MARTIN ANTHONY MATICH Who over almost 60 years led the family-owned Matich Corporation to prominence throughout California and the western United States and became a leader in many professional, religious, and civic organizations and efforts throughout the Inland Empire, died Saturday, April 19, 2008 at home in San Bernardino. Since 1992, Martin served as Corporate Chairman of Matich Corporation, overseeing hundreds of highway, airport, flood-control, and military construction projects throughout California. In 2006, the highway between Redlands and Fontana was named the Martin A. Matich Highway in honor of his lifetime of service to his community and state. Born and raised in San Bernardino County, Martin graduated from St. Bernardine High School in 1946 and earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1949. In 1990 he was awarded an honorary law degree from Vanguard University. Martin became president of Matich Construction in 1950 upon the death of his father, John Matich, who founded the company in 1918. Martin was an active advocate of quality health care across our region, including strong support for St. Bernardine Medical Center, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. His almost half-century of involvement with and devotion to St. Bernardine Medical Center saw him serve as a founder and first chairman of the board of the St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation, a post he held for four consecutive terms. Martin and his wife, Evelyn, co-chaired St. Bernardine Medical Center's Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1981 and 2006, respectively, and co-chaired the St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation's Society of Caring Hands, where they are Pathfinder-level members. The Matich Conference Center at St. Bernardine is named in honor of the Matich family, as is the Family Quiet Room in memory of Sister Lambert O'Mara in the Ballard Center for Advanced Care. Martin was an active member of Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Knight of Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulcher, Knights of Columbus, Arrowhead Country Club, B.P.O.E. Lodge #836, Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor #10, Association General Contractors of America, American Society of Civil Engineers and Past Member of California Contractors State License Board. He was currently serving on the Finance Council and Buildings Finance Council of the Diocese of San Bernardino, Advisory Council of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Advisors Council of San Bernardino District Attorneys Office, Advisors Council of San Bernardino County Coroner's Office, Engineering Council of University of Notre Dame, Founder and Chairman of the Water Resources Institute and Chairman of Transportation Resources Institute of Cal State University San Bernardino, Founder and Board Member of Inland Empire Econ Partnership, Board of Governors, Chairman and Past President of National Orange Show. He previously served as a member of the Commission of California's Advisory Council, State of California Advisory Council on Economic Development, Chairman and Member of California State Water Commission, Board Member of Riverside County Measure A Self-help tax measure, Co-Chairman and Board Member of San Bernardino County Measure I Self-help tax measure, Advisory Board Member of Riverside Inland Division of Bank of America, Executive Board Member of Stater Bros Markets, Council and Mayor of City of Colton; Council President of Boy Scouts of America Inland Empire Council for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, Founder, Chairman of the Board and Past President of Inland Action Business and Professional Association and Past President of Southern California Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America. Martin was the recipient of several awards, Engineering Honor Award - University of Notre Dame, Citizen of the Year Award - County of San Bernardino Board of Realtors, Citizen of the Year Award - Boy Scouts of America San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, Spirit of Leadership Award - Ernst & Young, Leadership Award - Valley Group, Lifetime Achievement Award - Santa Ana Water Public Authority, Lifetime Achievement Award - California State University, Lifetime Achievement Recognition - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of 45 years; daughter, Pamela Tresham of Sacramento; 4 sons, John M. Matich and his wife Margaret of Redlands, Stephen A. Matich and his wife Paulette of Yucaipa, Robert M. Matich and his wife Ann of San Bernardino, Patrick A. Matich and his wife Guillermina of San Bernardino; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson. Rosary will be held Friday, April 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 N. Arrowhead, San Bernardino. Following the Mass, a reception will follow at the National Orange Show Events Center. Interment will be private at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Colton. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers In Memory of Martin A. Matich, C/O St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation, 2101 N. Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404.

Published in the Press-Enterprise on 4/22/2008.