...who had several distinguished careers, loved the natural world and maintained his curiosity to the end
Robert Allen (Bob) Matter, a resident of Magnolia, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 7 surrounded by family and friends.
He was 90.
Born Jan. 17, 1917, in Lykens, Pa., he grew up in small-town Pennsylvania, where he and his brothers, Eagle Scouts all, hiked, camped and fished. A 1939 graduate of the United State Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Matter served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, and in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, San Francisco and El Salvador before being posted to Fort Lawton in 1963.
At the time of his retirement from the Army in 1967, he was Professor of Military Science at Seattle University. Mr. Matter was twice awarded the Legion of Merit for service to his country.
Continuing his formal education at mid-century, he received a master's degree in history from Seattle University in 1968, and a Ph.D. in colonial Latin American history from the University of Washington in 1972; in both instances, he graduated with honors. Mr. Matter taught at the college level for 10 years, including several stints with the Chapman College campuses on shipboard, all over the world. He is the author of many scholarly articles, and of a book, "Pre-Seminole Florida: Spanish Soldiers, Friars, and Indian Missions, 1513-1763," published by Garland in 1990.
After his second retirement, Mr. Matter continued his hobbies: exploring the wine industry of the Northwest, birdwatching and travel. In the past few years, he made trips to Italy, Mexico, Alaska, Pennsylvania and the Southwest. His yard in Magnolia was a haven for many species of birds. He loved the natural world, introduced his family to camping, travel and nature, and maintained his open curiosity to the end.
He was preceded in death by Faye, his beloved wife of 60 years. Mr. Matter is survived by a son, Charles, of New York City; daughters Ann, of Philadelphia, and Brenda and Laura, of Seattle; a brother, Harry, of Shamokin Dam, Pa.; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Magnolia United Methodist Church, 2836 34th Ave. W., on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m. Followed the service, there will be a reception at the Matter home, 3027 42nd Ave. W. Donations may be made in his name to the Magnolia United Methodist Church; or to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berrysburg, PA 17005; or Heron Habitat Helpers, P.O. Box 99815, Seattle, WA 98139-0815; or to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, P.O. Box 35301, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3010.
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