Donald Mattox

Donald Moss Mattox was born in Richmond, Kentucky on December 27, 1932.  He passed away at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 21, 2022 at the age of 89.  He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin Eugene and Mary Lou Mattox, and his brother Alfred Eugene Mattox.  He is survived by his loving wife and partner Vivienne Harwood Mattox; his daughter Melissa Mattox and her daughters Lindsey and Carly; and his stepson Kyle Harwood and wife Elege Harwood and their sons, Steck, Meyer, and Archer. He served in the US Air Force as a meteorologist and Air Weather Officer 1953-1957 – flying B-29s during the Korean War.

Don lived a full life exploring the Grand Canyon, New Mexico, the Himalayas, and numerous other beautiful natural wonders of the globe.  He lived and loved Albuquerque for sixty years of his life, beginning in 1960 when he accepted a job at Sandia Corporation (later Sandia National Laboratories).   His professional life led him to a career in materials science engineering and vacuum coating technology.  He authored books and articles on a wide variety of vacuum science topics, and he presented educational programs at conferences and industrial sites to many generations of engineers.  He was loved, respected, and valued by his colleagues and friends.  He has been described as a fine scientist/engineer and a terrific mentor.  He was President of the American Vacuum Society in 1985, and Technical Director of the Society of Vacuum Coaters 1991-2007.  However, on every spare weekend he especially enjoyed exploring the back corners of the Grand Canyon with his longtime friend and guidebook author George Steck – looking for the best way to ‘contour-round’ to the next drainage.

Don was perhaps known best for his dry humor, his love of history, and a curiosity for all manner of curiosities.  He enjoyed being a curmudgeon with a twinkle in his eye; he was a man of solid spirit and generosity.  Don is already very much missed …

Friends and family are planning a Celebration of Don’s Life in May.

If you wish to celebrate Don’s life with a donation, please consider supporting an organization that Don founded and led for several years (1965 to 1977) and which serves our community – the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council (AMRC) ­– a non-profit, nationally accredited, all volunteer organization that specializes in search, technical rescue, and basic medical support in the mountains of New Mexico. https://www.abqmountainrescue.org/donate/    Another passion of Don’s which relies on donations is the Grand Canyon Conservancy – protect.grandcanyon.org/imodonaldmattox – the official nonprofit partner of the Grand Canyon National Park. 

The family of Don Mattox entrusted his Care to the Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Santa Fe. 505-989-7032  www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com/