Harold A. "Doc" Matz

1922 - 2018

Harold A.

Matz D.C., N.D.

July 8, 1922 ~ January 29, 2018

After 95 amazing years, Harold "Doc" Matz passed away peacefully in his Normandy Park home, surrounded by his entire family.

It would have been hard to pack much more living into 95 years than Doc did. Harold was born in Eatonville and grew up in the Centralia area. In 1942, at age 20, Doc married his high school sweetheart Wilma Patterson. A short time later he was inducted into the army where he served for 27 months as an X-ray technician near the front lines of the European theater. Meanwhile his new bride, Wilma, remained in Chehalis and worked for the war effort as a "Rosie the Riveter", building bombers for Boeing. After the war, Harold took advantage of the GI bill to study at Western State Chiropractic College. After getting his degrees, he and Wilma moved to the tiny town of Prineville, Oregon where he set up his first practice as a licensed Chiropractor and Naturopath. It was during this time that their three children Duane, Diane and Laura were born. In 1961, the family packed up and moved to the Normandy Park area. There he set up his second practice and during the 70's taught classes at Bastyr College. After they retired in 1987, they enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and visited 44 of the 50 United States.

Throughout his life, Doc was an avid hunter, fisherman, archer, RV'er, and rock hound. He loved many things but there was perhaps no hobby that Doc was more passionate about than singing and playing Country Western music. And his favorite artist by far was Johnny Cash! After Doc mastered his musical craft, at age 87 he put out his first CD made up entirely of Johnny Cash covers. For the last 20 years he spent many happy hours playing with the Washington Old Time Fiddlers. As with many Northwesterners, Doc enjoyed rooting on the Seahawks. With 95 years of wisdom under his belt, even Doc still couldn't understand why they just didn't hand the ball off to Marshawn Lynch!

Last August Harold and Wilma were blessed to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary with friends and family.

Harold is survived by his loving wife Wilma, son Duane and his wife, Sandy, daughter Laura and her husband, Trevor. Harold was predeceased by his wonderful brother Harvey, and beloved daughter Diane.

A celebration of life will take

place Saturday, March 17th,

12:00- 4:00, at the Cove Building,

1500 SW Shorebrook Drive Normandy Park