ROCKLAND — Walter J. Matson, 75, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and hard fought battle with cancer, Saturday, December 31, 2022. Born in Warren, March 31, 1947, he was the son of Eino and Ruth Mikkonen Matson.

Walter was raised by Elaine and George Wooster after leaving home at the age of 7. He began work at that same tender age, working in the woods as a woodsman for many years. Later in life Walter began employment at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. For over 37 and a half years he was worked in the kitchen and for the Facilities Department, working up until recently when his illness would not allow him to continue.

Predeceased by his parents; his wife, Mary Matson; brother Nilo Matson; Walter is survived by his son, Timothy Matson of Rockland; his step-children, Deb Allen of Rockland, Sally McLellan and her husband David of Rockland, Richard Emery and Malcolm Emery both of Augusta; his brothers Bruce Matson and his wife Debbie, of Bellingham, Massachusetts, Leander Matson and his wife Cheryl of Ellsworth, Charles Chase of Bangor, Kenneth Chase and his wife Patty of El Segundo, California, John Matson, Calvin Matson, James Matson; his sisters, Hilda Johnson and her husband Larry of Rockland, Jackie Thomas and her husband Clayton of Mt. Vernon, Angie Matson of Nashville, Tennessee; several grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be announced in the summer of 2023.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with the Matson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.