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BORN
1934
DIED
2016
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William Mathews Obituary
July 12, 1934 - August 30, 2016
Dr. William E. Mathews, 82, died after a year long battle with lung cancer. Beloved by family, friends, colleagues and patients, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He lived his life by this credo: "Do good whenever you can". He had a ready smile for everyone. He had friendships with people from all walks of life. He was described as "the last true gentleman". He enjoyed the practice of Neurosurgery for over 50 years. He was particularly proud of being elected chairman of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons. He had a keen mind for organization and was continually working on innovative ideas to advance the Academy. He was also proud of serving in Vietnam as a Major in the US Army. From his experiences there, he wrote a book on Intracerebral missile injuries. Aside from the practice of medicine, he enjoyed relaxing and doing pen and ink drawings, playing golf with friends, and going to restaurants and movies. The time he spent with family was very important to him. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carol and his children: Valerie Mathews (Sean), Corey Siva (Chad, deceased), Marie Allison (Lon), Blair Mathews (Cherie), Kyle Mathews (MonaLissa), nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild; his brother Doug Mathews and his sister, Barbara Wiles. A mass of remembrance will be held on Saturday, September 10th, at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, at 11am. Interment at Queen of Heaven to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the East Bay.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Mathews
Sponsored by Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel.
6 Entries
July 5, 2017
I just found out about the passing of Dr. Matthews. I was so saddened to hear this I cried. I was his last neck surgery patient and he made me feel like I was a daughter to him. He is the BEST DOCTOR I have ever know. RIP Dr. Matthew........I will Truly miss you! Diana Raymond
Jennifer Kerr
December 30, 2016
I just found out about the passing of Dr. Mathews. My sympathy to Carol and his family. I worked at Total Scan in Concord, CA and his office was upstairs from us. After his morning surgeries, he would drop by and say hello to everybody. He and Dr. Stein would discuss CT head scans and usually agree on a diagnosis.He was an amazing person and will be missed. Not many neurosurgeons like him around these days.RIP!
Col (Ret) John Spahr
September 11, 2016
Dr. Mathews was proud of his military service in Viet Nam and was always supportive of my military career, too. He and Carol attended my promotion ceremony at Travis AFB on May 1, 2005, and they later presented me with a beautiful scrapbook of the event. It's one of my prized possessions, and I'll always remember him for his kindness & generosity to my family and the special military camaraderie we shared.
Bill & Carol Mathews May 1, 2005, with Col John Spahr
John Spahr
September 11, 2016
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September 11, 2016
Dr. Mathews was one of the nicest doctors! I worked in X-ray with him since 1979 and he was always funny, respectful, willing to participate and to share his knowledge. He was certainly ahead of his time when he placed his CT and MRI machine across the street from Mt. Diablo Hospital. When ever I was in surgery with him he would say to me..."Sharon why are they sending the Mammographer to help with back surgery?" So Kind! They just don't make doctors like this any more...Thank You Dr. Mathews!
Sharon Goodall CRT(radiology)
Krystal DB
September 6, 2016
For the friends and family of Mr Matthews, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heartbroken prayers and support you during these difficult times.
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