It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Howard Mattila on Christmas Day, surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary (née Henderson), children Tom, Peggy (Sandeep, Brooklyn [Bodin]), Suzanne (Evan, Angus, Jack [Kaibree]), and Jack (Krisy, Oliver, Sam, Edie, Zack [Breanna]). He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Mattila. Howard was predeceased by his son, Jonathan, and his parents, Hugh and Lydia Mattila.

Born during a blizzard on March 24, 1936, on a farm between Nora and Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, Howard’s early years shaped his resilience and character. From running a trapline as a boy to his passion for 4H, his strong work ethic and curiosity shone through. He was a 1955 School of Agriculture grad and went on to earn a degree in agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan.  He earned a Master’s in Agricultural Economics at the University of Guelph, where he met Mary. They married in Kingston, Ontario, on July 4, 1964, before settling in North Battleford.

Howard began his career as a Farm Management Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture before founding his consulting business, which evolved into Mattila Appraisals. He was widely respected for his integrity, fairness, and expertise. Notably, he served as the lead negotiator for the Poplar River Surface Rights Association, securing fair compensation for farmers in a contentious land dispute. His mediation skills were so valued that SaskPower later hired him for their Nipawin Power Project. His work also extended to Treaty Land Entitlements, Grasslands Park assessments, and expert court testimony on appraisals.

A dedicated community member, Howard was actively involved with organizations such as St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the Battlefords Agricultural Society, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, the Battlefords Co-operative Association, the Northwest Economic Development Council, the Hopeview Recovery Centre and Boy Scouts. His contributions were recognized with the University of Saskatchewan’s Distinguished Graduate in Agriculture Award (1986) and the Rotary Club Integrity Award (2011), shared with Mary for their professional and community service.

Howard loved the outdoors—gardening, fishing, camping, and canoeing—and cherished adventures with family and friends that spanned from coast to coast. Life on the acreage near Prongua provided endless memories and opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

More than anything, he loved his family.  His wife, his children and his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He was a role model of hard work, humor, and unrelenting determination. Even after a stroke in 2004 and a Parkinson’s diagnosis, he remained active, doing daily push-ups until a few years ago. A lifelong learner, Howard embraced every teachable moment, sharing wisdom in every conversation. He always had a number of projects on the go.  Recently, he penned his memoir, Wandering About: Stories of a Prairie Boy and His Challenges in Life.

Howard died peacefully, surrounded by family, who held his hands as he paddled his canoe into his next great adventure. He was the best of dads and husbands, and his wisdom, love, and integrity will live on in all who knew him.

A Celebration of life Service will be held at a later date. Date and times will be announced when made available.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

• Date : 2024-12-27
• Location : North Battleford, SK