Joseph Matich

Joseph Matich was born May 29, 1930 at home, in the National Coal Camp in Carbon County Utah.   He passed away peacefully at his home in Murray, UT on October 30, 2016, surrounded by his wife Margie and his children, following a very brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was the son of Joseph Anthony Matich, a coal miner and Dorothy Vucetich Matich who ran a boarding house for miners in the National coal camp.  The family lived in National until they moved into the town of Helper, UT when he was in 3rd grade.  He has always told his family he grew up on “Tough Street” in Helper, UT.

He grew up with a strong work ethic from candling eggs and polishing apples as a young child at the local market, to picking fruit, havesting potatoes and gathering eggs on a local farm in grade school to running the movie projector at the local theater at age 13.  When he was a teenager he worked for the railroad as a crew caller then later at a local garage cleaning grease off the floors.  Those are just a few of the many jobs he held to help his family meet ends.  He worked his whole life.

He eventually joined his Dad in the coal mines of Carbon County for one year, but his father didn’t want him to share this dangerous career and neither did his Margie and he went to work for Carbon Motor Way as a freight man and started his journey up the ladder in the transportation business.  He eventually began driving a semi and then moved into management, eventually becoming the CEO of Rio Grande Motor Way in Denver, CO. He was a man of many talents.  Even after retirement he wanted to be busy and he spent several years working as a courier for Brighton Bank, in Salt Lake City, where he was well loved.

He married his sweetheart Margie McIntire on September 30, 1949 and started his family.  First came Jodie Lynn in 1951, then Michael in 1953.  Their little family moved to Salt Lake in 1955 to be closer to Dr.’s that could help them with their sweet Jodie Lynn that was having health problems.  It was discovered that she had cancer and they found wonderful Dr.’s that helped them until Jodie passed away at age 7 in 1959.  Pamela joined their family in 1962 and finally Bonni Jo arrived in 1966. 

In 1972 Joe was offered the position of Senior Vice President of Rio Grande Motor Way in Denver, CO and following Mike’s wedding to Torri Martin, he packed his little family up and they moved to Denver, where they lived until 1987.  They spent their retirement years back in Salt Lake in order to be closer to family.

He was a caring and devoted husband, who shared life’s many ups and downs with his sweetheart and through that process formed an unbreakable bond.  They were each other’s best friend and they took care of each other, he was her ears and she was his eyes.  Their 67 years of marriage is a wonderful example to their posterity.

He was a wonderful father, who was always supportive of his children and encouraged them to be the best they could be.  He amazed us with his vast knowledge and worked crossword puzzles right up to the week before he passed away.  He made us laugh with his quick wit that none of us could quite keep up with.  He was the first person we called when we were in trouble and the first person we called to share good news with and he always said, just the right thing.

He was a loving grandpa to his grandchildren, who all, affectionately called him Poppy and flocked to his side as soon as they heard he was ill.    He was their biggest fan, cheering them on in all their activities and wanting to know every detail of their lives.  They each knew that they were loved and loved him back because of it.

He was a big brother that loved his little sister, Joann.  He was so happy that she was able to visit him at a time when he could enjoy her company and visit with her a few weeks ago.  He was also Uncle Joe to many nieces and nephews that dearly loved him.

Joe knew no strangers.  He made friends everywhere he went, from the people he met on his daily walks, to the staff at all the Dr.’s offices he frequented, to the hospice nurses that visited his home to check on him.  He made people smile with his quick wit and his genuine concern for others.  He was loved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Margie McIntire Matich, Son Michael Matich (Torri), Daughter Pam Lindsay (Brent), and Daughter Bonni Jo Rascon (Dan). He was a beloved Poppy to Brandon Matich (Andrea), Chris Matich (Amber Vanderstappen), Jon Matich (Maria Martinez), Corban Lindsay (Rachel), Joe Lindsay, Ryan Lindsay, Amy Lindsay, Marissa Lindsay, Derek Rascon, Emily Bennion (Joe), Anthony Rascon (Alyssa), Leena Rascon and Kayla Rascon.  He was blessed with 7 great grandchildren plus 2 more expected, Trey, Cooper and Grant Matich (Brandon & Andrea), Ivvy Matich (Chris & Amber), Allison, Olivia and Gemma Lindsay (Corban & Rachel).

He was proceeded in death by his daughter Jodie Lynn Matich, his sister Anna May Matich and his parents Joseph and Dorothy Matich. 

If we had another 86 years of time with him, it wouldn’t be enough, but we cherish our memories of him and take comfort in imagining the great reunion going on in heaven this week!

Never a dad,

Who loved more than him.

You feel trapped and confused,

Time with us growing dim.

I ponder your soul,

The soul matches the man.

Your goodness, GIGANTIC,

As big as you stand.

Never once did you hit,

Or raise a cruel hand.

You were better than that

And that tradition will stand.

Your voice sometimes loud,

And often so stern.

But your heart melted quickly

When our eyes showed concern.

Giving hours to work,

Providing comfort you can.

Carefully saving,

And owing no man.

When I would get sad

Your voice spoke to my soul,

“You’re only half way there sweetheart,

back to happy you must go.”

Best lessons from you,

Telling me, “BE what you say

BE kind, not judgmental

Help on the way.

Don’t ever stop learning,

Fill your mind with true facts.

Know history, know people,

And try not to react.

Always consider others,

Be patient and “SEE!”

Learn from mistakes.

This is how you must be.

So much of me,

Is from belonging to you.

You searched for my smile

And you always came through.

Dependable, on Time

Remember this to be GREAT,

“If you’re 10 minutes early

You’re already 10 minutes late.”

You made us so happy,

With your style and quick wit.

So happy and funny,

Things you said, they did stick.

“It’s been a little slice”,

“You’re alright kid, I don’t care what they say.”

Your phrases, (I love you’s)

In Poppy’s own way.

The sun rose and set,

With your grandkids in mind.

Your love, so abundant,

Along with your support and your time.

Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller,

We loved when you’d sing.

Big Bands, and good music,

You taught us to swing.

Calling you always,

When we would leave and arrive.

Declaring our safety,

Hey Dad, “We survived.”

The bottom line really,

It was all about us.

Giving and loving,

Happiness was a must.

I didn’t learn of God

From what you said or you taught,

But, I watched you and KNEW

Actions are not for not.

We’ve felt carried by you.

We could do anything.

With a father like you,

Always easing the sting.

To Joe, Pops or Daddy, to

Poppy, your names,

Your love is Alive!

And that will always remain.

I love you daddy….

      Bonni Jo (daughter)