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BRUCE MATLOCK Obituary
69, of Redlands, CA, passed away peacefully October 2, 2012 at Somerford Place, Redlands, CA of Alzheimer related dementia.
Bruce was born in San Francisco, CA to Delbert Matlock and Rose Massavelli on August 25, 1943. He attended Holy Name Elementary School and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1961. Bruce attended the University of San Francisco graduating in 1965. He was an excellent student who received numerous awards and citations for his academic achievements including a Bank of America Achievement Award in 1961. Following graduation, a teaching job brought Bruce to the Inland Empire. He taught one year for the San Bernardino School District, and worked for the next 22 years as a History/Government teacher with the Yucaipa Joint Unified School District. He was very active in the Yucaipa Teachers Association working to develop their first collective bargaining contract, serving on the negotiations committee, and serving as Association president. He also coached Girls Soccer at Redlands High School for a number of years. Bruce joined the California Teachers Association in 1988 as Assistant Executive Director for Citrus Belt Uniserve. In 1991, he moved to Teachers United Uniserve as their Executive Director. In 1994, he worked as Regional Staff at the Temecula Region IV office and in 2001, his job took him to Norco, CA where he was Regional Manager of CTA Region IV.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kathryn Weideman Matlock, his mother, Rose M. Matlock, stepson, Casey Weideman (Teri Schauf), and new step-grandson. From a previous marriage, son Andrew (Chris), daughters Amy and Rosemary (Tim) and six grandchildren all living locally.
In the 24 years since Bruce left teaching, he has had the opportunity to meet former students, now adults. He was proud of their accomplishments and that being in his classroom was so well remembered.
No service was held at Bruce's request.
Bruce was much loved and will be long remembered by family and friends. If you would like to honor Bruce, please make a donation in his name to your favorite charity or to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer Research Foundation (ALZinfo.org) or to Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealzfund.org), play some Bruce Springsteen tunes, and vote a Democratic ticket in November.
Emmerson Bartlett handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE MATLOCK
Pamela James-Cheese
February 5, 2025
I love ♡Mr. Matlock! I had just been to Fenway Park with my wonderful ♡Daddy in the Summer of 1979 & bought a Red Sox Pennant for Mr. Matlock! I love the ♡legend YAZ 1967 & in 1976 YAZ autographed my light blue baseball glove at Anaheim Stadium! I knew Mr. Matlock is a Giants fan & in 2019 ♡Grandson Yaz would play for ♡Mr. Matlock's Giants! I do know ♡Mr. Matlock was watching in Heaven! I remember popular ♡Mike Hall was in my class! My wonderful ♡Mommy was a first grade teacher in Calimesa & graduated from UCLA! I always thought ♡Mr. Matlock went to UCBerkley! ♡Mr. Matlock was that COOL! ♡Mr. Matlock told us that over 91 percent of us would get married. I liked that! I got married at the age of almost 34 in 1996 & my wonderful husband ♡Tommy was 37! We have been married 28 years! My husband was an amazing Runner in Orange County & loved Running 50 miles in Bishop on trails! My husband took care of his health! My husband has stage 6e Alzheimer's. I take care of my husband. I forever ♥ adore Mr. Matlock!
Elizabeth Petta
October 4, 2019
A teacher is more than a teacher. You live in the heart of your students, directing, listening, and helping. You may physically be gone, but you are alive in my heart.
Tracy Sunkes
August 13, 2013
Mr. Matlock, you rocked! I loved your Gov't class; you taught so much and loved your students. I have the greatest picture of you at Class of '88 graduation. I gave you my card to read my name, and one half of a one dollar bill, as all the grads were doing. You snickered, and when I asked what you were going to do with them, you said buy a 12 pack with Mr. Hayden and tape them all back together again! That would have been about $165! Thanks for the memories!
Elizabeth Petta
November 18, 2012
He was my best teacher I think of you often I'm my adult years. You will be missed.
Debbie Atkinson
November 14, 2012
I miss you, Bruce #2 (you accepted that title willingly as you saw the calendar of Springsteen hanging in my cubicle). Work was a better place because of you - we had alot of fun. Will see you again, my friend.
Susan Mulcahy
November 13, 2012
I am so sorry to hear that Bruce is no longer with us. My thoughts are with your family.
Ted Bynum
October 31, 2012
We love you Bruce. May God Bless and keep you!
Judy Myers-Sarrett
October 28, 2012
I remember Mr. Matlock and my Government class at YHS clearly and with gratitude. Mr. Matlock was a wonderful teacher who made the material interesting and meaningful. He was also a kind and caring soul who didn't embarrass me that time I fell asleep in class, but checked on me and made sure I was well.
I have wondered this election year how it is that I am such a flaming Democrat. My parents didn't vote and my family certainly didn't pay any attention to the candidates. Thinking back now to 1972-73 when I was a Senior in Mr. Matlock's Government class, I'm pretty sure I know the answer. Thanks Mr. Matlock, you can bet I vote. I'm proud to be a Democrat and a flaming one at that. Peace.
