On Wednesday, March 10th, representatives from the Marquette Tennis
Association (MTA) donated 35 new tennis racquets to the Physical Education
Department at Marquette Senior High School for use by all interested
students. The gift was made possible by generous contributions donated in
memory of Gary Matson, who passed away on December 20, 2019 at his Texas home. Assistance was also provided by the Northern MI District of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Born on March 6, 1952, in Marquette, Michigan, to parents Jennie and Vilho
Matson who emigrated from Finland, Gary grew up on a farm, a
first-generation American, filled with a strong work ethic and devotion to
family. After graduation from Marquette High School in 1970, he received
an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated in 1975 and served with honor in the U. S. Air Force, flying in the KC-135 and T-43 aircraft, until separating in December 1983 with the rank of Captain. Gary worked in commercial aviation until 2017, including 33 years as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, most of it based in Houston, Texas. Gary enjoyed a variety of activities including competitive tennis and golf. In recent years, he enjoyed summers at his Upper Peninsula retreat, a cabin on Little Shag Lake near Gwinn, Michigan, that had been in his family for generations. Gary is survived by his wife, Patty and family. A memorial service and military funeral have been held.
Pictured with MSHS Students and PE Instructor, Karla McCutcheon, are MTA
Representatives Deb Cook, Joe Havican, Brett Girard and Joe Downs.
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