Charles N. Mathewson

1928 - 2021

1928 - 2021 Charles "Chuck" Norman Mathewson, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, leader of one of the world's most successful gaming companies, and generous donor, passed away after a brief illness on October 24 at his home in Reno, Nevada. He was 93.Chuck was grateful for the life he led and always expressed appreciation for how lucky he was. An eternal optimist, he held an unrelenting conviction that anything could be achieved through hard work and self-belief. He dreamed big and encouraged those around him to do so as well.Born in 1928 to Alfred and Mildred Mathewson of Huntington Park, CA, and as a child during the Great Depression, he quickly developed a strong work ethic while working in the family's struggling neighborhood market. After graduating from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, a brief stint as a cowboy leading a string of horses into the Sierras convinced him to pursue careers that relied on his mind, not muscle. His widowed mother could not afford to pay for his college so he joined the Army. Serving 18 months in postwar Europe and seeing the destruction and human suffering left an indelible impression on him. His time in the service also cemented his desire to never be a "buck private" again and to pursue careers which allowed for independence and unlimited advancement.He used the GI Bill to obtain a degree in finance from the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, the highest level finance job he could obtain was as an entry-level board marker for the Wall Street brokerage firm of Shearson, Hammill & Co., where he was the lowest paid of his co-workers because of his poor handwriting. He finally landed a job as a stockbroker for the regional firm of Hill, Richards & Co, eventually rising to vice president and office manager. While grinding through the constant rejections of cold calling prospects, Mathewson became a student of company management styles and the motivations of individuals, which he saw as critical to a company's success.A lifelong risk-taker, Mathewson sought to parlay his success as a stock-broker into owning his own business, but his earliest ventures did not always succeed. A woodworking business in which he invested burnt down. A visionary investment in the new era of frozen foods was lost because of fraudulent accounting. Undaunted and accepting the failures as opportunities to do better next time, he eventually became a successful co-founder in the pioneering block-trading firm of Jefferies & Company which allowed him to retire at the age of 41. In "retirement," he continued pursuing his passion for the stock market as a private investor. An investment led him to re-enter the grocery business by serving as the chairman and CEO of the Arden-Mayfair supermarket chain. Another investment led to him becoming chairman of the investment firm Wagenseller and Durst.In 1983, after seeing a crowd of people waiting to play video poker, Mathewson invested heavily in International Game Technologies, a slot machine manufacturer and distributor. Two years later, he became a director. The following year, he accepted the company's president and founder Si Redd's invitation to chair the board. Under his leadership, IGT experienced a dramatic period of growth and innovation. From the mid-1980s to the mid-90s, it grew from a small company teetering on bankruptcy to the world's largest supplier of gaming equipment and a leader in the gaming industry. The company pioneered jackpots that were shared across games and properties, created popular slot themes like Double Diamonds and Red, White, and Blue, and licensed existing brands such as Wheel of Fortune.In 1997, Mathewson was inducted into the American Gaming Association's Hall of Fame. He stepped down as CEO of IGT in 2000 and retired as Chairman of the Board of IGT in 2003. After his retirement, he continued investing and serving on boards and in advisory capacities until his passing.Mathewson felt tremendous gratitude that Nevada had been very good to him and was honored to give back to the community. He donated generously to a variety of health and educational organizations including the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center and the Mathewson Gateway projects at UNR, Nevada Museum of Art, the Reno Discovery Museum, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Bishop Manogue High School, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Northern Nevada Hopes, Andre Agassi Foundation, and Renown Health, among others. He also supported a non-profit founded by his wife, Stacie, focusing on behavioral health, addiction, and prevention of trauma for youth.Chuck was most passionate about the people who remained close to him throughout his personal and professional life. His love for business, bridge, golf, tennis and backgammon were ways for him to connect to those around him. He was a voracious reader on everything from business and history to philosophy and psychology. He was constantly evolving and never ceased challenging himself and actively engaging in whatever he pursued.There was a charismatic and personable aspect to Chuck Mathewson that is rare in people who achieve his level of accomplishment. He was approachable, always answered his own phone, made himself available to anyone who reached out to him, and he took a genuine interest in the advancement of others. His gentle humor and warm smile put all around him at ease.He is survived by his wife, Stacie Mathewson; five children from prior marriages: Gail Pauline Ladreyt, Robert Mathewson, Curtis Mathewson, Easter Sullivan, and Miles Mathewson; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Zonker, and his brother, Fr. Robert Mathewson, S.J.A private family service will be held at a later date.