John Bruce Matherson
July 19, 1954 - May 17, 2008
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John Bruce Matherson
July 19, 1954 - May 17, 2008
Obituary
John Bruce Matherson
July 19, 1954 – May 17, 2008
‘Drive Fast; Take Chances’
A native Southern Californian, John was born July 19, 1954 in Downey, California so it’s no surprise that he never lived more than 50 miles from his birthplace. He loved Southern California; the desert; the mountains; the beaches and especially anywhere he could ride a bike!
John graduated from Buena Park High School where he was an excellent student. His scholastic aptitude earned him acceptance into the prestigious Air Force Academy. But when the time came to board the plane, John chose to follow his heart instead. If you know John you knew one thing for sure; he would choose passion over prestige any day. So, instead of boarding that plane he headed home and followed his heart and lifelong passion; motorcycles.
His love affair with motorcycles started as a young boy when he, his brother Bill, and his dad would build bicycles, which lead to go carts, mini bikes and ultimately motorcycles. As a kid John’s determination was obvious as he would overcome any obstacle to ‘ride’ even if it meant putting a milk crate against the wall so he could get on his bike!
His first racing experience was at Ascot Raceway in Gardena where he raced ‘flat track.’ From then on he raced any kind of race he could including ‘road racing’ and Speedway ‘sidecars.’ His son, Jim, said ‘He was so cool – he was the man. He had an entourage of supporters and people who loved him. It was just so much fun to be in the pits. Between races guys would rebuild his bike because they loved him and looked up to him. He was my hero growing up!’
As much as John loved motorcycles, there was no comparison to the real love of his life, Robin/Blondie his favorite nickname for his girl. Robin and John were married on April 9, 1983, the same day Mission Yamaha was born. It should come as no surprise to anyone that their wedding reception was fittingly held in the Service Department!! What a joyous day for John to have both of his ‘loves’ united under one roof.
John would frequently call up to Blondie’s office and say ‘singing’ which was their code for ‘I love you.’ John didn’t just love Robin, he adored her. She’s the love of his life. For most men taking on the responsibility of raising 3 teenage children might be too big a challenge. But John applied his fearless perseverance and without fail he won the love and respect of each of the kids. They loved him because he was ‘fair,’ never judgmental or critical. He was a champion for them and always their biggest supporter through some of the toughest times of their lives. John said, ‘What I loved most about him was the way he treated mom.’ I will always remember Hannah telling me ‘Do a burn-out Daddy or Grandpa says you’re a girl’ ‘I love you Dad.’ In tears Lori whispered, ‘He was a loving role model as a father and a grandfather. He put my mom on a pedestal and loved her in a way that I want to be loved someday. No matter what you needed he’d be there for anything.’ Is there anything better than to leave this kind of legacy in your children’s hearts?
John was blessed with a loving immediate family; his brother Bill and twin sisters, Becky and Betty and all together seven nieces and nephews he loves.
With John it was all about ‘family’ so much so that he was there for the birth of ALL 7 grandkids; Daniel, Rachel, Alexis, Makenzie, Ryder, Hannah and Chase. And you can bet he’ll be there for #8 who is due to arrive this July. Grandpa had a unique and special relationship with each of them. He always met them on their level whether it was building rockets with the boys or being sassy with the girls. With the grandkids, the little boy in John would come out and there was laughter, big smiles and even bigger hugs. There was an unmistakable sparkle in his eyes when he was with them.
How can anyone sum up the impact of John’s life? Like the ripples of a rock in a pond, John’s life radiated outward and touched so many lives. Too many to count; too many to know. From the woman who knew him best, after 25 amazing years, Robin remembers a husband who had a passion for life. Whether it was cooking for friends and family, mentoring young guys, tinkering in the shop, tasting a new wine, traveling to new and exciting places, John did it all full throttle. He was always happy, optimistic and you could count on him to be the life of the party. There was a thing he taught the grandkids that kind of sums up John’s life philosophy:
Green Light – GO
Red Light – STOP
Yellow Light – GAS IT!!!
‘He loved life and lived each day as if it was his last.’ No regrets.
The impact of John’s life will live on in the hearts of those he loved and those who were blessed to love him.
‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.’
