Carvel Mattsson

Carvel Mattsson, prominent Utah lawyer died on September 19, 1999. He was 92. A gentleman in every aspect of his life, Carvel leaves a legacy of excellence and service to his state.

Carvel was born on August 30, 1907 in Salina, Utah, the second child of Carl A. and Elnora (Beal) Mattsson. He attended both Salina and Richfield public schools and graduated from Richfield High School in 1924 at age 16. He then attended the University of Utah, graduating with high honors in 1928. He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi and awarded the Delta Sigma Phi Scholarship.

After teaching for a year at Jerome High School in Idaho, Carvel attended George Washington Law School in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1932. As a law student, he earned highest honors, was a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity.

While in law school, Carvel met and married the love of his life, Wanda Ashley, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George F. Ashley of Montpelier, Idaho. She was also a George Washington University graduate student. After his graduation, the young couple returned to Richfield, where Carvel earned a living herding sheep for his father, while studying for the Utah State Bar Exam. He was admitted to the Bar in 1932 to practice law before the Utah Supreme Court, and he continued as a member until his death. At age 40, Carvel was elected president of the Utah Bar.

A distinguished lawyer throughout his career, Carvel was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the American Bar Association (a life Fellow at the time of his death), The American Judicature Society, and the Academy of Political Science. He was also a Fellow of the Academy of Probate Counsel. He practiced law in Richfield for 37 years. He was a member of the law firm of Gustin, Richards, and Mattsson, which had offices in both Salt Lake City and Richfield, and later a senior partner at the Richfield law firm of Mattsson, Jackson and McIff.

Carvel held a number of high-level posts in Utah's Republican Party. He maintained an active interest in national politics throughout his life, was a master of political facts, and was a strong advocate for gun control, campaign reform and ethics in government.

Carvel's interest in education was evident in his pursuits, activities, and appointments. He was a Regent of the University of Utah from 1959-1967, served as vice chairman of the Board, and chaired the Buildings and Ground Committee. In that capacity, he oversaw a period of rapid and substantial expansion of the U's buildings.

Carvel and Wanda were dedicated theater-goers. For decades, they not only attended productions at the U of U and in downtown Salt Lake City, but also made numerous trips to New York City for "business and Broadway." Carvel's dedication to theater culminated in 1998 with his generous gift in his wife's honor and memory to the U's Pioneer Memorial Theatre for the sponsorship of Broadway musicals.

A gifted pianist and organist himself, Carvel played in numerous dance and theater orchestras. Carvel's musical talents were complimented by Wanda's dramatic speaking ability and together they presented many Broadway musicals and plays. In addition to his passion for music and theater, Carvel loved sports-including baseball and tennis, as well as hiking and flyfishing at Fish Lake.

Carvel was a loving, caring, and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who took great pride in his family. He will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda. He is survived by his children, Marilyn Mattsson , Baltimore, Maryland; J. Michael Mattsson (Mary), Salt Lake City; Melinda M. Fowler (Mike), Salt Lake City; Marc C. Mattsson (Barbara), Houston, Texas; and his grandchildren, Michelle Mattsson Wilson (Ben), Derek J. Mattsson (Kate), Elizabeth Mattsson Carlson (Tom), David C. Fowler (Alison), Chistopher M. Mattsson, Ashley J. Mattsson and Jessica D. Mattsson; six great-grandchildren.

The Mattsson Family expresses appreciation to Mrs. Milo S. (Elaine) Marsden for her friendship with and kindness to Carvel over recent years.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 1999, 2 p.m. at Larkin sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Wanda and Carvel Mattsson Memorial Fund at Pioneer Memorial Theatre, c/o University of Utah Development Office, 201 So. Presidents Circle, Rm. 304, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 or the Utah Symphony.

The Deseret News, September 21, 1999, Page F02