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PETER MATOSIAN Obituary

MATOSIAN, PETER Dec. 10, 1926 to Nov. 30, 2011 Artist Peter Matosian passed away peacefully on November 30 at SD Hospice with his loving family by his side. Husband to Tuula; father to Eero, Todd (Concetta); grandpa to Madalyn and Audrey; uncle to George (Pam), James (Teri), Sandy (Glen), Maxine (Tom), Peter (KimAnn), & Susan (Sander); cousin and "Uncle Pete" to many. His devotion to his family paralleled his passion for his art. Born in Milwaukee, scholarship at the Art Institute of Chicago, he relocated to San Diego with his family in the late '50s and became one of San Diego's award-winning artists. He developed strong ties in the local deaf, Armenian, and art communities as his notoriety grew. Oil on canvas and bronze were his favorite media while horses, women and trees his favorite subjects. His talents, presence and good nature will be sorely missed by all. Though we've lost a great artist his work and inspiration endure. Memorial Service: San Diego Armenian Church Jan. 21, 11:30; reception to follow, RSVP to [email protected].

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER MATOSIAN

Sponsored by Todd Matosian.

17 Entries

Ed Devlin

January 13, 2018

I met Peter in Taos, N.M. I think it was in 1985. Peter and Tony Vinella and I and others would often
have coffee of a morning at Michaels Kitchen or Dori's Café. One morning Peter surprised me with
a beautiful ink drawing of three horses. I was cowboying at the time: running yearlings (cattle)
on leased grass pastures and Peter was aware of the fact that we worked our cattle horseback.
I think that he found that interesting and that is why he took it upon himself to gift me with the
drawing of the horses. A visitor at my home noticed the drawing and asked about the artist. That
is what inspired me to write I Peter's Guest Book.
Sincerely,
Ed Devlin
PO Box 1949, Taos 87571

Susan Snyder

January 20, 2012

Uncle Pete was the sweetest, most inspiring Uncle I could have had. When I was little I'd visit the house in Mission Beach with it's perfume a mixture of paint, linseed oil, turpentine and sea air. Todd and I would hang out and sometimes I'd watch Uncle Pete work. I decided then that there was nothing better painting. Uncle Pete had fun. Sometimes he'd sing when he was working and his works all have rhythm. He was a great partner in the days when we had the gallery together. I loved showing his work. He was always patient with me and was my best teacher. He inspired many artists & was loved by many. We were all so very lucky to have him in our lives.

January 18, 2012

Dear Tuula, Todd and Euro, we cherish the 52 years of friendship and treasured memories. Will always remember the years when Todd and our 4 children Pancho, Cheryl, Mike and Mona were kids...playing at the beach, then, later Zac and our grandson, Tim and granddaughters Brianne and Natalie.Peter was a wonderful guy his whole life. He was the absolute best thing about San Diego. We will miss him dearly and he will always be remembered with love. Our thoughts are with you all.
~~Ralph and Linda Alvarez

geoff copland

January 10, 2012

Tuula,
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
It was an inspiration to visit with Peter and yourself in your beautiful home.
Thank you for the friendship and time I had with you and Peter.
PEACE be with you,
geoff copland

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Vicki Eldridge-Atoui

January 9, 2012

Peter became part of our family when we moved next door to him in Mission Beach, in 1959. He and Petra took care of me when I was on my own out there. I cherish all my memories with him. My heart goes out to Tuula and Eero and Todd and everyone who is heartbroken by his passing.

charles chemnitz

January 6, 2012

Dear Tuula,
I was out of town when the news spread of Peter's death. I have truly lost another friend and all have lost a great artist. Please accept my condolences at this sad time. Peter showed me a lot through his actions and his work. I will sadly remember 2010 and the Matosian family.
Charles Chemnitz

January 4, 2012

Tuula, I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing..although I only knew him rather late in his life he was such a warm and interesting guy...and what an artist he was...I am so happy to have a bit of his art displayed in my home...he will be remembered every time I look at his paintings..with my condolences to you and your family, Jeannie and Carlos Carriedo

Jim Matosian

January 3, 2012

Our Uncle Pete was a wonderful man. He loved the whole family so very much. We will all miss him. Jim Matosian & family.

Diane Otti

January 3, 2012

Dear Tuula:
I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing, I will keep you and family, in my prayers. May all the outstanding moments with Peter be remembered with love.
Sincerely,
Diane Otti

January 2, 2012

When I opened a small rug store in the Gaslamp, I was lucky to have Peter as a neighbor around the corner. I was honored to have some of his bronzes on display in my store. Several years ago I acquired one of his large pastels of Mexican orange sellers. It is even more precious to me now. I will remember him as a kind & beautiful spirit with a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. My sincere condolences to his dear family. Pam (Agajeenian) Holmes

Peter Snyder

January 2, 2012

Dear Todd, Concetta, Earo, and Tuula,

Uncle Pete let me live with him in the summertime at the beach- it was pure heaven for a 10 year old kid. He was always there at my birthdays and made so many great memories possible. The best uncle anyone could have. Just a kind, loving man who was always wonderful to me. I loved him so much.

Peter Matosian Art, 1982

January 1, 2012

Todd, Concetta, Tuula and families: the Knapps send their deepest sympathies to fellow and forever in our hearts Mission Beach families. Peter was a loving friend to all and unparalleled artist of anything from bronze horses to perennial 1st place Halloween costumes for Todd (this from a loving and perennial last place costume wearer at Farnum/Mission Beach Elementary School). Our love and prayers are with you - the Clark Knapp Family

Lane Rider

December 29, 2011

Dear Tuula, Eero and Todd, our sincere condolences on your loss. Peter was a good man and always generous in spending time with Tate and Eero when they were little - taking them to spring training in Yuma, to the beach etc. We're so sorry to learn of his passing. Our thoughts are with you. ~The Riders.

Duane Burns

December 26, 2011

My condolences to Mr. Matosian's family. My name is Duane Burns and I grew up and went to school with Mr. Matosians son Todd. I remember Mr. Matosian most for visiting our 6th grade class at Martha Farnum Elementary school where he shared his art with the students. I think he did a sketch for every kid in our class. For me he sketched a lion which I loved and kept for years. While I no longer have the drawing the memory lives on.

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