Arthur Conrad Matson, Iii

On the evening of June 20, 2018, Arthur Conrad Matson or “Mat” (as he was known by family and friends) passed away peacefully in his Penngrove home, a home that he had lived in with his wife for 52 years. Mat had been suffering for a period of eight years from respiratory issues and several chronic conditions, however, despite these limitations, Mat lived his life to the fullest until the very end, spending his last night as he had spent so many before: with his wife, close to both his son and daughter, and of course working out in his garage. Mat had been born to Arthur and Claire Matson in Petaluma, CA on February 22, 1945; he would be the eldest of seven children born into this family. He was proud of his heritage and his family, as a grandson of the Evans (A Pioneer family) he and his mother Claire V. Matson could trace their lineage all the way back to the Mayflower. He spent his childhood in Penngrove, CA where he grew up on a chicken ranch one located only a few houses down from what would later become his family’s home. He loved to tinker and build things, being evident to those around him even as a small child. He would take things apart just to put them back together and he did this with such frequency that he seemed to be able to fix seemingly anything. Knowing this it came as no surprise that when Mat graduated from Petaluma High in 1962 he started work in San Francisco as a mechanic in September the same year, a job that he would later go to Trade school for to become an Automatic Transmission Specialist. Mat married his high school sweetheart Sandra Strain on July 17, 1965 and remained happily married for almost 53 years of marriage. Together they had two children, Elizabeth and Steven Matson.  After 10 years of commuting for his job he went left his first job to work for “George Delong’s Buick” in Petaluma in order to be closer to his family. This dedication was demonstrated further in 1973 when the family experienced a tragic motorcycle accident hospitalizing both Mat and his wife Sandra. Staying true with his wedding vows he remained with his wife “through sickness and health” as she spent months in the hospital and underwent a total of 13 surgeries. He would return to work and stay there until 1979 when he injured his back at work ending his career as a mechanic. After a year of recovery he went to work at “Huffaker Racing” where he would be fabricating racecars. He enjoyed this work eminently, which would last him until 2002 where another injury, this time due to a major car wreck, would end this career and carry him into retirement. Though retirement didn’t last him long, soon he was back out in his garage with his son Steven and grandson Riley who at age 5 began racing first outlaw go-karts, then 600 micro sprint cars, and finally 360 sprint cars until he joined the United States Coast Guard after his graduation from high school. He was very giving and kind-hearted man. He was always there to give a helping hand, but didn’t ever ask for help in return. He always had great stories to share with everyone. Mat is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Elizabeth, and son Steven; his grandchildren: Andrew Rowland, Tom Rowland, Alex Kenneally, Sarah Archer, Riley Matson, Dylan Becker; and his great-grandchildren: Bailee Rowland, Sophia Rowland, Kennedi Rowland, Olivia Rowland, and Reagan Rowland. Rest in peace my love we have all enjoyed your wonderful sense of humor and your loyalty to all of us. To the best of the best husband and dad to his children, we will miss you. Friends and family are invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Rohnert Park Assembly of God, 4695 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park.  Private Inurnment. Memorial Service

Rohnert Park Assembly of God

Saturday, July 07, 2018 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 4695 Snyder Lane Rohnert Park, California 94928 Directions