Obituary of Kaoru Matsuda

Kaoru Matsuda, also known as "Mat", "Kato", "Dr. Mat", passed away with his family and extended family by his side on September 23, 2013, after a long illness. Born in Phoenix, AZ, on August 18, 1931, he was a very hard worker, from tending the fields as a small child, to serving in the US Army, to earning his Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. He was a respected UA professor and researcher in Molecular and Cellular Biology for 27 years. He mentored many graduate students, who went on to have successful careers. Mat was an avid outdoorsman who loved bicycling, hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and even drinking a beer or two with his fellow UA retiree buddies. Most of all he loved his best friend and devoted wife, Carmen, of 57 years; two daughters, Elaine and Karen; and grandson, Kaden. He was an honest, gracious, compassionate, respectful and honorable gentleman, beloved by many. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.