In the heartland of America, under the vast and unending skies of Montana, a legend was born. John Mattson, a man of humble beginnings, would go on to leave an indelible mark on everyone his life touched. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination that defines those touched by the spirit of the frontier. Born in a simpler time, John took his first breaths in Montana, where the open plains stretch as far as the eye can see. He was raised on a dry sheep ranch. His childhood home was a converted chicken coop nestled in a quiet draw. It was a place where hard work and grit were as much a part of life as the sweeping vistas and the whisper of the wind through the sagebrush.
In those formative years, young John attended a one-room schoolhouse, a place where education was simple but enduring, much like the values instilled in him by his parents. It was here that he learned the importance of community, self-reliance, and the potential that could be unlocked through hard work and determination.
John Loved the Black Hills of Dakota
As he grew older, the Mattson family moved to Spearfish, South Dakota and to the Black Hills he grew to love. In this land of towering pines and pristine streams, John built a life with his beloved wife Bev by his side. Eventually their journey brought them to Utah where they raised their family. John was a devoted father and husband. He taught his children the same values he had learned on that sheep ranch, instilling in them a respect for the land, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Today, we pay tribute to John Mattson, my uncle. He passed away last week at the good age of 80. He walked the rugged path of life with courage and integrity. His life reminds us that the spirit of the West lives on in those who dare to dream, work hard, and love deeply - and in that legacy we find inspiration to carry on the traditions and values that have shaped us into who we are.
In the end, John was ready to "Fly Away". Waiting for him on the other side were his parents, his sister and brothers, and so many others wanting to celebrate his homecoming and to hear those stories of the ranch we all know so well.
I don't have many pictures of my uncle. I put what I do have into a slide show as a tribute to a life lived well and full.
