David Mathes

1955 - 2023

David Mathes September 15, 1955 - February 24, 2023 David Mathes passed away on the morning of February 24, 2023 after fiercely battling cancer for many years. His wife Emmy and son Colton were by his side at their home in Austin, TX. Dave was born on September 15, 1955 in Pocatello, ID. He graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1973 and married his high school sweetheart three years later. Dave and Emmy headed to Chicago in January 1977 to train at Bekins Moving Company. They worked side by side for six years, travelling all over the country and visiting all of the lower 48 states. Following those adventures, they left the road to restore a historic mansion in Olympia, WA. They turned it into a B & B and hosted guests for seven years. Then, the waters of the Puget Sound called to them. From 1990-1994 they enjoyed an entirely different lifestyle on a liveaboard 40-foot Ponderosa Sun Deck Troller, named the Seaduce.

The young entrepreneurs then headed south to the sunshine of Austin, TX and started Premiere Party Rental, a successful business. Within a year they welcomed their son, Colton, into the world. Dave and Colton were not only father and son, but best buddies. Dave was engaged in all activities; swim lessons, coaching soccer for five years, teaching Colton to drive, back up trailers, build, woodwork, pilot boats, golf...you name it. He was a go-to guy who could figure anything out. Dave also loved spending time with family and friends. He would treat them to food, music, pool time in the backyard, and show them all that Austin has to offer. And of course, he would make sure to throw in a round or two of golf. The last few years of his life as his cancer progressed he learned to play the guitar. Music helped to sustain him and he would frequently quote a line from a song. Playful, funny, helpful, silly, capable, hard-working, and devoted are also traits to describe Dave. Dave was a wonderful man who made an impact on the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind many broken hearts. In the spirit of Dave, live life by his favorite philosophy - Have some fun today.