John Garry Matson

Our sweet father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, John Garry Matson, 87, was reunited with his loving wife who he missed dearly, on May 24, 2020. He passed away at his daughter's home, surrounded by his loving family, in Chubbuck, Idaho.

He was born February 26, 1933, in Huntington Park, California, to John Emil and Muriel Lillian Josephson Matson, where he grew up, attended school and graduated from high school. During the summer, he enjoyed coming to Idaho, where he helped out at his Uncle J.O. Cotant's farm in Rockland, drove the cheese trucks, and spent many hours with his Cotant cousins hunting, fishing and trap shooting. These cousins were more like siblings!

He graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Pharmacy. Since 1956, he worked as a pharmacist at several pharmacies, including 25 years at Hillcrest Haven Convalescent Home, and retired from Fred Meyer in 1998. Throughout the years, Garry had many customers who came to love and trust him, and he considered them to be good friends.

He married his eternal sweetheart, Glenis Hale Matson, on May 16, 1957, in the Idaho Falls Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Mother had many medical challenges. Dad faced them with courage and unending devotion to her while working three jobs to provide for his family. His heart was broken when his beloved wife of 52 years passed away on February 6, 2010.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a diligent home teacher. He served faithfully in many church callings, particularly, he loved his responsibilities as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls Temple. He was overjoyed with the news of a new temple coming to Pocatello and had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking. Many outings included a drive to the temple grounds to watch its progress.

Dad looked forward to his weekly lunch dates with his two daughters. He loved BYU football and was a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He created many memories with children and grandchildren at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Dad's greatest joy was when he was surrounded by his family and loved playing games with them. Some of his favorites were Cribbage, Phase 10, Mexican Train and Upwords. Of course, we can't forget his love of The Price is Right, Jeopardy, or Wheel of Fortune. He was an enthusiastic reader and loved National Geographic, Readers Digest and church historical novels. He was a meticulous record keeper and kept a journal for at least 40 years. We loved his snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookies. He shared his tasty culinary skills with his rolled rib roast, stuffed chicken breasts, fried chicken and beef stroganoff - he was master chef in the kitchen. The evening was never complete without a classic movie, M*A*S*H and ice cream. The grandkids will always remember his distinguished white mustache.

Garry is survived by his five children Debra (Richard) Layman of Pocatello; Kirk (Shemay) Matson of South Jordan, Utah; Mark (Sherri) Matson of Chubbuck; Scott (Brenda) Matson of Pocatello; and Jennifer (Steve) Muhonen of Chubbuck. He is also survived by 16 grandsons, 2 granddaughters; 17 great grandchildren, a brother, Ron Matson, of Chino, California, and of course his Cotant "brothers and sisters". Dad was preceded in death by his wife and our mother, Glenis Hale Matson, his parents and his younger brother David Ephraim Matson.

Dad, we will miss your great sense of humor, your support of the grandchildren in all their activities, your thoughtful cards and letters (and amazing hair), thoughtful conversations and love of family. We appreciate the example you set for us to always say our prayers, study our scriptures and be faithful. Thank you for setting the standard for all of us to follow.

We wish to thank the Chubbuck 6th Ward young men who provided the sacrament for many years. We also appreciate the care provided by Encompass Home Health and Hospice, especially the tender care given by our nurse Marcia. True to Dad's nature, he continued to joke with the nurses and make us all laugh.

Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, there will be a public (walk by) viewing at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from 9-11 AM. This will be followed by a private service held at Valley View Cemetery in Rockland, Idaho. A live stream, (if available) will be provided by Wilks, beginning at 1 PM, and the recorded service will be available on their website.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.