Byron Roger Matteson passed away peacefully in his home located in Grand Terrace, CA surrounded by his loving family and a few close friends on December 14th, 2020 at the age of 83 due to a non-COVID related illness.
Byron is survived by his children Tamara (Tammy) Matteson and Mark Matteson, his sister Donna McFarland, as well as his significant other Barbara Mindham. He has six grandchildren, Harry Atwood IV, Cierra Rounds, Brittney Johnson, Robert Johnson, Amanda Matteson and Emily Matteson. In addition, he has three great-grandchildren that he absolutely adored. Byron rejoins his five brothers, William Matteson, Luke Matteson, Harvey Matteson, John Matteson and Maurice Matteson.
Byron was born on January 7th, 1937 in Hartford, Wisconsin to Floyd and Martha Matteson. He moved to Grand Terrace as a young boy in the 1940’s. He attended Grand Terrace Elementary School and Colton High School where he graduated with the class of 1955. After graduation, he attended San Bernardino Valley College where he received his Associate's Degree and he continued his education at Cal State San Bernardino in the early 1970s.
In 1961, he married Patricia Walker. Soon after marriage, they had two wonderful children, Tammy and Mark. After twenty fulfilling years of marriage, Byron and Patricia divorced in 1982. In 1987 Byron met Barbara Mindham and they enjoyed a lasting and loving relationship right up until the end.
Tammy and Mark had a remarkable childhood and remember their father as a witty and generous man who cared deeply for his family. He maintained his clever sense of humor until his final days. He was always a joy to be around and enamored everyone with his charm.
Byron was a hard worker and dedicated entrepreneur who founded several businesses during his adventurous life. After high school, Byron worked for the Southern California Gas Company for several years until he opened his first business, Jiffy Boy Restaurant, in 1965. He owned and operated the restaurant until he sold it and became a salesman for Moore Business Forms in Colton. In 1978, he parted ways with Moore Business Forms and founded his own enterprise, Allstate Business Forms and Instant Printing; which he owned and operated until he sold the business in the late ’90s. In 1990, he invested in Little Sister’s Truck Wash which expanded to five locations that remain to this day. In the 1980s, he co-founded Inland Community Bank and individually founded Bear Tanning and Bear Elegance Hair Salons.
In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Byron was deeply involved in his community. He was elected to the Grand Terrace City Council and served for fourteen years from 1984 to 1998; twelve of which he served as the Mayor. During his tenure as Mayor, he also served as both the President and Secretary of the League of Cities Organization.
Throughout his adult life, Byron was a member and a leader of several professional organizations including the Rotary Club, the Traders Club of the Inland Empire, Colton Jaycees (President), Business Forms Distributors Association (President). He was also a member of Grand Terrace, Colton and San Bernardino Chambers of Commerce.
Byron gave back to the community by being active in many charitable organizations including the Lions Club, 20-30 club (President), Rolling Start (Board of Directors), Grand Terrace 4-H (Secretary), and Guide Dogs of the Desert. He also served as Chief of the YMCA Indian Guides.
Byron’s accomplishments, passion, and dedication to hard work during the course of his life are deeply admired by his children and grandchildren. They will be forever grateful for the knowledge he has instilled in them. His zest for life will live through them all.
The last seven years of Byron’s journey were acutely difficult. In 2013, he developed a MRSA based infection that he battled for six months. He recovered from the infection but it had caused long-term damage to his body resulting in him being unfortunately bedridden for the remainder of his life. However, he did not let his disability get the best of him. He fought hard to be there with his family as long as he could and they are forever thankful for the additional time they were blessed with. Byron’s family is grateful to his caregivers for their attention, dedication, and tenderness during his final years.
Memorial service is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 10th at Montecito Memorial Park 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324, to be followed by a celebration of life at his home, 23142 Vista Grande Way in Grand Terrace. All are welcome to attend. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. The ceremony will also be live-streamed on https://www.facebook.com/MontecitoMemorial
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you commemorate one of his passions by sending donations to the National Rifle Association.
Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.