Mats Ake Kinnison

Born on June 7, 1955 Mats lost his hard-fought battle against ALS on August 20, 2014. A new comer to San Marcos, California, Mats had lived in Salt Lake City, Utah for the previous 18 years where he raised his 2 beautiful and much loved children, Christian and Katherine, with his wonderful and beloved wife, Karen. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Mats was raised in Tucson, AZ, in a happy family with both his parents and 2 sisters. Mats also had a brother in Stockholm, and a daughter in Southern Sweden, both of whom he saw as often as possible. A warm and caring person, Mats always had a big smile. He was quick to make anyone feel like a friend; he remembered names and people he met, and sincerely made them feel important. Mats was a people person, who valued friendships and made those in his life feel like they were number 1, because to him, they all were number 1. It's no surprise that he has a very long list of friends, some who go back all the way to elementary school, whom he still stays in contact with. Mats was an accomplished athlete. Having started as a swimmer, competing as early as elementary school on the summer swim team, he went on to compete during all 4 years of high school. In his adult life he swam on a master's swim team where he met his wife of 21 years, Karen. Together they ran marathons, rode mountain bikes, hiked and skied. Portland Oregon, then Salt Lake City, were the ideal homes for them, where they could enjoy their love of the outdoors. Mats went on to pursue cycling and running, then many triathlons, and even competed in, and admirably finished, 2 Hawaii Ironman competitions, and the Vineman, another Ironman-length triathlon. An avid downhill skier, Mats was at home in Salt Lake City where he could pursue his other passion on the slopes, and where he introduced his son to the sport. Smart, and successful in his career, Mats was a well-respected, much liked and trusted mortgage broker and financial manager to many, many clients who he worked with over the years. Building his clients based on word of mouth and repeat business, Mats showed us all the care, thought, and time he gave his clients. Their happiness and success was truly what made him feel happy and successful, and they knew it and felt it. Many recent quotes are so telling: "If you knew Mats, he made a positive impact in your life." "He was always encouraging and my cheerleader." "Our gratitude is endless." "Mats you were such an amazing person. I feel so lucky to have known you and worked with you over the years." "Mats was always a gentleman, who cared deeply for others. He inspired us all to be better." "Such a dear, sweet guy." "He managed my finances with PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY." These are only a very few of the many positive comments Mats earned during his lifetime. Mats' biggest success, however, was his family. He was very proud of his wife and 2 children, and loved them dearly. He spoke of them often and spent many years building happy memories with them. He loved and appreciated Karen, her good cooking and the fantastic job she did raising their children, while maintaining a loving home, and even recently completing her Masters degree in education while working, too. He loved water-skiing with the family on their boat whether locally or on their many trips to Lake Powell. He was so very proud of his daughter Katherine and her horseback riding talent, going to horse shows to watch her and cheer her on, or to the barn, to watch her train. Christian was also his pride and joy, successful at school and talented as a soccer player and avid skier. Mats loved to watch Christian play on the soccer field, and to take Christian snow and water-skiing which he did for many years, until he couldn't keep up with him anymore. Mats loved his daughter, Marie, and her family in Sweden, who brought him much happiness, and he saw them, too, whenever possible. In addition, Mats also loved, was loved by, and stayed close all his life to his brother, his 2 sisters, his, mother, and his father who he stayed in close contact with and saw often over the years, though they were scattered around the world. The world is a better place for having had Mats in it. We are all deeply saddened by having lost him and will miss him terribly. Rest in peace, Mats. We love you.

Mats Ake Kinnison

June 7, 1955 - August 20, 2014