Brian P. Mattson's Obituary
Mr. Brian P. Mattson, age 56, died Saturday, February 28, 2004 in Muskegon, where he had been a life resident. He was born June 25, 1947 to John & Shirley (Schow) Mattson at Hackley Hospital. Brian lived with his family at Pere Marquette Park, MI from the time he was seven years old until he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1966. Brian joined the Marine Corps in late summer of 1966 and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 before receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1969. Brian served as a radio man during his 13 months of duty in the Republic of Viet Nam.
Utilizing the benefits Brian accrued through the G.I. Bill, he graduated from Muskegon Community College in 1972 and Grand Valley State College in 1974, at which time he was promoted to probation officer at the Muskegon County Juvenile Court. He was a probation officer for 12 years and supervised the probation department for another 13 years before attaining his present position of Grant Acquisition and Development Specialist for the Muskegon County Family Court. Brian was very successful in bringing in grant money to address problems specific to the Muskegon area and was able to generate over $1,500,000 in outside resources. He was recognized at the Federal, State and Local level for his efforts. Maura Corrigan, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, wrote Brian a personal letter congratulating him for getting one of only three grants given out nationwide to address specifically non-custodial parent employment problems. Brian also received a Michigan Luminary Award presented through D.T.E. Energy to only a hundred citizens in Michigan for their efforts at making Michigan a better place to live. Along with that, Brian received a thousand dollar contribution to be awarded to the charity of his choice. Brian chose the Eugene Fisher Child Haven Fund administered through the Community Foundation of Muskegon. Brian was also a leader in bringing the values and principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice to both the state and Muskegon County. Brian was instrumental in the development of the first Restorative Justice Center in Michigan which was located in Muskegon. In honor of that achievement, the Restorative Justice Center was named after Brian and is now called the Brian P. Mattson Restorative Justice Center. Brian also received a resolution in his honor from the County Board of Commissioners for all his local contributions.
Brian also served on various boards and service clubs. Brian was Vice-president of the West Shore Dispute Resolution Board. He was on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Greater Muskegon and past President of the Muskegon Host Lions Club. Brian served on many committees including Comprehensive Youth Strategy for Muskegon County, Youth Truancy Committee, the Muskegon Vikings Lodge, and Muskegon Veterans Club.
Brian was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many weekends at the cabin on the Sauble River that he, his wife, and friends built. Yearly family tubing trips were always the highlight of the year for the entire Mattson family including many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
On December 24, 1985 he married the former Joni Lea Spaans in Kauai, Hawaii, and she survives him along with 2 daughters, Angela Gail (Mike) Gassman of Hermosa Beach, CA and Christine Nicole Mattson of Spring Lake; 2 step-daughters, Jennifer Lea (Bob) Shepherd and Christy Ann Hall, both of Muskegon; 1 sister, Barbara Carol (Richard) Todd of Ludington, MI; 4 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Vicki Broge and Katie Miles.
SERVICES and MILITARY HONORS will be 11 AM Wednesday at Calvary Church, 5873 Kendra Rd. Fruitport, with the Rev. Eric Stratton officiating. VISITATION with Brian’s family will be 3-5 & 7-9 PM Tuesday at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 737 Apple Avenue 231-726-5210 MEMORIAL GIFTS to Hospice of Muskegon – Oceana, Hackley Cancer Center Support Group, or the Viking Lodge Scholarship Fund will be appreciated. You are invited to share your memories with Brian’s Family at their On-line Guest Book @ www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Brian P.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brian P.?
Share a story where Brian P.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brian P. you’ll never forget.
How did Brian P. make you smile?