Waldemar Karl Matysik

Born July 28, 1934 in Raymond, Washington, Walt Matysik lived a full and joy-filled life until his untimely death on October 6, 2011. Growing up on a farm, the child of German immigrants, he graduated from Willapa Valley High School before going to work in the local saw mill. Shortly thereafter, he departed to join the Marine Corps and then, subsequently, attended the University of Washington where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees. He married his high-school sweetheart Dotty Alfredson from South Bend and together they started a family while he was in college. After his graduate work Walt, Dotty, and family stayed in the Seattle area as he embarked on an entrepreneurial career in restaurant management and consulting. Even while building his business, he was heavily involved in the local community, finding time for activities such as coaching his childrens little-league baseball and softball teams. At the same time, he treasured his friends and community in the Willapa region, keeping up close connections and maintaining his beloved family farm on the South Fork of the Willapa River in Raymond. Everyone who knew Walt knew him as a generous spirit who loved life. He took joy in almost everything he did, whether performing his job, working on the farm, placing a bet at the track, or raising a glass with his friends. As the years passed and his family grew, he was especially happy to participate in the lives and activities of his children and grandchildren. Walt is survived by Dotty, his wife of 57 years; his sister Elizabeth Terrey and her husband John Terrey; his daughter Tracie Matysik; his son Mike Matysik, Mikes wife Anna, and their two boys Matthew and Bret; his daughter Sheri OBrien and her children Kaleigh and Nicholas; and Sheris partner Rich Smith and his daughter Bria. Announcement: In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be given in Walts name to the Mountlake Terrace Youth Athletic Association: MTYAA Baseball, P.O. Box 159, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 (425-954-6097).