Robert Dean Matz

Robert D. Matz, age 68. left this world on February 14, 2015 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo after a 10 year journey with brain cancer. He was born in Cambridge, MA on October 19, 1946, the son of Phyllis and Nathan Matz, who preceded him in death. Bob earned his Ph.D. from the University of California Berkeley in Educational Psychology. He taught briefly at the University of Toledo before taking a research position with High/Scope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti, MI. In 1990 he joined Saline Area Schools as a school psychologist, retiring in June 2005. In Saline, Bob was known for his insightful evaluations of students with learning or emotional difficulties. His reports were always thorough and contained specific suggestions to help the student succeed. Bob was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor shortly after retiring. He faced this disease with courage and poise as he endured an 18 month clinical trial. He never complained or expressed self-pity and met death bravely with the same stoic acceptance. Many of his former colleagues in Saline sent Bob cards and letters upon learning he had gone into Hospice care. Many expressed admiration for his professionalism and appreciation for his humor and friendship over the years. He was touched by how many took the time to write him. Bob was an avid gardener with an artistic eye. He created natural beauty using trees, shrubs, and perennials in his one acre yard in Brighton, MI. Many visitors to Bob and Sues home were amazed by the scope of the landscape and said it was like visiting a botanical garden. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Susan. He is also survived by his 3 rescue cats, Phoebe, Lily, and Lucky. His cat Phoebe came to visit him at Hospice and spent many hours snuggled up to his legs as he slept. Bob is also survived by his sister, Pamela Matz (Norman Rubin); brother, James Matz; niece, Channah Rubin; aunt, Edna Perlmutter; and many friends. Susan wishes to thank Dr. McGreevey and the nursing staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, specifically Sandy, Nellie, Angie, Melinda and Rebecca for the excellent care and genuine concern for Bobs comfort during his last days. Friends are invited to visit on Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 2-8:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania, Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where a memorial service will be held Friday, March 6th at 10:00am. The family would appreciate donations in Bobs memory go to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551 or to Bobs favorite charity, Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Dr. Toledo, OH 43615. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.