Kendall S. Mattson

Kendall s Mattson, 75, of Campton, NH passed away with grace on May 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving and supportive immediate family. Ken lived a life filled with love, integrity, and enormous quiet strength. He will be remembered fondly for his kindness, calm steady presence, and ability to offer a helping hand or bit of advice to just about anyone. To know him was to feel loved and supported, as his presence brought warmth and security (and a bit of quirky humor) to those around him.

He was born the second of six siblings in Redding, CT on June 29, 1950, to the late Gerald and B. Eleanor (Sporie) Mattson. Ken enjoyed his young years with siblings and cousins, attending early elementary school there. He relocated with his family as an eight-year-old to Richmond, NH, attending Monadnock district schools. He was involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) and loved science which further inspired his lifelong love and appreciation for the outdoors. Ken enjoyed hiking, running, biking, gardening, fishing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and hunting (he is listed in the NH Antler Skull and Trophy book for the 15th largest bear ever taken in the State of NH). Special stories of adventures with Mark Natale and Jimmy Ingalls were so valuable in getting through the past few years!

Upon graduation from Monadnock Regional High School, he enlisted in the United States Army in May 1969. Ken served two tours in Vietnam in locations such as Phan Rang, Cam Ranh, Tuy Hoa, An Khe, Pleiku, la Orang Valley, Da Nang, Bien Hoa and other locations specific to the Central Highlands. Honorable discharge from the Army was May of 1975. Commendations during this time included: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 3 0/8 Bars, Army Commendation Medal and Expert Rifle Badge (M-16 and M- 14). Upon returning home to NH, Ken chose a somewhat solitary existence living in a converted barn near his family's residence in Richmond, enjoying riding his Honda 750, working out at the local YMCA and being involved in Golden Gloves Boxing. During this time, he worked as a Logger, worked construction, and drove a dynamite truck to support the building of 1-93 North. He decided to utilize his GI Bill by enrolling in Keene State University, completing his BS in Science Education.

Ken relocated to the NH Seacoast area in 1979, taking employment as a youth counselor at the Somersworth Group Home. It was here that he met another youth counselor who would become his wife. Ken and Lyn were married on August 17, 1980, at the Somersworth Group Home with all the resident boys participating in the ceremony and family and friends present (including their dogs of course). In 1980 they relocated to the White Mountains of NH where Ken held teaching jobs at Russell School in Rumney, Pleasant Street School in Laconia and Holderness Central School. He completed his M.Ed. in School Administration at Plymouth State University. As a middle school science teacher at the Russell School in Rumney he will be remembered for science fairs and conducting science classes outside. As an eighth-grade advisor in Holderness he will be remembered for building a strip wood canoe with students after school to raffle off for the annual eighth grade trip. He was a constant source of knowledge, advice, wisdom, and leadership to many who passed through Holderness Central School in his decades there. Ken also worked summers in the 1980's and early 1990's for various construction companies and the Paradise Point Nature Center (Audubon) in Hebron. He retired as an educator in 2008 following significant health issues related to Agent Orange exposure.

Outside of work, you would find Ken at home and around the barn tending to gardens and horses with special attention to his beloved horse Mariah. He could also be found snoozing in his favorite recliner chair with a Saint Bernard or two or walking in the woods or hunting (he would extend his season by bowhunting, muzzleloader, and rifle) and fishing as health would allow. He loved cooking giant pots of soups and stews and baking breads for his family.

More than anything, Ken loved and adored his family. A devoted father and grandfather who took amazing care and pride in his two children, Dan and Meredith, and their children Bridger, Joey and Myriam. His unwavering love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dr. Lyn Mattson of Campton, son Daniel and wife Nicole and grandson Bridger of Campton, daughter Meredith and grandchildren Joey and Myriam of Manassas, VA; siblings and their spouses/partners: G Tanton and Helen Mattson, Kerwin and Rita Mattson, Weldon and Karen Mattson, Kandace Mattson and Marcus Beauregard all of southwestern NH and Duane and Cathy Mattson of the state of Washington. Thanks so very much for the calls, cards, video chats these past few years that have kept us going with wonderful stories and care: Mark and Lori, Zann, Karen, Joe K., Ethel, Canterbury Tails, the Parkers and so many folks in our greater Campton community. He will also be fondly remembered and enjoyed in stories by nieces, nephews and their children: Greg, Kristen, Alex and Theo Mattson; Eric, Libby, Tanton, Teagan and Timber Mattson; Chris, Kelli and Andy Mattson; Airial and Gary Sillanpaa with Bella, Lily, Elsie, Georgia, Liam, and Grayson; Lena Doubleday and Tom, Jaxson and Aiden; Caleb and Allison; Abby, Trevor, Baxter and Opal; Brian, Ben and Ian; John; Mark and Jenny; Teresa and Will; Emma and Brian.

Special thank you to the folks at the Morrison communities and North Country Hospice as our family moved through this journey.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held at our home, 11 Avery Road Campton NH 03223 on June 28th at noon. Bring your stories and memories as we share his favorite foods, music, photos, and other remembrances from a life well lived, no matter the challenges faced.

In lieu of flowers/trees donations may be made in his memory to: NH Fish and Game Department Hunter Education Program- 11 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301- www.wildlife.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt746/files/inline-images/donate-form-nhfg.pdf