Walter Lee Mathison was born on Sept 9, 1924, in Gilroy, CA. He was the oldest of 4 children. He attended Gilroy schools, Gavilan College and San Jose State. He was a WWII veteran, and served in the 124th Antiaircraft Gun Battalion, stationed in England and Europe during 1943-1945. He returned to Gilroy where he farmed for a few years while attending school. He was an appraiser for Santa Clara County for 25 years.
In 1950 he met and married his sweetheart, Laverne, and they had 4 children and twin granddaughters. Their children are Sharon Larivee of Etna, CA; Walter Jr. (wife ¬ Sherrie) Mathison of Sacramento; Mark (wife - Karen) Mathison of Gilroy; and Lori (husband - Doug) McGhee of Nokesville, Virginia. His granddaughters are April and Tara Larivee, both of Long Beach, CA. His brother, Vern (wife - Ellen) still resides in Paso Robles. He has many cousins and extended family. He and Laverne celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last October.
His hobbies included square dancing, tennis, bridge and farming. He and Laverne traveled world-wide. They attended Gilroy Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years.
Walter was pre-deceased by his parents, Lee and Hope (Goold) Mathison, also by his brother Orville Mathison (Hawaii) and sister Mildred Girdner (Salinas).
A memorial service for him will be held at Gilroy Presbyterian Church on Saturday
August 6th at 11 am. Lunch will follow.
Donations may be made to the Building Fund at Gilroy Presbyterian Church (6000 Miller Ave., Gilroy, CA 95020) or Kaiser Permanente c/o Hospice Program (check to KPFH, 50 Great Oak Blvd., San Jose, CA 95116).