Charles Robert Matheson

BORN MAY 18, 1950; DIED MAY 7, 2008
Charlie was living the California dream in his own home in Long Beach when nine years ago he got a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. He was given six to 12 months to live. He "took it like a man" and pretended he was some sort of John Wayne act-alike. Over the next several years, Charlie became a star patient, aggressive and determined about his treatment, including volunteering to participate in two clinical trials for new cancer treatments. He often said "I'm glad to do anything that might help my fellow cancer patients." He was a familiar face to many at the Chao Cancer Center at UCI Medical Center and had a special feeling for those who cared for him there. Charlie was doing well when he died; it was not the cancer that got him. We don't yet know what caused his death, but we do know what caused his life. We are thankful for the opportunity to have loved this man who needed our help to come back home where none of us is ever alone. Charlie leaves behind brothers Leonard (Mary) and Roy (Karen) and their families, sister Gloria (Carl), Irene (Jim), and Mary Ann and their families, Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jim, cousins Eric, Melissa, and Amy and their families, Aunt Margie, cousins Pam and Stephen and their families, Aunt Bernie, cousins Jimmy, Tony, Nick, Deidre and their families; uncountable friends in the South Bay and Long Beach areas; and coworkers and clients at Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water Company who benefited from his unselfish contributions of time and energy. Charlie was a strong advocate of aggressive medical care for all who have cancer and, in lieu of flowers or other expressions of love, would appreciate donations in his name to the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 101 The City Drive South, Bldg 56, Orange, CA 92868.