2 Timothy 4:7
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested honoring John Matherson’s memory through donations to the Cordelia Knott Center of Wellness, 230 S. Main St. Orange, CA
124 responses to John Bruce Matherson
Rachel Sutton says:
November 2, 2008
Hi Grandpa,
I’ve been thinking about you very often and miss you so much. I wanted to share some new news with you that I’m just dying to tell. Grandma got 2 more new horses and there just beautiful. The older one’s name is Regal she is a black morgan with a white patch on her face, she is so cute when she runs, she prances I personally think it’s funny. On the other hand Oxbow likes her… kind of but dosent like any of the other horses around her just like always, very tempremental Me, alexis, makenzie and rhonda all rode Regal she’s an amazing horse but it’s confusing getting her into a lope, but I know I’ll get the hang of it. Regal alone is just so stunning she’s almost breathtaking. The baby’s name is Lexi she is 6 months old and right now is like a brown grayish type color horse but she will grow up to be a beautiful tan like buckskin with blue eyes, grandma said you always wanted a buckskin so how could we resist. Before grandma bought them I’m sure she was thinking of you but when Me, Alexis, Makenzie, and Ryder all pitched in 100 dollars from our money we got from you to help grandma pay for baby Lexi Well than grandma couldn’t say no. They are now at your house and are having a wonderful time they run in the pasture so fast, they look like race horses. It’s beautiful!! But at the end of the day I mainly just wanted to tell you after all this happening at grandmas we miss you so dearly and you should always know that we will NEVER forget you.
Love Always,
Rachel
Casey malkowski says:
November 15, 2008
John Bruce, lol I use to love getting your goat by calling you Bruce, you didn’t like it but took it well and knew I was kidding you.
And come back with your favorite name for me.
I love it teasing you and having fun with you. God I miss it.
I miss you everyday and think of the times we share together as friends.
I visit your resting place and drive by it everyday as I go to work. I look over has I drive by the big iron gate and smile talking to you. Wishing and Deaming you could hear me.
Everyday I wish I could hear your voice, see the warmth in your face and talk about things going on with your family and mine. Mess with you head and you mine.
We had so much fun everyday at work kidding around. And getting things done. It’s just not the same without you John.
I wish you and my son Chris, could have enjoyed the fun and pleasure of cooking more together. He could experience how wonderful of a man and person you are. And you could see him grow into a man.
Chris will Graduate in Feb, with a B.S. Degree, I am so proud of him John.
Cyrena today had her first tourment in Karate, she is now a double degree brown belt. She took first place in all three events. Beating out the boys again. lol
She is a bad girl John. She just love beating the boys in Karate and Baseball. lol she is such a tomboy. lol.
Tomorrow is my Birthday and I wish you were here to give me your normal B.S. lol.. And a Hug.
Love you Johnny Boy and will be by to visit you soon.
Love ya,
Casey
robin matherson says:
December 15, 2008
Sweetie,
I Love you soooo Much. I Miss you, I want you, I need You. I can’t stop crying. I can’t write now.
All my Love Forever and ever.
Blondie
Toy says:
December 16, 2008
Hey Johnny!
Just wanted to write and tell you how much we all miss you…..still and always WILL! During this holiday season, I think of you more and more and wish, more than anything, that we had more time to “celebrate” the good things in life. As we drive up the hill, we stop every time and “chat” with you so you know you will NEVER be forgotten, and are always in our thoughts and hearts. I wish peace and love for Robin and the kids during this time, as it must be harder than I could ever imagine. We’ll stop and “chat” Christmas morning on our way up! Until then my friend, rest peacefully.
We love you!
Bridget Casas says:
January 5, 2009
Hi there John! Just want to say how missed you are and that I think about you and Robin often. I know how much you mean to Robin. We used to talk about how lucky we both were. You were always so good to my mom. Have you seen her? I’m sure you have met Emily and Granny by now. Aren’t they wonderful women? I really miss my mom. I am glad I did not have to tell her about your death. It would have been like losing one of her own children. She loved you and Robin so much. I know you loved her too.
I was looking through some photos earlier today and I have quite a few of you and Robin with my mom and when we used to go to dinner with her and Larry and Shelley. I am sorry you missed their wedding. It was very nice.
I read through a lot of the letters here and you have many wonderful friends and co-workers who miss you very much. Not to mention all the lovely notes from the kids and grandkids. Please rest assured that Robin is surrounded by a lot of love at all times. She has a big circle of family and friends looking after her.
Willie and I talk about you and all the wonderful things you did. You are really missed! Well, I guess that is all for now! Say hi to Mom for me!
Love, Bridget