David Paul Matheson

 

April 11, 1944 - November 12, 2020

Resident of Martinez
David Paul Matheson passed away due to heart complications at John Muir Medical Center at the age of 76. David grew up in Oakland with his brothers Ron (Ellen), Ken (Barbara), and Harold (deceased), and graduated Oakland Technical High School (class of 1961; Go Bulldogs!). After graduation, David enjoyed the cultural revolution of the 60's and cemented a quiet and peaceful identity that would be his defining quality for the remainder of his life. David eventually settled into a position with the Oakland Tribune newspaper and married fellow Oakland native, Michele Patricia Fleming. Michele and David had two sons (Timothy and Daniel), and spent most of their middle years driving them to Boy Scout meetings, swim meets, and football games.
During retirement, David was accompanied by his faithful dog, Jason, and spent his time thoroughly indulging in a life-long obsession with science fiction and fantasy literature. David especially enjoyed visiting his sons and their partners (Erin Habecker and Ashleigh Crocker-Matheson) to watch his grandchildren, Ellie and Danny. David was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, husband, grandfather, and human being. His acceptance and love for all people is an inspiration, and his family will forever endeavor to emulate this tranquility and honor his memory.
Due to the pandemic, memorial services have been postponed until 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alameda County Community Food Bank (accfb.org) or the East Bay SPCA (eastbayspca.org).

  Dave and I were good friends in our younger years. We met when we both worked at Quick Way in Oakland by The Grand Lake Theatre. Several years after leaving Quick Way Dave joined the 91^st Division of The Army Reserves. Because of a recommendation to his Division Sergeant Major I was able to join his unit in 1965. The Vietnam War was just getting under way and it was difficult to get into the reserves. Although we were constantly on standby, other than our annual training, and weekend meetings, we were never called up to active duty. During the first draft, which I would have been eligible for, my birth date of 09/14 was the very first date picked. If Dave hadn’t gotten me into his unit I would have been Viet Nam bound. When Dave applied for a job at The Tribune I hired Dave on the spot. I knew he was a good guy and a hard worker. He joined the home delivery staff and he got along well with everyone he met. He was a real asset to The Tribune. I hadn’t talked to Dave in a number of years so I decided to look him up to say hi and see how he was doing. I was saddened to see the notice of his passing. It just reminds us all that we should not wait to contact old friends because you never know how much time we have left. We need to tell folks that are dear to us that we care about them before it’s too late. That’s one reason I hope we all continue to attend the annual Go-Getters luncheons. 

Dan Sidbury