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Bob Mathias Obituary
The U.S. Olympic Committee said in a statement that Mathias died in his home in Fresno, Calif. His brother said the cause was cancer.
Bob Mathias became the youngest Olympic gold medalist in a track and field event in 1948 in London, when he won the decathlon at 17. It was only his third decathlon competition, having qualified for the Olympics by winning two events in the United States.
At the 1952 Games in Helsinki, Finland, he became the first athlete to repeat as Olympic champion in the decathlon. Earlier that year, he played fullback for Stanford in its Rose Bowl appearance. Though the Washington Redskins drafted him, he never signed. Mathias also won the 1948 Sullivan Award as the nation's top amateur athlete.
"He just had a lot of natural ability in everything he did," Eugene Mathias said.
Eugene Mathias said his brother was a gifted athlete from childhood, often outperforming older children.
"I tried jumping the high jump and I couldn't make it. He was three years younger and he said 'let me try it.' He did it and he made it," Eugene Mathias recalled. "We knew then that he could just do anything athletic."
After retiring from sports, Mathias served as a Republican congressman representing California from 1967-74, serving four terms. Following his political career, Mathias became the first director of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
He also is a member of the U.S. Olympic and national track and field halls of fame.
Mathias was the Associated Press male athlete of the year in 1952.
"Bob Mathias was one of those rare individuals with the ability to inspire a nation through his determination and perseverance. He was a champion in every aspect of life, and he embraced the values that make our country and the worldwide Olympic movement special," USOC chairman Peter Ueberroth said in a statement.
Eugene Mathias said his brother never boasted of his Olympic accomplishments and was happy to return to his home in California's Central Valley after his Olympic days ended.
"He liked the Valley here. He liked his hometown," he said.
Mathias is survived by his wife, Gwen, and several children.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
51 Entries
Roger Bell
January 6, 2025
My cousins Ralph and Becky went to high school with Bob Matthias. They were seven or eight years older than I. But I met Bob Matthias in Washington DC. In the 60s. I was managing with 3M company and we sponsored a wine and cheese party in the lower basement of the house and Senate building. The first year we served New York and some wines from Europe. BOB AND, some of his staff came to the wine and cheese event and participated. I introduced myself as a Californian and who my cousins were, but he doesn't remember them too well. I told him I was from Porterville some 20 miles away from Tulare. He knew Porterville and had political supporters there. But our conversation was about the wine that 3M chose. None were from California. Any suggested that the next year we select California wines as well. A few days after that event, I bought two or three bottles of California wine from the state liquor store. I knew where congressman Maya lived in Fairfax County, but I couldn't go to his house so I left them at his mailbox. The next year we had California wines at the wine and cheese party for the house on the Senate and their staff. But congressman Matthias didn't show up. Interesting times.
Bob Erickson
January 8, 2024
In the 1960's, Bob operated the Bob Mathias Sierra Boys Camp in the mountains east of Fresno. For two summers I worked there as a camp counselor. My camp name was "Turtle" because I was a rather slow hiker. Bob was always a modest and down-to-earth leader who was idolized by all of the counselors. Years later, my first job out of college was with the U.S. Defense Department in Washington, D.C. Bob was serving in Congress then and he invited my wife and I to his home for dinner one evening. Later, my wife's mother traveled to Washington to see how we newlyweds were doing. A call to Bob's office led to Bob's guided tour around the Capitol for the two ladies. Bob was a friend and a great yet humble American. I still think of him often.
David Crockett
September 3, 2021
Bob was one of my 3 childhood heroes (Willie Mays, Sir Edmond Hillary, Bob Mathias).
An amazing athlete from a small town, the perfect 'Horatio Alger' story.He taught me that "doing the impossible" was possible.
I will always remember following the '48 and '52 Olympics specifically because he was in it. It taught me a lot about the spirit of competition and self determination. Would have loved to have known him. He will forever be a large part of my childhood memories.
David Hahn
October 13, 2019
I met Bob by chance on a street in Rome after the '60 Olympics. I knew it was him right away but we didn't speak. I've always tried to leave famous people have their privacy. But he brought back great memories of my youth, remembering the "48 and '52 decathlons. I was 12 in '48 and he was my hero and took away my fear of competition as I ran the 100 and 220 in the MO state track meet in 1954. Thanks Bob. Dave
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Ian Humphries
May 23, 2016
May,23 2016 Your film of 1954 inspired me as an 11year old to go on to enjoy a good athletic career.I am now 73 years old. Great man rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
September 2, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
April 10, 2014
What an inspiring life you have led. RIP
virgie horgan
April 9, 2014
I just saw the movie about your life in the Olympics and all your accomplishments, what a legacy, I am a proud American for you. you are a true inspiration for many, thank you.
Robin Sykes
October 27, 2013
Still got your photo with me taken at Fresno,Bob.
Robin Sykes,Glasgow,Scotland
Margaret Woodbury
November 19, 2012
Thank you Bob for the lovely signed photo by you to me when I was a teenage girl living in London, I still love and cherish it. Rest In Peace
My Dear Hero & Friend!
