Alan Mateer

Mateer, Alan
Alan Mateer passed away August 22, 2009 in Sacramento, CA. He was born in Stockton, CA 84 years ago. He graduated from high school in 1942 where he played on the football team. He entered the Army Air Corp as a bombardier/navigator at age 17. He went on to graduate from Santa Clara Law School while still in the Reserves and then resumed his military career in the Air Force full time as a navigator and JAG until he was offered the opportunity to enter Flight School. He piloted a variety of aircraft including C-130's, C-133's and T-33's. Along the way, he attended the Naval War College and was also assigned to the Pentagon. His military history is rich as he served in WWII, the Korean War and 3 tours in Vietnam, the last 2 of which as the commander of a rescue helicopter squadron, flying frequent missions wherein he occasionally took enemy fire. Lt. Col. Alan Mateer retired from the Air Force in 1970 and then resumed his legal career becoming legal counsel for the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles. He attained the position of Chief Legal Counsel for the DMV shortly thereafter. Al was a mentor to more than a dozen young attorneys. Speaking for Karl Engeman, several others, and Jim Ahler, Al taught them the value of hard work, how to think critically, trial advocacy, a zest for public service, the importance of honesty, and an understanding of how all the pieces fit together in the legal process. At least three became administrative law judges, and many others found success in private practice and in public service. When Al's initiates gather together, they recall with fondness how much more important Al's lessons were than what they learned in law school, and how lucky they were to have served under him. He was a good friend to all. He retired in 1989 from the DMV and at that point he bought a camper and traveled across Europe for 3 months enjoying the company of the many friends that took advantage of his invitation to join him. He maintained a duel residency between Arizona and California starting in 1991 and finally in 2005 made Sun Lakes his permanent home where he enjoyed playing golf almost daily even in the heat of the summer. He was an avid golfer and he played all over the world: Mexico, Europe and in annual tournaments in Monterey; Hilton Head, S.C.; Nevada, achieving the status of Northern California Seniors Golf Champion; and on more than one occasion his score beat his age. He was an adventurer and fisherman who enjoyed not only fresh water, but also deep sea fishing -- his favorite places being Alaska with his good friend, Gil Dozier, the Colorado River, the lakes and streams in Canada and Montana. Alan was a man of honor, integrity and a deep love for his family and friends. Nothing pleased him more than having friends for dinner -- sharing stories, giving advice and enjoying their companionship whether it was human or dog. His door was always open and his hospitality never wavered. He was kind, generous and touched the lives of so many. He loved his life and had a fierce sense of independence. He was unique and will be deeply missed. Alan is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many friends that loved him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Sutter VNA & Hospice, 7300 Folsom Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95826