Sam and Patti Matyas (from left) visit with Larry Matyas Snowflake/Taylor American Legion Post 126 Vice Commander Steve Slaton after Slaton’s announcement last week of the post name change to honor Sam’s late father and Patti’s late husband.
“It is with great honor that we announce that all of the American Legion Post members present during their Feb. 2 meeting voted to change the post name to the Larry Matyas Snowflake/Taylor American Legion Post 126,” Vice Commander Steve Slaton announced to those attending the Feb. 24 Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn. Slaton wanted to make the announcement in person to Matyas’ widow, Patti, who is president of the chamber.
Members of the post chose to change the post name to honor, Matyas, who served in the U.S. Navy for four years, and was overseas during 1966-69 as a demolition technician in the Mekong Delta, said Slaton.
The Matayases own and operate The Carriage House on West Garden Lane, an assisted living center. He was on the Assisted Living Federation of America from 2000-12.
Matyas also served on the Regulatory and Survey Committee, the Snowflake Fire Board and the Silver Creek Senior Citizens Center Board, and was president of the Frontier Estates Architectural Committee.
He was on the Northland Pioneer College Foundation Board for five years, the Snowflake Planning and Zoning Commission from 2000-10, including service as vice president, and a member of the Snowflake Town Council from 2010 until he passed away on July 24, 2012.
“Mr. Matyas was instrumental in getting the Snowflake/Taylor Post 126 operation,” said Slaton.
