Birth date: Sep 22, 1912 Death date: Jun 28, 2012
Julian F. Matika, passed away peacefully at his home in Smiley Park, Running Springs, CA on June 28, 2012. He was a good friend, a good neighbor, my comrade. "Julian enjoyed his mountain home and loved watching and feeding the ani Read Obituary
We remember Julian and his departed wife Dorothy with fondness. Julian was a kind, helpful and dependable neighbor. We recall his several times daily tours of Smiley Park to check on neighbors and their property up until only a few years ago. He will be missed.##imported-begin##Tim & Barb Virus##imported-end##
My sweet sweet Grandpa Ju Ju you will be missed in so many ways. Thank you for all of the amazing childhood memories. You were at the hospital the day I was born and I cant remember a holiday without you. I can close my eyes and see you and my dad sitting in the garage drinking a Michelob beer and lady dog would be at your feet. You were the best neighbor and grandpa any little girl could ever ask for. All of the Mortons loved you so much and we are all so thankful for all the memories we have with you. I'm sorry John never returned your shovel ha ha. Colton will always remember hid vanilla pudding you always shared with him & you will always have #99 in common. Love you Ju Ju rest in peace with your sweet Dorthy.
Love Shellie your Virginia Slim##imported-begin##Shellie Morton##imported-end##
Julian F Matika
9/22/1912---6/28/2012
Julian was born September 22, 1912, in Clifford, IL, to immigrant parents, George and Mary. Julian was raised with 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In 1922, the family moved to West Frankfurt - his father following work in the coal mines. Julian was educated to the eighth grade and began working at age 16 at the Locker Factory in Chicago, IL. When the Great Depression struck, he lost his job, the $75 he had saved in the bank, and was forced to move back to West Frankfurt to be with his family. He was able to get a job in the local dress shop and pharmacy as an errand boy. In addition, he would cut the hair of the neighborhood children. In 1939, Julian, with his mother, sister, and brother moved to Los Angeles. They all lived in a small apartment downtown. At this time, Julian enrolled into barber school and obtained his barber license. He worked as a barber for 4 months before being drafted into the Army in 1941. He was released shortly afterwards, but then was recalled in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was part of the 7th Division, 53rd Infantry. During his years in the service, he served as the company barber, guarded prisoners of war in Belgium, spent 22 months in the Aleutian Islands, and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Upon returning home from the service, Julian set out to find a job as a barber. He drove from downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills. The first barber shop he went into, located at Rodeo Drive and Little Santa Monica Blvd, offered him a job. Two years after Burt Walker hired Julian, Burt offered to sell the business to Julian due to poor health. Julian owned and operated that barber shop until he retired in 1974. Many notable customers that Julian regularly cut were: Gov. Edmund Brown, King Vidor, Wallace Berry, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, and Artie Johnson to name a few. Julian became good friends with many of his celebrity clients. They would invite him to socialize and visit their homes.
Julian married Ruth Stark in 1952, only to lose her after 1 year to cancer. In 1954 Julian met Dorothy while dancing at the Lawrence Welk dance hall in Santa Monica. They married in 1955 and remained together until her death in 1998.
Julian’s introduction to Smiley Park was through Mr. Willits, on Hill Rd. , (Spencer Swinson ‘s current home) his barber college instructor. Julian loved the mountains and purchased a building site at 83 Park Dr. Mr. Carr (father of Roy Barendt’s deceased wife Marilyn) built the cabin in 1962. Julian and Dorothy would visit the cabin often. In 1974 Julian retired, sold the barber shop equipment, and moved into Smiley Park full time. Julian became involved in the community. He was board president, helped with Park maintenance, and nourished many neighborhood friendships. He played a very important role in the community, the “go-to” guy for advice and assistance. Whether you needed gardening tips or someone to care for your pets or water your plants while on vacation, Julian was always willing to help.
