Victor James Matt, Sr.

Victor James Matt, Sr. a lifelong resident of the Jocko Valley, passed away at his residence here at Arlee, on February 26, 2012.

Victor was born on May 9, 1924 in Arlee and was the 4th child of eight born to James Matt and Ellen LaMoose. Victor began grade school education at Arlee and later at the Ursiline School in St. Ignatius. Victor told his story about his short stay at the Ursilines, saying that he and Lawrence Finley took their younger brothers and ran away, taking them two days to get home. He stated that they slept in an old trolley car at the old Ed Schall residence and finally made it home the next day. Victor was then raised in the Jocko Valley by John S. Woods. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th divisions, during World War II in the South Pacific, including Iwo Jima.

He returned home and married the love of his life, Delma Victoria “ Bodine” Gebeau Matt in Hamilton, Mont. on Oct. 19, 1946.

Victor worked very hard most of his life. He worked on a rock crusher as an oiler, a mining operation for a short time and as a woodsman up until he retired. He sawed timber around Western Montana and Idaho, which he loved to do. He also served on the Tribal Council from 1954 to 1957 as a representative from Arlee.

Victor was preceded in death by three brothers; Lloyd, Victor Issac, and Clarence; two sisters, Roberta (Bobby) Antelope and Gladys Felsman. He is survived by two siblings, Caroline LaFrinire of Arlee, and Winona Arlee of Ronan. He is also survived by his five children, Bing and Ron of Arlee, Roberta Kay Matt Decker of St. Ignatius, Arlene Dusty Bull and Patty Young Running Crane of Browning. Victor has 16 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren for a total of 70. Once he made the statement “No wonder I cant remember all of their names.”

Victor was instrumental in helping get the Jocko Church moved from St. Ignatius to its present location. He also constructed the pavilion and stick-game arbors at the Arlee Pow Wow Grounds and was later named after him in his honor by the late Thomas “Bearhead” Swaney. His hobbies included mowing his lawn and driving his daughter “Kay” berserk when he would sneak out and drive his old John Deere tractor around the field. He also loved to watch CNN News on his TV and give the Republican party a cussing every day, stating that old “Bush” sure got us into a lot of trouble and President Obama is catching all the hell over it.

Victor was a man who loved his family very much. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. He loved his traditional and cultural ways that he knew when growing up. Before his passing he told our mother, “to be good to everyone and feed them when they come.” This was done as he was asked by his children and relatives.

We thank those who stayed with him, cared for him and prayed with him. Lena, Amber, Amanda, Carlin, Ron and Clark. Thank you so very much for showing your love for our Dad. I also want to thank Tammie Matt and Clarice Anderson, Dr. Bekemeyer, the staff from Hospice, who came when they were called, Kathy Felsman and whoever else volunteered to give care to our Dad. Condolences may be left at www.fosterfhandcrematory.com