Matt you left behind many memories, friends and family on earth, see you in God's Garden…………. Matthew Villafranca Soto was born January 13, 1979 in his home town of Bakersfield, to Janie (Villafranca) and Robert F. Soto. The middle of three children, he had the most energy, outgoing and humor to spare. Matt had sports talent that just came natural to him; you might say he was born with a bat in one hand and a baseball in the other. He started playing baseball at the age of five and continued to play thru high school and went to Lany College playing. As baseball team captain at East Bakersfield High in 1997 he was named "All Area, All City, MVP and received 4-year participant award (the same his dad received in 1969). Mothers of the baseball team nicknamed them "The Mijos"; the guys continue to support each other and attend each others family functions and gatherings. During football season he was often on the field with the cheerleaders adding spirit when the fans were too quiet. Matt is most remembered for his sense of humor, no matter where or what the situation was, he was sure to have you laughing with a comment, smile or just a look. Later he became a computer expert and was always ready to solve any computer issues. His second love in life was fishing, taking any opportunity to grab a fishing pole and set out to catch "the big one", when he returned he'd say "you should have seen the one I threw back!!" Matt was preceded in death 7 months ago by his nurturing mother Janie (April), he leaves wonderful memories with his father "Pops" (whom Matt never took for granted), Bob and his wife Maria; encouraging brother, Anthony; sister, Bobbi, whom he cherished – his "Bud" and "the wind beneath his wings"; loving grandparents, Elva and Rey Esquivel, step-brothers, Juan and Fernando, numerous caring aunts, uncles, cousins, his extended family in Sacramento and endless friends. Chapel Service will be held for Matt Villafranca Soto, age 30 of Bakersfield, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 10 am at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary with Pastor Jason Hanash of Corner Stone Christian Community. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 4 to 8pm at Hopson-Anspach Chapel, 620 Oregon Street, Bakersfield CA 93305. The family would like to thank all of those who were placed in Matt's path to encourage and pray for him. God Bless all of you for letting us know how much he was loved. A special thanks to the core guys of "The Mijos", who continue to hold a special place in their hearts for Matt. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Matt's Memorial Fund.