Obituary of Victor Lawrence Mattson

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Victor "Vic" Mattson, a lifelong resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the age of 78 years.

Victor Lawrence “Vic” Mattson passed away suddenly on March 30, 2024, in Rolla, British Columbia at the age of 78.  He has gone to be with his predeceased family members that include his mother and father-in-law, Sadie and John Poholka, brother Wayne, his father Lawrence and his grandson CJ. Vic leaves behind his beloved wife Diana, of almost 58 years, his son Brian (Lynda), daughter Michelle (Gord), and his grandchildren Kimberly (Trevor), Sadie (Dustyn), Ty (Brynn), Bree (Mathieu),& Alana, Miles and many treasured great grandchildren.

Vic was born on January 16, 1946, in the Pouce Coupe Hospital. He was the first of four sons born to his parents Lawrence and Dorthy Mattson. Vic was a truly resilient farmer right from the beginning. As the story goes, he was bounced right out of the wagon on his journey home from the hospital and didn’t even wake up.

Vic grew up in Rolla, BC on the family farm and went to Rolla Elementary school and then moved on to South Peace. Vic decided in grade 9 that he knew more than the teachers, so why waste time when he could be making money. He quit school and was determined to go work for his uncle at Jacobson Brother’s Mill in Horsefly, BC. This eventful journey to the Cariboo region in 1961 was made with his dad and a couple farming neighbors, Johnny Miller and Waltor Henderson. We can only imagine how those three men felt about dropping off an eager 15-year-old kid in a town over 400 miles away from home. Vic worked at the mill in Horsefly for a few years until the mill was relocated to Williams Lake. With his uncle, Harold Jackobson, Vic moved into Williams Lake at the age of 18. Soon after, Vic met the love of his life, Diana Poholka and married her 2 years later. 

As a young newlywed couple, Vic and Diana built three houses in Williams Lake and started their little family. First came their son, Brian Wade and then two and a half years later, their daughter, Michelle Lee. In 1974, they decided it was time to follow Vic’s dream and move back to the Peace River. They bought the Sass farm and their real journey began. It was not the easiest decision to leave their dream house on the lake, especially walking into their new home that didn’t even have the toilets hooked up. At that point, Vic really knew he chose the right partner to be by his side because they had a lot of work ahead of them.

With his start in farming, Vic took his guidance from the farmers he had always looked up to, his father, Lawrence, and neighbors, Johnny Miller and Walt Henderson. I’m sure the four of them are together now, talking about the good old days. I’m sure they will have a lot of opinions about when to start seeding this year's crop. Vic always said one of the most valuable pieces of advice about farming came from his dad. His favorite saying was, “get that wheat in even if it’s on the frost and when the popular leaves start to bloom green it’s time to seed”.

Vic was known for a work ethic that was bar none and he made sure he instilled that quality in his children. Early on, Vic taught Brian and Michelle the importance of hard work. Vic was famous for honking and pointed at rocks and roots from the seat of his tractor. On the farm Brian and Michelle always had jobs and responsibilities, but Vic made sure they never missed out on the joy of childhood. He fostered a bond with his children that was unbreakable and filled with laughter and love. Through actions and words, he made sure they always knew how he felt about them. Although Michelle moved away, she took all the valuable lessons she learned from her dad with her. Brian continued to work side by side with his dad to complete Vic’s farming vision. However, in the late 90’s, his son, Brian dragged him reluctantly into the oil patch where he drove a water truck and snowplow to help bring the family farm to where it is today. At this point in his life, Vic was more than happy to give up the responsibilities of being in charge and Brian was more than happy to take charge. During this time in the oil patch, they made many lifelong friends.

Although Vic loved being a farmer, he valued his role as family man even more. Vic loved his family more than anything and always wanted them around, whether it was riding in his tractor, his truck, or on the combine, harvest time meant family time. As time went on, he acquired two new combine drivers…they were invaluable, and he knew it. He had all the patience in the world with one of his drivers, his daughter-in-law, Lynda, but expected perfection from his other driver, his wife, Diana. Ironically, the women wouldn’t even let Vic drive the combines during harvest time, so he had to wave, point or give direction from his grain truck.

Watching his family tree grow was something Vic was so proud of. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he used every opportunity to tease them and make them laugh. His witty jokes and hilarious pranks made every moment with him a cherished memory they will treasure forever. From tea parties and dressing up to a round of golf, Vic knew the importance of being a real grandpa.

Vic was an old-time farmer, but with a bit of a nudge (or more like a shove), he took on new age technology and he continually proved to himself that he could do it. He was actually excited to start using the app that controlled his new drill. Never would he have believed this new age farming would be so exciting and that is all thanks to his son’s continued encouragement over the years.

Vic was a true friend to many and was known for his natural ability to start up a conversation with just about anyone. Vic’s smile, sense of humor and generous heart are just a few of the qualities that made him such an incredible person. He knew how to make anyone, and everyone feel valued, whether it was a quick slap on the back or his favorite greeting, “hey kid”. Vic was cherished as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He has left a very big void in the lives of all that knew him. Our family will never be the same without his shining light.

We wish to thank you all for joining us today to honor this incredible person and celebrate the remarkable life he led. Vic will be missed every day, but his memory will be held forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Service for Vic will be held at Reynars Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm.  Pauline Haycock will officiate.  Interment to follow at the Rolla Cemetery. 

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Vic to a charity of your choice.

Vic’s family would like to convey sincere gratitude to all the friends and family that have supported them with love, food, cards, and flowers during this difficult time.  It was greatly appreciated and brought comfort to all of the family.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium