ERLING MATTSON

1917 - 2011

Erling Toro Mattson, beloved husband of Martha Mattson, passed away peacefully in Taber on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the age of 93 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, February 4, 2011 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. A private family burial will be held at the Saamis Prairie View Cemetery, Medicine Hat.
Besides his loving wife Martha, Erling is survived by their children Rodney (Loretta) Mattson of Hays, Gordon (Milma) Mattson of Coaldale, Elaine (Richard) Barton of Valleyview, Arnold (Vickie) Mattson of Edmonton; grandchildren Brad, Shelley, Karri, Sherri, Destinee, Tandis, Krystle, Clinton, Allison and Matt; great grandchildren Caydince, Andrew, Jasmine and Jordan; great great grandchildren Chelsia and Airi. He is also survived by foster children Marie Wachter and Twyla Wachter; two sisters Edna Caswell and Ruth Bohnet both of Bow Island; sister-in-law Margaret Mattson of Medicine Hat and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Axel & Alma Mattson; brothers Harold Mattson and Chester Mattson; brothers-in-law Ted Caswell and Mike Bohnet.
Erling was born in Lewistown, Montana September 30, 1917 and settled with his family in Orion, Alberta as a small child. He was raised with two brothers, Chester and Harold and two sisters, Edna and Ruth. He met the love of his life in Orion and in 1942, married Martha Miller. It was shortly after that when Erling decided to enlist in the army and he moved to Calgary. When the war was over, his desire was to return to the farm at Orion. It was here that four children were born, Arnold, Elaine, Gordon and Rodney. In 1954, Erling and his family moved to Hays. Irrigation of the land was new to Erling but being a man of many trades, he was able to build his own home, farm the land and if anything needed fixing, Erling was the one to do it. In 1981 he and Martha retired and moved to Taber and the Clearview Lodge became their final home together. He was a very community minded individual. Erling was the first 4-H leader in Hays, belonging to many organizations and enjoyed curling, fishing, woodworking and camping. He never missed an opportunity to visit with friends and family. Erling will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Erling’s name may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, P.O. Box 125, Vauxhall, Alberta T0K 2K0.