Philip Matter III ’51

Phil died of cancer Sept. 27, 2003.

Born Aug. 3, 1929, in Marion, Ind., he was the son of Milton Matter '09, the nephew of Robert '11, brother of Fred '58, and cousin of Robert '45 and Thomas '52. A graduate of Cranbrook School, he majored in economics at Princeton, was a member of Cap and Gown, and was on the freshman wrestling, 150-lb. football, and polo teams. His roommates were Lew Esler, Phil Hungerford, Bill Mettler, Ed Tilden, and Tom Mangan '52.

Phil was in the NROTC and commissioned in the Marines; he then served in Korea. He married Margaret Barton and worked for Owens-Illinois. Phil earned his PhD in geology from the U. of Arizona. In 1972 he joined Phelps Dodge and spent a challenging and enjoyable two years in Johannesburg setting up a satellite lab for its exploration program. Becoming interested in African art, Phil and Margie opened African Arts Ltd., an art gallery in Tucson, upon their return.

Phil also was an independent consulting mineral/petrographer. He continued to enjoy tennis, skiing, and horseback riding, while remaining close to his family and friends. He is survived by Margie; their children, Rob, Mary Ann, and Carl; their grandson, Ryan; and his brothers, Milton and Fred.

The Class of 1951