Mati Parres

Ventura, Calif.

Mati Parres, age 80, passed away quietly January 20, 2024 in Ventura, California. Mati was born May 20, 1943 in Tartu, Estonia. At age 9, Mati, along with his mother Elsa and brother Heiti, came to the United States sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church and resided in Minot, North Dakota where they obtained their Certificate of Naturalization in 1956. Mati attended and graduated from Minot High School where he discovered a passion for basketball when he and his team won the State Championship in 1961. He continued his education at the University of North Dakota (UND) where he earned his degree in Business Accounting. During his time at UND Mati was a player on the 1965-1966 Basketball Team – North Central Conference Champions, NCAA Midwest Region Champions and Fourth in NCAA Finals. He played Forward and Center. After North Dakota Mati moved to Chicago where he started his career in accounting. While he was in Chicago, he had the opportunity to play pick-up games or scratch games with the Chicago Bulls. He then took his career in accounting to San Diego & Arizona where he worked for companies like Lucky Stores, Yellow Front Stores and Checker Auto Parts, before finally settling in Pacifica, the Bay area. Here he spent many years with large companies like Whole Foods and Bandag Tires. He truly loved his career. In his off-time Mati loved to run, travel and spend time with family and friends. When Mati retired, he moved to Ventura County to be closer to family.

Mati is survived by his daughter Kristen, nephew Christopher (Marsha), niece Heidi, great nephew Jacob and great niece Ronni (Eric). He also leaves his former sister-in-law Ricki. He is preceded in death by his father Kristjan Parres of Estonia, his mother Elsa (Nauman) of Estonia and his bother Heiti Parres of Oxnard. Mati also leaves behind many friends and extended family members in the states and in Estonia. Mati’s ashes will be laid to rest beside his mother and brother at Rose Hill Cemetery, Minot, North Dakota.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Staff and Caregivers at the Ventura Townhouse and the Caregivers with At Home Care.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura Ca. 93001

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 30, 2024.