Robert Emerson Matlack

1937 - 2021

BORN

1937

DIED

2021

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Northwestern University Ohio State University

Robert Matlack Obituary

Robert Emerson Matlack (Bob)
May 21, 1937 - August 3, 2021
Resident of Santa Cruz, California
Robert Emerson Matlack, "Bob", of Santa Cruz, California, died peacefully on August 3rd attended by his two sons, Ralph and Ed.
Bob grew up in Richwood, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, where he graduated as a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) in 1961. After receiving his degree, Bob joined the Navy as a lieutenant, where he completed his dental internship at St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, New York. He completed his service with the Navy in 1964, having served aboard the USS Midway for two years as a general dentist. After the Navy, Bob returned to the Midwest to attend Northwestern University where he completed his masters of science and certificate in orthodontics in 1964.
Bob then moved from Chicago to Santa Cruz and opened his orthodontics practice in the newly built 550 Water St. complex. He was well respected throughout his career, opening several offices before retiring after 37 years of practice. He is well known by many who grew up in Santa Cruz and was recognized wherever he went.
In retirement, Bob loved to travel and play golf, being a member of Pasatiempo golf club with a regular tee time. He was proud of his multiple "hole in ones" on the eighth hole at Pasatiempo and would often opine about the course design and beautiful views. He also travelled frequently, taking multiple trips across Europe, enjoying France and Italy the most.
He spent his last years in Santa Cruz playing golf, enjoying life with his companion, Candy Fontana and visiting with his sons and grandchildren.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Edith Matlack; and his two sisters Meredythe McDaniel and Ardythe Campbell. Bob is survived by his companion, Candy Fontana; his two children: Ralph Matlack (wife Malena) and Edward Matlack (wife Mary); his grandchildren: Linnea, Erik and Anton Matlack; Clara and Will Matlack.
Donations in Bob's memory can be made in support of the Wounded Warriors Project, a program that he supported regularly. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Oct. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Matlack

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2 Entries

Richard S

October 8, 2021

My condolences to the Matlack family. Dr Matlack was my Orthodontist when I was going through the braces time of my life as a kid in the 90s. One visit at Dr Matlack's I ended up in his personal office to get a " talking to " regarding my sub-par brushing habits. Most of the time I did not take to heart the minor dings about brushing, which led me to his office to get a talk directly from Dr Matlack and not one of his nurses. Towards the end of my "informative" talking to, I happened to notice a picture of an aircraft carrier on his wall, fairly desperate to talk about something else besides my mouth I asked him if he liked boats and pointed with my eyes at the picture. He explained to me that was a picture of the ship he served on while he was in the Navy, the USS Midway. There was a quick shock, and I thought to myself " dude, Dr Matlack was in the Navy???? dang it , no wonder he is strict " I asked him what he did in the Navy. He looked over his desk with a half smile and said he was a dentist onboard ship. This somewhat terrorized me because I immediately thought to myself " Oh my god! Dr Matlack was a dentist in the Navy?!? He was probably pulling bullets out of guys mouths!!!! " There was no rationale here. Just a kids assumption and imagination. However upon learning this information and telling myself not to piss off Dr Matlack because he was now no joke and has military experience , this quickly implemented new motivation and brushing habits to which earned his praise in improvement on subsequent visits. I will never forget that conversation in his office and I always remembered the name of his aircraft carrier because of that. Again, my deepest condolences to the family, I hope you all can find peace during this difficult time.