Mathew George Boyeson, age 95, died at his home in Oak Harbor on Jan. 21, 2016.

He was born May 8, 1920, to George and Vera Sandberg Boyeson and was raised in Ballard.

He graduated from Queen Anne High School and attended the University of Washington, studying electrical engineering.

The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and on Dec. 8, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After a few years of service, because of his high test scores, Matt was encouraged to go into the Officer Training Program, but he refused, thinking that he was not going to make the Navy a career. However, he remained in the Navy and continued to climb through the enlisted ranks, achieving the rank of master chief. Again, he was offered a commission and this time he accepted.

On Aug. 6, 1964, Matt Boyeson was commissioned as an ensign. He continued to serve his country, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He retired from the Navy with over 30 years of service and was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Matt was a skilled mechanic. He designed his own home and worked closely with the general contractor. He purchased a mobile home park next to his home on Cemetery Road, which he operated and maintained for many years. He was a “jack of all trades” and could fix almost anything.

While attending a dance class in Oak Harbor in 1975, he met a fellow dance enthusiast, Amanda. Love flourished and in December 1976, he and Amanda were married on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.

Matt enjoyed operating his 32-foot powerboat, sailing throughout the San Juans with his family and friends. He loved stream and lake fishing, especially with his sons and grandson Ray, playing card games, traveling the world, and his cat and dogs; but most of all he had a special love of dancing. He and Amanda were excellent dancers and took every opportunity to enjoy their talent.

Matt was initiated into the Masonic Lodge #182, F. & A.M. in Key West, Fla., on June 1, 1953, and, moving to Oak Harbor, transferred to the Whidbey Island Lodge #15 of the Free & Accepted Masons of Coupeville. He was also a member of the Shrine Temple.

Matt is survived by his wife Amanda; sons Ronald (Alice) Boyeson of Mineral Wells, Texas, Michael (Barbara) Boyeson of Madison, Wis., and Robert Boyeson of Oak Harbor; his step-children Rod (Tammy) Coyne of Oak Harbor, Wendy Johnson of Pace, Fla., Darcy Sullivan of Oak Harbor, Jeff Coyne (Donna Stringer) of Oak Harbor and Randolph (JayRuth) Coyne of Coupeville. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two nephews, Wallace Hinderer of Port Angeles and Bill (Janelle) Boyeson of Bellevue.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Boyeson and sister Ross Hinderer.

Funeral services for Matt Boyeson will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, with Gary Wallin, certified life celebrant, officiating. Funeral rites will also be provided under the auspices of the Whidbey Island Lodge #15, F. & A. M. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery with full military honors provided by the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A reception for friends and family will follow at Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.

Please visit Matt’s page in the Book of Memories to share memories and condolences and sign the on-line guest book at www.wallin funeralhome.com