John M. Mattocks, 83 years of age and a Hoquiam, Wash. area resident for most of his life, died on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Wash. John was born on Feb. 7, 1934, in Hoquiam to Oscar and Cecil Anna (Holt) Mattocks.

John grew up in Ocean City and Hoquiam. While in school he liked to play football and help with the chores around the family home. He started commercial fishing in Alaska and the Grays Harbor area at a young age, with his father and his brother, Harry. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for the Aloha Lumber Company and various shake mills in the Grays Harbor area. John owned and operated the Bay Side Shake Company until his retirement.

John and Sherry L. Ellcey were married on Feb. 29, 1964, at Pacific Beach. He had resided at Pacific Beach, moved to Newton in 1976 and then back to his family property 45 years ago. John enjoyed spending time with his family, tending to his garden and many fruit trees, going to the beach, cutting firewood with his grandson, Ryan, playing cards and the lottery.

John was a thoughtful person and will be greatly missed. The things he taught his family and friends will never be forgotten.

Besides his wife, Sherry, John is survived by daughters, Tammy Mattocks of Axford Prairie and Milissa Harper (Doug) of Lacey; his grandchildren, Ryan Asbury, Kandra Asbury and John Mattocks (Parker); a great-granddaughter, Karlie and other relatives.

The family requests donations be made to Fire District #16 or to Fire District #7.

There will be no formal funeral service.

Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 – 5th Street in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online guest register at www.colemanmortuary.net.