Robert W. Mattson, 69, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at his home in Oak Harbor.

Born March 8, 1949 in Mankato, Minn., he was the son of Dr. Bruce Douglas and Mary Lou Neely Mattson.

He is survived by his parents; wife Mary Moore Mattson; son Robert Mattson Jr., son and daughter-in-law Jason and Tabitha Mattson, son and daughter-in-law Samuel and Myranda Mattson, daughter and son-in-law Sarah Mattson and George Calderon, grandchildren Benjamin, Maya, Quinton and Fox Mattson; brothers Bruce Douglas Mattson Jr. and Daniel Mattson; five nieces and nephews; longtime friend Kathy Spencer; and his trusted guide dog Tyrone (“Ty”).

Rob’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary service to the community, dedication to his family and refusal to let blindness stop him from doing anything.

In his professional life, Rob was the first neighborhood district coordinator for the Ballard neighborhood when the “Little City Hall” program started – 46 years ago. He mentored many of the coordinators and set the bar high for accountability from city employees. Ballard neighbors and businesses depended on him and always knew they could call Rob and get a thorough, researched, balanced answer. He loved the work and it showed. He helped the city effort to accommodate the needs of the homeless and then turned to coordinate the visits of Gustav of Sweden and Olaf of Norway. When he retired in 2013, members of the business community and residents roasted and toasted their “Mayor of Ballard.”

Rob was well read, cerebral and a strong leader, but he also enjoyed getting dirty and taking chances. One fall morning his brother came to pick up Rob and his boat to go fishing in Shilshole Bay. He told Rob it was so foggy that you couldn’t see anything, to which Rob responded: “So what?! Let’s go!” A professional tinkerer, he owned numerous cars and boats over the years. His last was a 26-foot Columbia sailboat that he kept moored at the Oak Harbor Marina. As a lifelong fisherman, Rob was adept at rigging for salmon trolling. He loved getting together with his brothers for repairs and projects of all kinds, always coming prepared with tools, electronic equipment and plenty of enthusiasm.

Rob had an adventurous spirit, a tenacious desire to try new things and an infectious laugh. He taught his children a strong work ethic, the importance of spending time with family, and to focus on love and compassion in the face of adversity. He will be missed dearly.