Barry Matteson passed away from complications of a stroke on Nov. 19, 2021 at the age of 78. He was born Oct. 21, 1943 in Bismarck, N.D. to Roy Matteson and Lucy (Woehler) Matteson.
Barry served in the United States Air Force, and in 1963 was stationed at Elmendorf in Anchorage, AK. Barry was honorably discharged and remained in his beloved Alaska, the state he called home for 57 years. He started a small business, Barry’s Custom Cycle and eventually grew that business to be House of Harley-Davidson, Denali Harley-Davidson, and Kenai Peninsula Harley-Davidson. A Harley-Davidson Dealer for 37 years, he was a founding member of Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education, Harley Owners Group Alaska Chapters, Alaska Motorcycle Dealers Association, and a member of American Legion Riders.
He loved to ride his motorcycle, was an avid reader, enjoyed studying the U.S. Constitution, traveled the world, and never stopped learning. He put family first. Barry was generous and gave to many local and national organizations, including Must Read Alaska. He was a patriot and advocated for conservative values.
Barry is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 39 years Karen Sue Matteson, his son Joseph Matteson, daughters, Tammy Thompson, Tracy Czajkowski, Bonita James, Meggie Hoeft and Dia Matteson, his sisters Darby Matteson and Berma Matteson, and his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Roy Matteson and Lucy Matteson and by his son Brett Matteson.
A celebration of life will be held at Unite Church (2626 Abbott Rd., Anchorage, AK) on Dec. 12 at 3 pm, with a reception to immediately follow at House of Harley-Davidson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barry’s honor to one of his favorite charities: The Heritage Foundation (heritage.org) or Downtown Hope Center (downtownhopecenter.org).