Ruthmary Cradler
October 23, 2012
I was always glad when I could work with Bruce. He always stayed positive and could find humor in any situation that took a hairpin turn. The photo here captures that infectious cheerfulness and sense of humor.
Andrew Matlock
October 22, 2012
Thank you to everyone who has submitted kind words about my dad here and at the YHS Memorials Facebook page. Living in this area, I have run into countless of my dad's former students, soccer players, and co-workers who have told me great stories about my dad and the impact he had on their lives. I would always let him know when I ran into someone who knew him and he would be genuinely surprised and happy to hear about the effect he had on people. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Andrew Matlock
October 22, 2012
I would like to thank all of you who have posted comments about my dad here and at the YHS memorials Facebook page. Having stayed in this area, I have had the opportunity to run into countless of my dad's former students, soccer players, and co-workers and I would always contact my dad and he was always so pleased and amazed to hear what kind of effect he had on people's lives. He was a one of a kind and will be truly missed.
Judy Thomas
October 21, 2012
It was always fun when Bruce was one of the group -- his laugh was contagious! He was a friend, a colleague, a leader and a constant voice of support for teachers and the members and staff of the California Teachers Association. I miss him.
Diana Wickman
October 19, 2012
Mr. Matlock taught me more than history at Yucaipa High School -- he taught me about life. Thank you for that , kind sir. The world will miss you dearly.
Diana J. Wickman, LCDR, USCG (retired)
YHS Class of 1983
Janet Gilman Jones
October 17, 2012
What a privilege it was to have had Mr. Matlock for American Studies and Government. Mr. Matlock was a wonderful teacher and I was thankful to have had him.
Nancy Oku
October 15, 2012
I didn't know Bruce when he was teaching. We did spend a lot of time together the last 4 years ..He was my buddy and I miss him ...Love you Bruce
nancy oku
October 15, 2012
I didn't know Bruce as an educator . He was my buddy. Love and miss you Bruce...
Nancy Oku
October 15, 2012
I didn't know Bruce when he was a teacher, But he was my buddy. Love you and miss you. Nancy
Marsha Wray
October 15, 2012
I always enjoyed talking Giants baseball with Bruce when he came north for CTA business. He was one if the nicest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Robin Rose
October 15, 2012
Bruce was a wonderful colleague and friend. He will be missed by many, including me.
Teri Dulak
October 14, 2012
Bruce was an amazing man, I learned so much from him. He will be missed.
Kathie Casas
October 14, 2012
Bruce was one of the kindest men I have ever known. His knowledge and love of the education profession were evidenced always by his words and actions. Bruce was a great mentor to many and I will never forget his smile and laughter. Bruce - til we meet again - I know you and Dan are busy organizing Heaven.
Jane Stewart-Owens
October 13, 2012
You were so passionate about bringing your knowledge to your students. You were kind and had a great sense of humor. You will be sorely missed.
Mayor Pro Tem David Castaldo
October 13, 2012
Mr. Matlock was a true educator. I am very proud and fortunate to.have been one of his students. There are very few days that go by that I don't think about Mr. Matlock. He was the best government teacher. He inspired his students to be involved and make a difference. I don't know how many of his students did, but I did. When I ran for city council, I thought of Mr. Matlock. When I got elected, I thought of Mr. Matlock. And when I was appointed Mayor pro Tem, I thought of Mr. Matlock. On Tuesday evening October 16, at the Beaumont City Council meeting, we will be saying a prayer for Mr. Matlock. God Bless Bruce Matlock.
Joe Labita
October 13, 2012
Mr. Matlock was one of my master teachers when I student taught at Yucaipa High School in 1981. He taught me how to be a great Government teaacher! What a great guy the world has lost!
My thoughts and sympathy go out to Kathryn.
Karen Kyhn
October 12, 2012
Bruce touched so many lives in a most powerful and positive way. He was a great mentor and colleague at all phases of his life work: teacher, elected leader, staff, and manager for CTA. But most of all, he was a kind and good man and a wonderful friend.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bruce.
Deanna Lawson-Gillis
October 12, 2012
Mr Matlock was a wonderful teacher, I can truley say the world was a better place with himin it. I am sure he will be missed by lots of family and friends. I am proud to say you will have a wonderful angel watching over you. Prayers to everyone!
Mark Young
October 12, 2012
Bruce was a good man and an outstanding colleague. I learned much from him and admired what he stood for in our organization and profession. Rest well my friend.
Jim Clark
October 12, 2012
Bruce was a genuinely nice man and a great advocate for educators and public education. He will be missed.
Todd Jenkins
October 12, 2012
Godspeed, good sir. While I never had you as an instructor, your knowledge, kindness and humor were well-known around YHS. My thoughts are with the family.
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