Roger Quentin Matson Sr. 83, peacefully passed away June 30, 2013 in the loving presence of his eldest daughter, Teresa. He fought a brave and cruel battle from diabetes for over 30 years, with strength and dignity. Born in Tyler Minnesota, he grew up working the farm, hunting and trapping by the age of 3. He served 4 years in the US Air Force, during the Korean War, while stationed in Japan and the Aleutian Islands. He met his bride, Fay McPeak while they were both serving in the USAF and after a 2 week courtship were married and shared a 54 year marriage until her passing in 2007.
He made a reputable name for himself in his early years as an exceptional salesman. Whether it was cars, farm equipment or anything in between, his reputation preceded him and he was sought after by many employers. Always the diligent, hard working, and loyal employee, he gave 33 years of service to Montgomery Wards. Starting as a furniture salesman, then a warehouse manager and ending his career with them as a Big Ticket Merchandising Buyer. He was called back out of retirement as they were unable to fill his shoes and he gave them 5 more faithful years. We always said that if Wards would have let our dad run the company from the top down, they would still be around. His independence and leadership skills are what defined him and he was respected by all who knew him. He was a strong man physically and emotionally and to the end, held true to that.
Great pride was taken in his hunting and trapping skils. Providing food and income for himself and his family from his expert skills, as well as enjoying the sport itself, these were some of the many stories he loved to tell his children and grand children. His life was an unbelievable tale of strength, courage, perseverance, loyalty, hard work, honesty and unconditional love for his family. He left us with some written words of his life as well as some video tapes of the multitude of stories which we all heard him tell over the course of our lives, which will forever be a gift in itself.
Surviving children include Teresa (Tommy Dunlap), Steve Matson, Dana Matson, Tracey (Mike House), Roger Matson Jr, Shawn Matson. Grandchildren, Steven Matson (Jacque), Jamie Matson (Kati), Brent Eberle(Crystal), Tracy Matson, Cate DiCarlo (Dan), Jason VanZant (Marcia), Allison Stone (Jeremy), Roger Matson III, Tawney Matson, Taylor Matson, Rider Matson, Brooke Sotolongo, Kali Sotolongo and 9 great grandchildren.
Graveside service with Military Honors will be presented at 10 AM on Friday, July 12, 2013 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines, FL 33744. Flowers may be sent to the cemetery and contributions may be made to the Lifepath Hospice at www.chaptershealth.org in our father’s name.
We welcome you to sign his guestbook below and share a memory.
Sorry for your loss………..
Tracey thinking of you and your family. May he rest in peace .prayers of comfort.
Shawn I am sending you my deepest condolences. Although I didn’t know your dad, I’m sure he was a wonderful man. Equally lovely was your beautiful and courageous mom. I’m sure they are dancing together in heaven! Prayers to you and your girls. XO
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. He’s at peace now and this is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.
I am honored to be listed as his grandchild. There is so much here that I never knew about him and Mammam, and such a handsome picture of him. He was a dedicated and hardworking man. He and Mammam were a wonderful couple and an inspiration to us all. I’m so sorry for your loss. He is at peace with her now. My thoughts and healing prayers are with each of you during this grievous time. Love, Cate
Tracey and Allison I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like an wonderful man and I can see how you both became the strong awesome women you are. Sending up prayers of comfort and peace for your family. All our love.
Dear Tracey and Family,
You all are in my prayers. Your parents are together again and I hope that will bring you comfort.
God’s blessing and peace to you and your family. May your loving memories help you to endure this sad time.
Papa,
I love you and I will miss you very much. You will never be forgotten and always dearly missed. I know your in a better place now. Until the day I see you again, I love you forever. Thank you sincerely for everything you did for me and my family. You have a great part in the man I am today and I will always remember the things you’ve instilled in me, and I will pass them on to my children. I will make you proud papa. With all the love and care I bring. Love Always and Forever
Roger Q. Matson III (baby roger)
Our sincere condolences to Family.
Roger,Although we met briefly in the walk of life it was truly a pleasure and honor. We will keep your memory alive with our shared Great-Grandson Ashton Matson. God Bless & Rest in Peace.
Rest in peace Grandfather
Dear Roger Matson Sr.,
I am writing to you today with a very heavy heart, struggling to find the words that could possibly do justice to the depth of the loss you are experiencing. Please know that as I sit here, my thoughts are entirely with you, and I am sending you all the strength and love I can possibly muster during this incredibly painful time.
Losing someone so central to your life is a profound and life-altering experience. It creates a silence where there used to be laughter and a void that feels impossible to fill. I want you to know that your grief is shared, and that the impact of this loss is felt deeply by all of us. The bond you shared was truly special, and the legacy left behind is one of kindness, warmth, and enduring love—a legacy that will continue to live on through you and everyone whose lives were touched.
In the coming days and weeks, as the initial shock begins to settle into the quiet reality of grief, please remember that you do not have to carry this burden alone. I am here for you—not just in spirit, but in any practical way you might need. Whether you need someone to sit with you in the quiet, someone to help manage the many small tasks that feel overwhelming right now, or simply someone to listen to stories of better times, I am just a phone call away.
There is no timeline for healing, and I hope you allow yourself the grace and patience to grieve in your own way. Lean on those of us who care for you; we want nothing more than to provide a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold. May the many beautiful memories you created together eventually bring you a sense of peace, and may you find comfort in knowing how much you are loved.
Please accept my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You are in my prayers every single day.
With all my love and deepest sympathy,
Ashton Matson