Thomas W. Mattson, age 80, of Traverse City, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, with family by his side.

Tom is a 1962 graduate of Graveraet High School in Marquette, MI. After high school, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree as an optician in the Ophthalmology Department of the UM Hospital in 1968. Tom followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded The Sight Shop in Ann Arbor, a business that grew to become a pillar of the community "back in the day". Tom also worked at DOC Optics in Ann Arbor and Traverse City. His dedication to quality service and genuine care for his customers earned him respect and admiration throughout his career. He loved his customers and especially enjoyed inviting them to pick raspberries in his yard every year.

Tom cherished the company of his loyal companion, Buddy, his beloved dog. He would often point out a pillow in his home that read, "my goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

Tom loved watching sunsets with his wife, hunting for petoskey stones, making peanut brittle, going to garage sales and playing cards with his grandchildren. He enjoyed craft beer and socializing with friends. He was proud of his Finnish heritage, and proud of being a Yooper. He was both charming and witty; full of sayings that were sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; children: Daniel (Shannon) Mattson of Chelsea, MI; Krista Mattson of Howell, MI; nine beloved grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; and his sisters: Susan White, and Karen Haas.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Victor & Edna (Swanson) Mattson; and his siblings: Patricia, Victor, and Ken.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Skandia, MI at a later date. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .