Dad/Papa Mattingly

*For those that attended the funeral these are just repeats, but I wanted to post them for those that live out of state, as well as a memory for me to look back on.*

I do want to say THANK YOU to so many of you that have helped, me and/or my family through this difficult time. We greatly appreciate all of the love and support we have received. You have all amazed us time and time again with endless service. We thank you for that. We couldn't have done this without your endless prayers, love and support. We truly have been blessed to know all of you. Thank you to all of those who were able to come to the service. We were taken back by how many people where there, and the support you brought. We love you. 

My dad's obituary:

EVAN MATTINGLY 

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Evan Jade Mattingly 1966 ~ 2011 Evan Jade Mattingly, age 44, passed away January 22, 2011 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born October 1, 1966, the youngest of seven children, to Herbert Ralph and Afton Lucille Mattingly of Granger, Utah. Evan earned his Eagle Scout at age 13, graduated from Cyprus High School, and honorably served in the Ireland Dublin LDS Mission. He married his sweetheart, Julie Alison Steckler, in the Salt Lake Temple on April 29, 1988. He loved the gospel and was active in the LDS Church. He loved hiking, fishing, camping, enjoyed the mountains and rivers of Utah and Alaska. Evan loved to travel while employed with Delta Airlines. Later, Evan made a successful career change to Rio Tinto, where he was employed until he passed. Anyone who knew Evan knew about his quick wit and endless humor. He loved to laugh and made it impossible for others not to. Evan is survived by his beloved wife, Julie; daughter, JayDee Marie Jones (Matt), grandson, Parker Evan Jones; son, Cody Jade; father, Ralph (Donna); sisters: Coleen (Dave) Bay, Debbie Childrey, Melody Mattingly, Lori Corral; brothers: Shawn (Kelly) Mattingly, Shane (Deborah) Mattingly; along with numerous nephews and nieces, who all loved him dearly. Preceded in death by his mother, Afton; niece, Shakira; brother-in-law, John Childrey; father-in-law, Frank Wayne Steckler. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 29, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Riverton Redwood Ward, 12070 South Laurel Chase Drive (1547 West), Riverton. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8:00p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Saturday at the Church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Mt. View Memorial Estates. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Evan's name has been established at Mountain America Credit Union. A special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, hospice workers, friends, neighbors and family for their endless support. 

My talk during the funeral (read by Aunt Deb):

My father was an amazing man. It’s hard for me to sit down and write about him, knowing that so many of our memories are sacred to me. I was his only daughter; his only princess. Although his love for laughing isn’t something I mean to dismiss in this letter, I feel as his only daughter I need to share the aspect of his life as a father.  No one could have asked for a better dad. He had such a deep love for Cody and me, and we never questioned that. He always wanted the best for us, and worked incredibly hard to make sure were well taken care of. But most important, he gave the BEST bear hugs. No one can give a hug like my daddy; No one. His hugs were more than just an ordinary hug. They were full of extra love and comfort. Those hugs will definitely be missed.  He could always turn a horrible, no good, very bad day, into one that was full of happiness with one of his special hugs. I remember on several occasions, when I had an awful day, my dad would stop whatever he was doing, cancel his plans for the day, and we would have a daddy-daughter day. It didn’t matter what we did, it always turned my day around.

I loved spending time with my dad, and learning from him. He was always so willing to teach me new things. They were mostly handy man lessons, but I enjoyed spending time with him. I remember one occasion when my brake pads needed to be replaced. My dad decided he was going to teach me how. What a daunting task! We rode his motorcycle down to the auto store, picked out some new brakes, and all the while, I was wide eyed, and nodding my head as he tried to explain the variances between the different kinds. Needless to say, I looked like a deer in the headlights. But my dad was patient with me. He took me through each step, and we changed my brake pads together.

He also taught me countless life lessons. He was such an incredible example to me. He was always open and honest with me. Growing up, he regularly told me that if I told the truth, I would be in less trouble. He stuck by that. But I can tell you, it was the hardest thing in the world to see my dad’s disappointment on his face when I did something wrong. Not because I was in trouble, but simply because he knew I could do better. He continually pushed me to be a better person. He always did it through example, whether he knew it or not.  

Until we meet again, daddy. I love you.                        

Love, your bubba bear. 

Matt's talk during the funeral (read by Uncle Shawn):

I remember the first thing Evan ever said to me, “So you are the returned missionary hitting on my daughter in high school, huh?” I won’t lie, I did feel a little bit embarrassed to hear it put that way, but over time our relationship grew.

Evan would always make sure that I knew how much he and Julie appreciated having me in the family. He would drop everything to come help us whenever we needed it, no matter how silly our request was. I have never met someone so willing to give of his time and means as Evan.

Although I have only known him for a little over 3 years, I feel as close to him as I do my own dad. Our family has grown so much through this trial and we have had many memories that are too sacred to share.

One of my favorite attributes of Evan, as I’m sure everyone else will mention, is his sense of humor. JayDee and I had been trying to find the perfect time to tell Evan and Julie that we were pregnant, and we decided that telling them while camping on JayDee’s birthday would be the best opportunity. After all the tears and the hugs, Evan and I decided to walk down the river to go fishing. There was no wiping that smile off his face. After a minute or two of us walking in silence he finally said, “so, you finally slipped one past the goalie, huh?”

I am so glad that we were able to make Evan a “Papa” before he departed from this life. He is as good a grandfather as anyone could ever ask for. I love him and can’t wait to be reunited with him.

God be with you til we meet again, Evan.

Love,

Matt