A noble man passed away on Dec. 12, 1996.
John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Dec. 14, 1919, a son of John B. Matheson and Edna Hazen Matheson. He graduated from West High School, the University of Utah, and obtained an MBA from the University of Michigan, where he was elected to Phi Kappa Phi. He married Mary Graff on Jun. 4, 1943, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.As an active member of the LDS Church, John served a mission in the Eastern States and held many positions of leadership in various stakes and wards. He was a member of the YMMIA General Board for 11 years, primarily involved with the young people. He served 4 years in the U.S. Army during World War II, attaining the rank of Captain. He started and managed Stadium Village for the University of Utah. He was an investment executive for 31 years, retiring from Dean Witter as an Associate Vice President.
He was an enthusiastic supporter of his family - working on home repair projects, cheering at athletic events, and inventing games for family reunions. His polished manners were perfectly balanced by his tender-heart and keen sense of humor. The choice friends of John and Mary, made through activity in their church, business and civic community, have enriched and brought joy to their lives.
John is survived by those who love him, dear friend and caring wife, Mary; three sons and one daughter, John B. III (Linda), LaFayette, Ca., Briant (Mary Pat), Park City, Ut., Mark (Kristine), LaCrescenta, Ca., Marilyn (Skip) Branch, Salt Lake City; 12 grandchildren who will always remember him as "Toppin"; sisters, Dorothy (Louis) Allsop and Louise (Harold) Young, and brother, F. Earl (Gayle).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum at the University of Utah, where his daughter-in-law, Mary Pat, is the director.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 16, at 12 Noon, in the Salt Lake Monument park Stake Center, 1320 Wasatch Drive (2425 East). Friends and family may call Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, and at the Stake Center prior to the services, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Lawn.
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