I remember the first time I met Julian. It was a hot summer day in September of 1984, our first official day as Smiley Park members. We were moving into the Inman cabin on Hill Top Turn (Mark Bartosh’s current home). Our truck caught fire shortly after arriving. The fire department responded to put out the fire, in addition to many of the curious neighbors, Julian being one of them. I sensed I could hear him describing me as a dummkopf (German for stupid head).
My initial opinion of Julian was that he was somewhat of a busy body and a bit opinionated. He seemed or believed to know the right way to do everything. As our relationship grew, I discovered that he did know how to do many things the right way. He taught me how to be more efficient, more productive, to be less wasteful, to be more resourceful, the virtues of moderation, and the importance of discipline. In return, I believe I taught Julian to be more accepting of others, less critical and judgmental, and to consider loving unconditio
I will miss Julian very much. Miss him sitting on the porch and greeting all who came to visit.(Mostly our Little Snicker that he called our dog)A hug and a thankyou for the hug. Always asking about my parents. We loved him very much, it will be hard to drive by his house and not see him on the porch.(Or maybe we will still see him there, who knows!!##imported-begin##Susan Cook##imported-end##
I have so many fond memories of "Clip" and Dorthy. Julian was such a great uncle. Not having their own children they made room in their hearts and lives for us kids. He took us fishing and on a trip that I will never forget to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. To me he was always a great role model and I hoped to someday be like him. It is sorry that the bothers did not get along. We lost so much of a great guy. I will always remember him and hope that someday I can live a life as dignified and as distinguished as he lived his.##imported-begin##Ted Mattock##imported-end##
To my friend Mr. Julian,
I miss you so much. Every time we go for a walk now in Smiley Park, I run right up your big driveway to see you. Mom has to explain that you went to heaven and that your not hurting anymore and you feel better. I miss the special treats you always had in the little white cup for me and all the special loves. You always told me what a good little puppy I was.
(Even when I was being very spoiled)
I miss you Mr. Julian and hope your smiling down on all of us.
Hugs and puppy kisses,
Lil' Ruby##imported-begin##Lil Ruby##imported-end##
My dear friend, Julian, my how you shared your wisdom/advise, your life, and many cards games with me. It was very meaningful to me for several years. We both shared losing the loves -of- our lives, Dorothy and Pat. My, the conversations. Thank you dear friend for the time you spent with me. Much appreciated/never to be forgotten or taken for granted! And I did not cheat at cards; well, maybe once. Bruce
##imported-begin##Bruce Fischer##imported-end##
Uncle Julian, what a great guy! Because we are so far away, we were not able to see hime very often, but kept in touch by phone. I will never forget the fun times our family had back in the days of our visits. When all the crazy brothers, Julian, Walter, Frank and sister Nellie were together there were lots of jokes and laughter. We will miss Uncle Juilian very much. Love Merilynne, Frank, Frankie, Gina and Josh.##imported-begin##merilynne sorgatz##imported-end##
I have fond memories of my Uncle Julian, when I was still living at home he and Aunt Dorothy would come for visits. Many times they would be buying a car to take back to California. He and my dad, Walter were great jokesters and there was lots of fun and laughing. We visited California on occasion and the brothers, Julian, Walter, Frankie, and sis Nellie would all get in on the fun and mayhem. Tho we have not seen Uncle Julian for many years we kept in contact with him by phone. He was a gentle and determined person, and we loved him very much and will miss him. Love Always, Georgina##imported-begin##georgina koenig##imported-end##
Julian I will truly miss you. You were one who made me feel welcome when I first moved up here. You smiled and said hi each and every time I came by. You planted my garden the first few years and then brought me plants so that I could grow them. You shared your bounty as well as sharing in mine. You told me how to stuff a zucchini and how to grow even bigger pumpkins. You taught me how to catch those pesky gophers and I have taught many others (they were skeptical at first but did see it works). You cut my sons hair every month and both my kids knew that if they were out and about if something happened they could knock on your door. Even though they will say that you lived a long good life I and Smiley Park lost a little bit of sunshine the day you died.##imported-begin##Lori##imported-end##