Margaret (Harbinson) Woodbury of Palm Desert CA
Lee Lambert
November 12, 2012
Dear Bob-
We'll miss you. I had the privilege of going to his Summer Boy's Camp during the mid-1960s (as a young teenage boy).
It was a great experience. Thanks Bob
Ty Satiacum
January 25, 2012
Summer of 1977 my sister and I went to his camp, great memories.
March 30, 2010
For Bob...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Gus Agosti
January 10, 2009
gus and I had the great pleasure of meeting Bob while filming in Athens many years ago He had great charissima and we enjoyed his company enormously.Memories are never forgotten
Marvin Rickard
December 31, 2008
I was one year younger than Bob and made it to the State High School Track Meet at Cal in 1948. I was thrilled to be in the same meet with him. I didn't place, but just to be there was a thrill. He won some events. I was too shy to attempt to meet him but always admired him and how he lived his life. I became a Pastor and continue in the Sacramento area.
Cynthia Crake Garner
October 15, 2008
Dear Romel,
Sorry that I referred to you as "Melanie" in my posting. I just remembered your name correctly.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Crake Garner
Cynthia Crake Garner
October 15, 2008
Dear Melanie, Megan, Marissa & Family,
I don't know if you remember me, but I went to the camp for 6 summers, along with my sister Kathy and my brother Barrie. The influence of your dad and the camp were very important to me in my life. I think those summers I spent there enabled me to survive the rest of the year and inspired me and encouraged me to achieve many things in my life. I'm so sorry to learn that your father died. Cancer is considered a modern day martyrdom by many people. I'm sure that your father faced his end with the same courage and faith with which he lived his life. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Cynthia (Cindy) Crake Garner
Del Ritchie
October 6, 2008
My mother always told me that Bob Mathias baptized me. My mother was a very religious person and I have always believed her and I followed Mr. Mathias life. At work one day they showed a motivational tape by Bob Mathias and people could not believe I was baptized by him. He has touched many people on his journey and I am please to have been touched by him at a very early age.
Susan Allen
August 22, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Bob. My brother, Tom and I had the privilege of attending the Sierra Boys and Girls Camp (my brother had attended the camp many years before the addition of girls). We both have so many fond memories each summer spending a month in such a beautiful setting. I still have my "good camper beads" We both had the honor of meeting him many times, as he was at the camp quite often. We even saw the movie about him. He was an inspiration and a truly wonderful, wonderful man!
Sherian St. Patrick
August 17, 2008
Dear Mathias Family,
My condolences to your family for the passing of a great man. Bob was the reason I originally started enjoying the Olympics. It was amazing to watch an athlete that looked as if he had a sincere spirit and loved what he was great at.
He was a tremendous athlete and man for anyone to look up to.
I was enjoying the Olympics this last week and decided to go on-line and look up my favorite Olympians and I found this site.
Your family was blessed.
An admiring fan of Mr. Mathias
bob mathias
July 26, 2008
a splended person will be missed,
Rick Williams
June 28, 2007
To Marissa,
I am terribly sorry about the loss of your dad.
I will always remember meeting him at your Mom's house in Modesto, while wearing my Bruce Jenner shirt (He certainly noticed, I recall).
Many blessings to you and yours,
Ed Heim
February 21, 2007
One of the greatest gentleman of our time. Proud to have known him and his fine family.
kenneth wendell
February 6, 2007
you rock may you rest in peace god bless
heike katarina
February 6, 2007
tulare union rocks
Karyn Kaonohikahikino`okala spencer
November 6, 2006
I have such fond memories of this greatest gentleman. I was fortunate in interviewing him in may, 1999 as he expressed his memories of the Olympics and his wishes for Dan O'Brien to also win two gold medals for the USA. I am so blessed to be able to share this interview with students of today at the collegiate level - he is the finest man I knew.
Dewey Milich------Kiski 49
November 4, 2006
I went to Kiski Prep and played football with Bob, many years ago. He was a truly amazing man.
Gary Bastien
October 10, 2006
My name is Gary Bastien, back in 1983 I had the third highest decathlon score in the United States when Bob Mathias was the director of the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado Springs.
While we were staying there, Bob Mathias and his wife Gwen were gracious enough to invite all of the decathletes over to their house for dinner. To this day it is one of the highlights of my life and I am so glad they did that for us. (we had the top 10 U.S. decathletes at the training center at the time)
When I was in 8th grade, in 1973 I came across a book in the Grandville library about Bob Mathias. Like Bob, I was from a small town too, and I could see that I had some of the same skills athletically to set out and try to be like Bob. You can imagine the thrill I had to be eating dinner in his house just 10 short years later, having reached my dream of being one of the best decathletes in the United States. I so thank you and Bob for opening your home to us.
