MATLACK, John (Jack)

Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg AZ) Wednesday, May 13, 2015, p A-5 John Kenneth Matlack (Jack), 80, Columbia, Mo., passed away on May 4, 2015, of natural causes. John was born on March 3, 1935, in Harlem, Mont., to Wilbur Matlack and Marion Doney. He was married in Butte, Mont., to the love of his life, Sharon Lenore Richards on Dec. 18, 1961. They were married for 45 years until she passed on April 26, 2006. Throughout his life he worked hard at many different professions including automotive mechanic, working on the railroad, mining in the copper mine in Butte, and several ranching jobs in Dillon, Browning and Hamilton, Mont. He also enlisted in the Army and served his country for two years. John loved his family and had a deep passion for horses, rodeo and team roping, which he participated in until he could no longer swing his legs around a horse. Even after he could no longer ride, he would love to go to the rodeos and team roping events just to visit with the many friends he had made during his life. You could always find him telling stories or playing a hand of poker with his great poker face. No matter where he went, he always seemed to know someone and could always put a smile on your face with his great sense of humor. He had many friends and was loved by all. John is survived by his daughter Jolie of Arizona; and sons John of Nevada, James of Arizona and Fred of Missouri; sister Marilyn and brother Ted, both from Montana; as well as his five grandchildren, Sapphire, Brandie Jo, Sam, Brady and Clancey. The family will hold a private service in Hamilton.