William "Bill" H. Mattison Jr, died peacefully next to his loving wife of 19 years, Brett M. L. Blyshak "Brett" on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at their home in Medford, New Jersey.

Bill was born on July 16, 1940 in Collingswood, NJ to William Hitchner and Margaret (Stevens) Mattison. He graduated from Collingswood High School in 1958, attended Bucknell University and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in economics in 1963.

Bill thrived on positive interactions. There is barely a person, having met Bill, who does not remember meeting him.

Bill began his professional career at IBM. At heart, he was an entrepreneur who for 5 decades was a small business owner. During the last 35 years of his career Bill was Founder and President of Financing for Industry, and, Managing Partner of Upland Business Capital where he worked until 2017. His calm and friendly demeanor belied his results-oriented and focused approach to his businesses. Bill appeared to be of an indeterminate age. His continual desire to learn about the intricacies of a business, to understand the goals of the individuals, and, to develop a creative financing solution kept him young.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman. Fishing was his passion. He also enjoyed hunting deer and upland game birds. Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire was in his DNA. Lake Winnie captured Bill's spirit from his first vacation with his parents and sister Peggy over 65 years ago. So much so, that after his family's vacation ended, he found a job at the Brightwaters Inn so he could spend the rest of the summer on the Lake. For decades, Bill was one of the best unofficial spokesmen of the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce Office of Tourism.  He introduced countless friends to the natural beauty, arts and culture, and hidden gems of the Lakes and White Mountain regions where they enjoyed Bill and Brett's hospitality. Yearly family vacations to the Lake were a highlight. Bill and Brett found both tranquility and adventure as they discovered more of New Hampshire each season of the year, year after year.

Bill served as treasurer to the Twin Cities Rod and Gun Club where he enjoyed the companionship of Katin, a Golden Retriever, and Sophie, a Black Labrador Retriever as they hunted together each season.

Fortunately, when Bill and Brett married, she already knew how to fish and hunt. Their honeymoon to Alaska began with a rigorous week of fishing where they caught enough sockeye salmon, king salmon and halibut to enjoy for years to come. Wherever they travelled, there was most certainly a side fishing trip.

As Bill battled the complications associated with frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD), Brett, along with Bill's devoted caregiver, Sherri Foster, provided Bill with many opportunities to be outdoors, to enjoy nature, to have new experiences and to interact with friends and family.

What we best remember and what we will miss the most is Bill's enthusiasm for life, his unconditional love and his kindness.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Brett; as well as by his daughter Stephanie M. Petrie (Kurt Lancaster) of Flagstaff, AZ and her son Morgan Dylan; son William H. Mattison 3rd (Dalia) and their daughter Nora Mona of Marlton, NJ; his loving sister Peggy Levin (Dick) of Jacksonville, FL and brother-in-law Nick Blyshak (Camille Carrithers) of Brady, TX. His nieces and nephews include Cheryl and Jim Bodamer; Stacy and Mike Drury; and Scott and Kristy Levin. He was the great uncle to Lauren Nunnally, Shea Drury (Amanda), Ashley Kakareka (Jake); and Nicholas, Lindsey and Brody Levin.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William H. and Margaret S. Mattison, his beloved daughter Lorie L. Mattison, his dear mother-in-law, Yvonne L. Blyshak and an infant brother.

Bill taught his children, Stephanie, Lorie and Will, to appreciate nature, being on the water, and fishing. He eagerly introduced Morgan and Nora to fishing; as well as many other children. A contribution to The Ike Foundation, with the moto: "Together we can Hook 'em Early," and a mission to encourage the sport of fishing among children who may not have the opportunity is an ideal tribute to Bill. Online donations "In Memory of Bill Mattison" can be made at https://theikefoundation.org/donate#online or mailed to The Ike Foundation, PO Box 818, Elmer, NJ  08318.