JOHN JOSEPH MATSON
(AKA “JOHN THE MAGNIFICENT”)
The story of John Matson’s life is one of triumph. Through the trials and tribulations of life, John Matson lived his life with honor, respect for others, joy, energy, humor, humility and most importantly love for his family.
In John’s young life, his parents desired that he become a Catholic priest. John was off to seminary school in Northern California separated from his father, mother and three siblings. As difficult as this was, John received a first class education and enjoyed the companionship of his class mates. However, John knew in his heart that priesthood was not his true calling and developed skepticism about the Catholic Church. More on this later.
There was no clearer sign to John that becoming a priest was not in his future when he met his future wife, Janet Campbell. They met on Halloween in 1967 and continued their love affair for 56 years (married for 53 years). When they began dating, John picked Janet up in his Volkswagen bug that had no floor boards. John and Janet created their own foundational floor with the love they had for each other and for their four children. Jeanine, John (“Ken”), Janette and April.
During the Vietnam War, John joined and served in the Navy. John’s periodic reviews from his naval commanders always resulted in stellar reviews. John’s commanders would routinely state that he got the best out of the men he was in charge of, his uniform and appearance were beyond reproach, that he was intelligent, organized, honorable and trustworthy. In fact, he was put in charge of candy and cigarettes on an air craft carrier. Nobody could be bribed or steal when John was in charge.
After the Navy, John worked for his father-in-law in a machine shop. Subsequently, he became a residential and then a commercial realtor. John was instrumental in organizing the outdoor retail outlet in Lake Elsinore. John also contributed by using his relationship skills and intellect by mediating business disputes. In the midst of working, John became an active day trader and a City Councilman for the City of Lake Elsinore. John had a lot of energy.
John’s recreational passion was golf. He learned the game from his father and understood the relationship, physical and mental aspect of the game. John was a phenomenal player. He won his club championship in Southern California several times. He had seven holes in one. John never moved his ball from a poor lie, including when someone did not rake the sand trap and the ball landed in a foot print. John played the game the way it is intended to be played, with honor by honorable players.
Eighteen months prior to John’s passing, he read the Bible cover to cover. John began to see God as a loving God, not dogmatic and scary as he learned in his youth. The last book John read was “Proof of Heaven” by Eben Alexander. John found his answer to the big question and is now with God.
The love of John’s life was his beautiful bride, Janet. His true joy was being home with Janet and spending time together. Home is where John’s heart resided.
John obtained the love we all seek.
John’s had five grandchildren: Nathan, Nicholas, Katelyn, Olivia and John. John poured his zest for life into his grandchildren and always made Christmas (which was his birthday) a joyous event.
What an incredible journey.