Thomas Ward Mattson
Obituary
In loving memory
On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, Thomas Ward Mattson, cherished husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather, and uncle, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tom was born to parents John and Barbara Mattson, in Boise, Idaho on March 18, 1945. The family moved to the Watsonville area when Tom was five months old.
Tom attended Watsonville High and graduated class of '63. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and respectably served his country in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966. After his military service, Tom studied at Cabrillo before transferring to California State University Chico to finish his degree and complete his teaching credential. Tom was offered a position at Paradise High School in Paradise, Ca, and spent the next 33 years teaching US History, AP History and Geography. Generations of families took his classes and he was well loved and respected. Every summer he loved to travel, visiting many places around the world.
His family and friends will remember Tom as a true gentleman, a genuine human being who lived life to its absolute fullest.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Carol; sister Jan; brother Jim; stepbrother John; stepchildren Alan and Gemma; three beautiful grandchildren Jessica, Grace, and Max; and many nieces and nephews, including Tracy, Justin, Jeremy, David and Alicia.
Please visit Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel website www.pacificgardenschapel for
more information.
Published in The Pajaronian · March 8, 2021