COTTONWOOD, Ariz. — Walter “Hal” Mattern, a journalist whose decades of reporting ranged from Arizona politics to the nation’s motorcoach industry, has died. He was 72.
Mattern died on Aug. 13, at his home in Cottonwood with his wife, Sharon, and dog, Lucas, at his side, his family said.
In a career that included newspapers, business communications and trade journalism, Mattern was known for bringing clarity and depth to complex subjects. At Bus & Motorcoach News, he most recently reported on industry challenges such as the global microchip shortage that slowed bus production and opportunities such as rising sales forecasts and fleet planning. He began as a writer before becoming editor, later contributing freelance pieces until his final story in 2022.
“Hal was both a mentor and a friend,” said Dave Milhouser, a former award-winning columnist for BMN. “He was part of a group of trained journalists who worked hard at becoming part of the bus business. Hal brought a fresh viewpoint to our industry. That combination of perspectives has proved invaluable. As a “bus guy” who tried to write, I am grateful to him for helping me learn journalism.”
Ken Presley, vice president and chief operating officer of the United Motorcoach Association, which owns Bus & Motorcoach News, described Mattern as remarkably versatile, emphasizing the breadth of his interests and lasting influence on motorcoach journalism.
“Hal was the consummate Renaissance man, with an array of interests that was perfect for exploring the subtleties of the motorcoach industry,” Presley said. “This curiosity, the hallmark of a journalist, allowed him to write definitively about the topics of the day with an accuracy and wit that could be appreciated by the reader. His contributions to the industry as a writer and later the editor of the Bus & Motorcoach News were part of a unique era of great industry journalism.”
Broad journalistic experience
Born July 31, 1952, in Glens Falls, New York, he studied journalism at the University of Arizona before starting his career at The Kingman Daily Miner. There, during an interview, he met his first wife, Judy Munz. The couple later moved to Phoenix, where Mattern joined The Arizona Republic. Over 24 years, his byline appeared across the paper, where he covered the outdoors, business and state politics, according to his obituary.
After leaving the paper, Mattern led communications at several organizations before remarrying and eventually settling in Cottonwood with Sharon. In retirement, he pursued winemaking at the Southwest Wine Center, supported the Verde Valley wine community, and volunteered with the Red Rock Mountain Bike Patrol.
“Hal was wonderful to work with,” said Shandra Martinez, editor of Bus & Motorcoach News. “He taught me so much about the history of the bus industry. But what I admired most in his later years was how he wasn’t afraid to schedule his assignments around making time to enjoy life—whether heading out for a hike or a bike ride near his Arizona home.”
Mattern was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Pingrey. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his former wife, Judy; sons Max and Jack; stepson Chad Sullivan; sister Jo Ellen McGuire; grandchildren Sloane and Warren Sullivan; and his labradoodle, Lucas.
