Royce Mattson: Boisterous and exuberant; Bringer of joy; Gentle giant. September 22, 1946 – November 13, 2020 Royce passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a fast-moving cancer diagnosis. He is forever loved by his wife Alice and children: Benjamin and Katie Jo Mattson, Katelyn and Jason Levy, and Gwendolyn and Eric Walters; nine grandchildren: Shepard, Miriam, Georgina, Lucy, Vivian, Magnus, Royce #2, Hawken and Bjorn. Also siblings Rick and Kay Mattson, Lonnie and Rocky Hauck, Debbie and David Sanford, and Ingri and Tom Fowler. Royce taught music in the public schools and at the university level for over 36 years serving communities throughout Kansas. He was a low brass specialist and played trombone, baritone and tuba (often very loudly). Professionally, Royce played with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, The Stan Kenton Orchestra, and the Hutchinson Symphony. In his early, non-classical world, he played with Sonny and Cher, Buddy Rich, Clark Terry… well, you get the idea. He was far too humble to let on, but Royce really was an icon in the Kansas music community. Even in his retirement years, he found great joy “tooting his horn” in local community groups and ensembles. He loved his 44 oz morning soft drink and peddling around Sterling Lake on his recumbent bike. He took pride and enjoyment in taking care of chores at Wellman Ranch and maintaining land at the river for people to use and enjoy. In his retirement, he became an RV enthusiast with the mindset “never doubt the power of a Grandpa with an RV”! In past years he enjoyed countless RV adventures with kids and grandkids. His adventures took him from the Grand Canyon to Salem, MA, to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival to Mount Rushmore, and also trips to Arrowhead Stadium and Allen Field House for tailgating, where he was the life of the party. Royce also loved animals. The family has set up a memorial to Rice County Friends of Animals. Donations can be made online at Foarcsaves.com (click the “Donate” link at the bottom of their homepage) or send donations to: Friends of Animals of Rice County, 329 E Garfield Ave, Sterling, KS 67579. Royce requested cremation, and “no fuss, no service”. His family requests that friends remember him with a smile and great warmth of heart. May we all embrace his spirit of kindness and continue his work of spreading joy within our families and our community.