Robert Matthiessen

1934 - 2019

5- 11-1934 - 1-19-2019 ROBERT MORROW MATTHIESSEN 1934-2019 In the late afternoon of January 19, 2019 Robert died of natural causes in his home in Carlsbad, California. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his two living children, wife, daughter in law and wonderfully supportive caretakers. He was 84 years old. Bob was the youngest of four children of Conrad Henry Matthiessen and Mary Elizabeth Caldwell Matthiessen, he was born May 11,1934, in Pasadena, California. Bob was raised near the Huntington Hotel of Pasadena, California where he developed a love for cars and the ocean. Summers were spent at St. Malo Beach of Oceanside, California, enjoying the surf and sand of the California coast. Some of his childhood was spent in Hawaii while his father worked for Dole Pineapple. Robert attended Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California then later Cate School in Carpenteria, California. During his studies at the University of Virginia he left for Germany to serve in the Army. While in Germany and later travelling with his brother John, he further developed his passion for cars and skiing. After his marriage to Ann K. Matthiessen in 1960 his years were spent raising three children, developing a business in industrial real estate, skiing in Mammoth, California and beyond, fixing and restoring cars, building and flying model airplanes and model boats and spending time at St. Malo Beach. Baja later became an adventurous getaway to test drive his various motorcycles and dune buggies. In 1993 Bob and his wife Ann moved to Fallbrook, California and lived in a beautiful home amidst orange groves and flowers. Bob later moved to Carlsbad, California in 2015 to be closer to the ocean and be in walking distance to the village. His children and grandchildren will remember him most by his innovative go-carts and motorcycles built by him as gifts to the kids. He is survived by his wife Monica Moe Bustamante, two of his three loving children: Robert M. Matthiessen Jr. ( Mammoth Lakes, California), and Carrie M. O'Neal (Crested Butte, Colorado); daughter in law Yvette Matthiessen, son in law John O'Neal, and six grandchildren: Eddie and Annie Matthiessen; Taylor, John ("JJ"), Maria, and Ellie O'Neal. Also surviving him are his sister Ann Scarborough, brother John C. Matthiessen and many nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Dye- Terbell, ex-wife Ann K. Matthiessen and his eldest son Christopher C. Matthiessen. Special thanks goes out to his wife Monica for adding care and spark to his later years, and Yvette Matthiessen whose nursing experience was invaluable to the family during Bobs last days. His brother John, assisted by sons Henry and Peter and wife Dorothy were able to make it down for a final visit. Phone calls to his sister Ann, niece Dodie Dye and many breakfast visits from Eric Dye were all a cheer to his heart during his last weeks. Many friends from St. Malo stopped by and the family is most appreciative. The family plans to hold a memorial "Sail by St. Malo" in the early months of the summer to distribute his ashes. Information will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your charity of choice. Please sign the guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/pasadenastarnews. WL00187910-image-1.jpg