Charles Merrill Matzinger, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died peacefully in his sleep at home on March 7, 2017 at the age of 101 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Merrill was born May 10, 1915 in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Edith Merrill Matzinger and Harold Stanley Matzinger.
Merrill was a great man and he truly lived life to the fullest. His parents were divorced when he was eleven. Merrill turned a positive light, proudly speaking of his three father figures, Harold Matzinger, Douglas Findlay (step father) and Charles Merrill (uncle) and his two mother figures Edith and Octavia (grandmother) Merrill.
He was raised in Colorado, and has lived in Florida, NC, MA, CA, Cuba and finally settled in Utah. He lived in Alta, Salt Lake and St. George. His education took him to Asheville NC Boys School and on to graduating from Amherst. He worked with Braun and Co., Merrill Lynch in Cuba, and as a trustee for family trusts.
He suffered many illnesses as a child including a progressing Macular Degeneration. Instead of giving in to a frail body and bad sight he became dedicated to health and an active life style. His poor eyesight led him to have an incredible memory. He had instant recall for names and numbers, quoting many Shakespeare plays and recently was heard reciting the Gettysburg Address.
He loved being active. He competed in swimming and rowing in College. He was a black belt in Judo and competed during his time in Cuba. He loved skiing, hiking, scuba, biking, sailing and dancing. He enjoyed running rivers, and camping. His love for music led him to become a very accomplished Flamenco guitarist. Artistically he designed and built several houses. His San Francisco home was featured in Architectural Digest. He even challenged Macular Degeneration and painted many beautiful landscapes.
He will be missed by his wife Mary Lou, his first wife Alicia, his daughters Caridad Dors and Octavia (Anton) Palepoi, and his sons, Stanley Matzinger and Carter (Carolyn) Matzinger, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his extended Magowan family, Merrill family and many great friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Many heart felt thanks to all the family and friends that visited and reached out to Merrill in his final weeks. Words can't express the appreciation for the care given by Dr. Kate Wilson, also the fine help provided by Millcreek Home Health that allowed Merrill stay at home with his wife and family. Many thanks to Maria Avila and Sonatane Vailea for their gentle, loving care and finally for the courteous care provided by Larkin.
The Funeral will be held Saturday March 18, 2017, 11:00am, at the LDS Neff Canyon Ward Chapel, 4176 Adonis Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friend visitation will be held at 10:00am prior to the funeral. Innichement at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mausoleum. Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com.
Merrill was a wonderful mixture of comedian (known for his sparkling humor and quick wit) and wise philosopher. In lieu of flowers, donate your time in honor of Merrill to tell the corniest knee-slapping joke and know he is guffawing with you.
