John Bruce Matherson

John Bruce Matherson

July 19, 1954 - May 17, 2008

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

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124 responses to John Bruce Matherson

  1. Toy says:

    John,
    What a great day we had yesterday!!! The tree that Robin had planted for you is AMAZING! All your friends and family were there and it brought such a feeling of warmth and love that we could all be there again, to honor you, my friend.
    May your tree grow HUGE and STRONG…. just as the love we all have for you!
    Missing you……
    Toy

  2. My Darling John,
    I’m so sad, I miss you so much..Sometimes, like right now, my heart hurts and longs for you. Life without you isn’t the same. We all miss you very much. I miss your laughter, your smile, the sparkle in your eyes and having your hand to grab at night to let us know we’re okay and I love you.
    So many years of laughing every day at some point and the FUN we always had is no where to be found. Not like you and I had. Some times, not always I’m lost with out you. Today I want you here! I want to see you in my dreams at night and feel like I can touch you.
    It’s times Like this that I go over everything in my head about the week before, where I was and what was going on with you. I know we talked every day and even on the last day. I often wonder if there was something I missed. Should I have been here? But I don’t think I would have wanted our last time together to be on the side of that road. It’s never bothered to go down or up it, I always felt I could feel you free spirit out there in the field riding through the meadow. But I won’t drive it tomorrow. Too hard, too much pain.
    We did plant a beautiful Oak Tree for you. All the neighbors, friends and family were there. What a sight John! I know your proud, you were sooo loved and still are. John made you a wonderful cross out of wood. He put your name on it, also your #29, and of course your famous J + R.What a tribute to you. We all Love and miss you.
    I’ll stop now but I will be back soon.
    Love you with all my heart and soul.
    Your Blondie

  3. Toy says:

    Hi Friend…..
    Sorry I had to miss speedway this year, for your memorial….. you and Robin were both in my thoughts all evening long. We sure do miss you something fierce! I guess some would say I should stop writing here…… but you know me, I don’t really give a rat’s a$$ what other people think…… so again, I come here to send you my wishes and thoughts. Robin has become one of my most dearest and loving friends….. not that that should surprise you….
    Well, not much else really going on, but I will be back to ramble on more at a later date.
    Much love…..
    Toy

  4. Happy New Year Dear, I know your close to me these days, you know how much I long for you and how sad my heart is. Will I ever be the same again??? I can’t write to much now, I miss you so and it seems to hurt even more these days. The Holidays were far much harder than I could of imagined. How I longed for you and wanted to be with you. You know the kids and our grand kids will keep me here and going on. They miss you so much and I could never give them the laughter and knowledge that you shared so openly with them. You know we always said you would be a great teacher and laughed about how you were going to be an astronaut. You made all the right choices my love and the motorcycle world would not be the same without you. Your second love and passion. I miss you oceans, sands, molecules and what ever is the largest amount in the world. I’ll try not to stay away as long. Although I know you know my every breath and heart beat. You know when we will be together again some day. I will be there with bells on when its time. I dream about you reaching out and taking my hand in yours. Some day my love.
    Forever and ever and always your Blondie

  5. Mike Roen says:

    Hi Robin, Just wanted you to know I had a dream about John last nite. He has a way of popping into my head when I see a XS650 Yam – certain thinks bring me back to you two – I miss him and you. Your Mission Yamaha sticker is still proudly displayed on my tool box. My heart still hurts – I miss you Johnny! and you to Robin! – love mike

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