Richard A. Mathison

Beloved son, brother, honorary uncle, and dear friend Age 59 of St. Paul, MN died on January 4, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father Allen Mathison and his grandparents. He is survived by his devoted mother Helen Mathison, sister Marlene Mathison, Aunt Alice, many cousins, countless friends, and his treasured cat, Princess. Richard was a leader at St. Paul based Advocating Change Together (ACT), a disability rights group run by and for people with developmental disabilities. For over two decades, he advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. He traveled the state frequently with ACT to conduct a leadership training program for people with developmental disabilities and their allies. Richard served on the ACT board for several two-year terms as President, and several terms as the group's Vice President and treasurer. He chaired the Employee Advisory Committee at Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), where he worked. He is a graduate of Minnesota Governor's Council in Disability's Partners in Policy-Making Program. He was a member of The Arc of Minnesota, and was a member of Jobs and Training. Richard was a frequent visitor at the State Capital and was often called upon to give testimony to legislative committees on issues he cared about. Richard was a long-time, faithful member of Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church. There he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and worked on missions. In 2004, Richard served on a church mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico, helping care for disadvantaged children. Even though he didn't speak Spanish, he shared the common language of love through his smiles. Richard was a joy and an inspiration to all who met him. Funeral service at Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 11am. Visitation starting at 10am at the church prior to the service. Memorials preferred. 651-224-2341