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William Mattox Obituary
December 23, 1949 -
November 6, 2014
William "Will" Harlan Mattox, 64, died from cancer at his home, in Lake Oswego, OR, November 6th. He was surrounded by his wife of 45 years, Virginia, his son Josh, and his daughters, Beth and Eliza. He was born on December 23rd, 1949, in Schenectady, New York, son of William A. Mattox and Hazel May "Nicky" Mattox.
He is survived by his siblings, Dave Mattox, Jeff Mattox, Jill Harlan, and Jack Mattox. He graduated with a B.S. in art education from Northern Arizona University in 1970, but opted to "do art" rather than teach it. He became a career potter for 30 years and sold at the Eugene and Portland Saturday Markets starting out in the early '70's. He went on to sell at prestigious shows and galleries and established his own retail stores in Eugene that were managed by his wife, Virginia. True to his entrepreneurial nature, he built a storage park, and invested in real estate. His next career was business coaching, with a specialty in entrepreneurs. He had a passion for helping others in his life and truly loved coaching. Always an artist at heart, he designed and built his own house, and one in Mexico. Putting family first, he moved to Portland to be close to his three grown children's families, and was active in the lives of his seven grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held at 2-4 p.m. Monday, November 17th, at South Lake Church located at 1555 S.W. Borland Rd., West Linn, OR 97068.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Mattox
6 Entries
Nancy Weiler
November 9, 2024
Although it has been 10 years since Will has been gone, I still think of him often. So many of his wise, encouraging words come to mind when I need them the most. Continue to rest in peace, Will. You bring me peace in life.
Christina Corelli
November 20, 2014
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I was so saddened to learn of Will's passing when I read it in the Register-Guard. It brought back a flood of memories when I taught Eliza and Beth out at Territorial Elementary. Will came to our class and carved a ginormous pumpkin to look just like me. I remember we were all mezmerized. I bet Beth and Eliza weren't as they knew how talented and gifted their dad was. I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories buoy you and God grant you strength, comfort and peace. Will was, indeed, one in a million. His passing leaves a hole. May it be filled with love and support. God bless you all. In His love, Christina Corelli
Barbara Traw
November 17, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Wills death. I worked for him for about 13 years. Lots of memories of Virginis and the children. My thought and prayers are with you all. I know some of your pain, lost my husband 3 months ago. Much love and prayers are going your way.
Kristine Harpole
November 15, 2014
A very dear friend of mine. I last spoke to him over the past six months. We didn't talk for long, but by what Will did say I new that Will had been living his life the way I knew he would. My favourite memory /quoat he ever told me was "it is what is, Kristine". It has come to be so many times in my life. As I too have been fighting cancer again for the past five months and yet we both didn't know of each others illness. His own words of the past have helped me through each day. My heart is upset at the loss to his children and grandchildren but especially the love of his life. Virginia! Love you all very much.
Nancy Weiler
November 15, 2014
So shocked to hear of Will's death. I thought he'd live forever. He will in my thoughts. He was an Amazing artist, boss, mentor and friend. He had a big impact on my life. I still tell everyone "You can only do what your can do".
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