Obituary of Erik B. Mattsson

Erik B. "Bert" Mattsson, 89, formerly of Stubb Road, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus Monday March 4, 2019. He was born May 25, 1929 in Falun, Sweden, the son of the late Einar Singdin and Ester Mattsson. Bert received his High School Diploma from Vastra Folkhogskolan, Falun Sweden in June 1944. While living in Sweden, he became an accomplished ski jumper, competing at national levels and becoming Junior Ski Champion in 1945. He also served in the Swedish Armed Forces. From 1946 until 1951, he worked as a serviceman for office equipment in Sweden. In 1951, he came to the United States where he started tool design in 1961 and worked as Chief Tool Designer for AVM Corp until 1975. During that time, he received his High School Equivalency Diploma from Jamestown High School, his Tool Maker Diploma from AVM's Apprenticeship program, his electrician's diploma from Jamestown Community College and Fredonia State College, and studied at Hewes Vocational Center. From 1975 until 1977, he was Vice President of Frewsburg Precision Tool, from 1967 until 1978, he was Vice President of M-W Manufacturing, from 1977 until 1986, he owned and operated and was President of Dunkirk Metal Products and was Director of Operations in 1987. In 1987, he went to work at Valeo Engine Cooling inc., Auto Division where he was Tool Liaison Engineer responsible to production for the successful release of new or revised tooling, serving in that capacity until 1992. Bert was a member and past president of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Vikings, and Thule Lodge. He traveled to many countries in the world both for work and pleasure. He also holds a patent on a wheeled shopping chair. Bert enjoyed bowling, fishing, golfing, and of course, skiing. Bert was a born again Christian, serving the Lord most of his life. He served in prison ministry at Lakeview Shock ICF, Gowanda Correctional Facility, Collins I and Collins II, the Mayville Jail, and he and his wife Nancy ministered at Tanglewood Manor and Memory Garden. While traveling around the area, if he saw a hitchhiker, he would pick them up and minister to them and offer to help in any way he could. Bert loved serving the Lord. Surviving are two daughters: Birgitta (Peter) Hofert of Jamestown, Barbara (Barry) Anderson of Bemus Point; five grandchildren: Carrie (Andy) Ames of Ripley, Bradley (Stephanie) Hofert of Jamestown, Britt Anderson of Bemus Point, Heath Anderson of Texas, and Michael Anderson of Jamestown; several great grandchildren; and three stepdaughters: Kris (Rick) Sadok of Oklahoma, Lynn (Waide) Royal of Arkansas, and Wendy Newton of Jamestown. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Halvarson Mattsson whom he married August 23, 1986 and who died October 27, 2016. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 83 South Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.