David Lawrence Matlin

1945 - 2015

David Lawrence Matlin of Mendocino passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. David was born on July 4th, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York.
He grew up in Mount Holly, Pennsylvania, the son of a family doctor. He studied art at Hofstra University, moved to Woodstock, and then traveled to the west coast, first to Los Angeles and then up to Albion in 1970. David was a talented craftsman and had a deep love of music. In 1979 he joined his passions and opened Matlin Guitars. Over his career as a luthier, David built and repaired hundreds of acoustic and electric guitars and stringed instruments. He was an invaluable resource and friend to many musicians.
David met the love of his life, Robin Marie, in Mendocino in 1978, and they were married on the beach in Caspar in 1979. His family, work that he loved, living in a beautiful place, and the companionship of animals were his recipe for a satisfying life.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Beatrice Matlin, of Garden City, New York and then Little River, California; and by his brother, Peter Matlin, also of Little River. He is survived by his wife, Robin Marie Matlin; his three children, Hanah (Derek), Jonathan (Nadine) and Hilair (Scott); and his four grandchildren, Josiah, Oliver, Nova and Wyatt.
He is loved and missed. A memorial is being planned for August.