others in celebration of his life!

Friday, August 14th: Public visitation at Hamiliton's funeral home in West Des Moines from 4pm-7pm

Saturday, August 15th: Memorial service at West Des Moines United Methodist Church at 10:30am. A lunch will be provided at the church following the service

Monday, August 17th: Internment with full military honors at Iowa Veteran's Cemetery in Van Meter Iowa at 2pm. A catered BBQ will follow at the Veterans hall down the road. BBQ will be catered by Jethros.

The family asks that you please practice COVID-19 safety protocol when in attendance at all events

**for FLORIDA friends unable to travel at this time, a small ceremony will be held in September in the Florida Springs area. Contact us for more info

Matt Leydens, Steve Kitchen's former partner and Matt Leyden's Dive Shop owner, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife holding his hand on Tuesday, March, 27th, 2020.  He was instrumental in advancing the dive community here in Des Moines and the surrounding areas. Matt certified too many student to count and also certified many instructors and dive masters, including our very own, Steve Kitchen, Chris White, and Terry Orr! Matt loved diving and did so until the age of 88. In his 60+ years of diving he was afforded the opportunity to dive all over the world! The dive community will miss him dearly.  
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made as the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing the kind of send off he would have wanted. He enjoyed being surrounded by lots of friends and family, and loved a good party, so his family has elected to wait until we can safely get together and celebrate his life. We will post funeral arrangements as soon as they become available! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones he leaves behind to carry his memory and his legacy. 
See you in the water Matt!
STC Dive Center