Gwen, thank you so much. And Bob thank you for being one of the last TRUE American heroes, drug free and modest in victory. Gwen, Bob signed one of those nice large posters that were painted of him and I have it here in my office. Down in the corner I have the picture with me, Bob, Harry Marra and Coach Bozeman. I will cherish it forever. Most importantly, I will continue to try to give to other kids the way Bob did, and only hope to have the modesty and dignity he displayed the short, yet precious time I got to know you and him.
I grieve for your loss and his passing. He touched so many people and really, Bob Mathias will live on forever.
With all my deepest regrets, and thanks to Bob for inspiring me and paying for my college education. (via track scholarship)
Gary Bastien
Saline, Michigan
1983 Pan American Games team member and third place at Sr. Nationals, decathlon event
Denis Nolan
September 29, 2006
It is with deep sadness we say farewell to a great man...
God bless you, Bob!
Jeannie Sa
September 23, 2006
As Tulareans, we grow up with the Bob Mathias story as part of our lives. A special childhood memory for me was being allowed to stay home sick ;-) whenever his movie was showing on Dialing for Dollars (LOL), because it was Bob. He was living proof that hard work, belief in oneself, and the love of family could take you wherever you wanted to go. One of the highlights of my life was getting to meet and spend time with Bob. He was warm and friendly to those he met, laughed easily, and had a charisma that naturally put you at ease. What a blessing. I am so happy that my 2 children (now both adults) also had the opportunity to meet him and know what it's like to have met a true American Hero, the likes of which we rarely see. Thanks Bob for allowing all of us to share in your life.
Shirley Farrell
September 11, 2006
My sister and I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Mathias and listening to a very inspiring talk he gave at a school assembly in the early 1950's at Excelsior Union High School in Norwalk, California when we were students there. We will always remember him and the wonderful person that he was.
Ben Howard
September 11, 2006
A true Gentleman and sportsman in every sense of the word! He is one of a kind as an athelete and a real hero to alot of my generation. May God be with you all and know that Mr Mathias is a part of the good history of this world and this nation! He will be remembered as a good and great man!
Robert James
September 11, 2006
To a great man and olympian, thanks for all of the memories. You will be missed.
Sue Price
September 9, 2006
To Marissa and Family,
Since I read about the loss of your father, you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Bob Mathias once when I was in high school with his daughter Marissa. I will always cherish that moment.
Sally (Rajewich) Johnson
September 7, 2006
I admired Bob Mathias and he had an impact on my life in a subtle way that he never knew and I thank him for that. I grew up in Tulare, California and because of his legacy, track and field got a spark of life in the community. When I was in Junior High School in 1975 I became involved in the track program and eventually competed in it. We practiced and competed at the high school stadium that was later renamed in honor of him. I have fond memories of those track experiences and I even had dreams of wanting to be in the olympics. He was an inspiration to me. I feel sad of his passing and I want his family to know he made a difference in this world and in my own life. Thank you Bob Mathias.
Kelli Archie
September 7, 2006
Although I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Bob, I was raised hearing stories of his greatness. My grandfather, John Colbrunn, holds your family in the highest esteem and will forever mourn the loss of his friend. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with our family - his tenacity will continue to inspire us for years to come. Blessings on you and Bob, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia Mathias
September 7, 2006
When I was 12 years old I decided to research my family tree... Mathias that is. I contact Bob to see if we were related. Bob answered and put me in touch with his mother, Lillian. Funny thing she and my grandmother shared the same name. Lillian provided their lineage back to France. I've traced my linage to Germany.
Because of the family name I read all I could on Bob and admired his drive and dedication.
He truly is an American Hero in more ways then one.
Penny Torstensen
September 6, 2006
To the Mathias family-
Although I didnt personally know him, I grew hearing his name and knew he was a great athlete. I know words cannot help with easing the pain - you still have my deepest sympathy. Please know that Bob is now without pain and is at peace.
Very proud of everything he did. He not only put Tulare on the map, but the whole San Joaquin Valley!!
Joe Ross
September 5, 2006
A great person indeed. I was introduced to him as youngster at my breakfast table. He was featured on a box of Wheaties. If my memory serves me right, he was "pole vaulting".
Dennis & Michelle Wren
September 5, 2006
Mathias Family & Friends~
He will be missed by all that respected him, our prayers are with all of his loved ones.
Jackie Moncada
September 5, 2006
Dear Ellen,
I am sorry to hear of the pasing of your Father. He will be missed.
Classmate Monache High School
Jackie Fischer
William D. Connor
September 4, 2006
Loyal to his Roots, Family and Country.
A Credit to The USMC.
A Gifted Athlete.
A Great American. Semper Fi.
W. D. Connor
Julie
September 4, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
W Buciarski
September 4, 2006
will be missed
Dennis Dennett
September 4, 2006
The world will miss one of the greatest athletes of all time
Pat O'Neil
September 4, 2006
Although I never knew Bob personally, I had always admired him and his accomplishments. He was a great American and a true representative of the San Joaquin Valley.
Stephen Stallard
September 3, 2006
He was the finest example of an American.He will be greatly missed.
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