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Daniel Mathewson Obituary
Efland
Daniel "Danny" L. Mathewson, 47, of Efland, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Orange County. Mr. Mathewson was born in Minnesota, the son of James Alfred Mathewson and Penny Ann Scoggins. Mr. Mathewson was a self-employed sculptor and artist.
He was the kind of man who would wake up at 6am and bring coffee & breakfast to his kids in bed. He loved his domain- sitting down at his pond and becoming part of it's ecosystem, climbing the sculptures he made or was working on. He was a real-life Danny and the Dinosaur. He wore the shirts that his daughters made for him. He smiled at everyone he crossed paths with. He would stop and help someone broken down on the side of the road. He talked to everyone about everything- from cosmetics to car engines, he was the man to talk to. When his daughters were small he would zip them in his jacket to shield them from the cold. To call Daniel Mathewson giving, caring, kind, creative, funny, fun, adventurous and charming would be an understatement. He was a devoted dad, wonderful son, loyal and loving brother and a special friend. He lived a legendary life. He was a caricature of himself, and no one has ever been more loved.
Mr. Mathewson is survived by his daughters, Sierra Terrill and husband Stephen, of Sneads Ferry, and Zoe Mathewson, of Efland; his parents, Penny Ann Scoggins and husband Gary of Hurdle Mills and James Alfred Mathewson and wife Barbara of Raleigh; his fiancé, Catherine Hoag of Raleigh; brother, Christopher Mathewson and wife Amy of Siler City; sister, Pennie Sanders and husband Stephen of Mt. Ulla; sister, Wendy Marion and husband Dave of Hillsborough; brother, James Mathewson of Hillsborough; sister, Suzanne Tilley and husband Currie of Wake Forest; step-brothers, Deryl Scoggins of Durham, Bryan Scoggins and wife Robin of Rougemount, and step-brother, Stephen Lusardi (deceased) and wife Cindy Lusardi, of Wake Forest; step-sister, Lynda Neville and husband David of Wake Forest; Michael Lusardi and wife Bo of Wake Forest.
Mr. Mathewson is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Alyssa and Jared Mathewson, Nathan, Stephen and Sarah Sanders, Dianna Murphy, Hannah and Zac Marion, Arianna and Rebecca Mathewson, Logan and Matthew Tilley, Daniel, Will and Bryan Scoggins, Kari and Melanie Neville, Amanda Lusardi and Trevor Lusardi.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 10:00AM down by the pond at the home of Danny, Sierra and Zoe, in Efland with Dr. Currie Tilley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of his mother, Penny and Gary Scoggins.
The family is being assisted in Durham by Clements Funeral Service, Inc.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Mathewson
Laura and Albert
June 6, 2025
We still think about Dan every single day. He will never be forgotten out here.
Anne & Rick Hall
July 5, 2011
We are so very saddened to learn of Daniel's passing. We had been planning to commission a work of his art for our future farm. Our hearts, love, and prayers go out to you, dearest Catherine.
Laura &Albert Nisbet
June 18, 2011
My husband and I had the awesome adventure of living next door to Dan for the last 12 years. The daily sounds of his art-making, dogs barking and his wonderful conversation will be forever deeply, painfully missed. He was such a wonderful person, we were lucky to have had him be such a large part of our lives. We really miss you, man!
Sharon Snider
June 17, 2011
this news comes hard. This is a person who merely mentioning his name brings laughter and joy beyond what a normal day can provide. I don't know where to start or end with my condolences, my appreciation, my regards...this man gave more to me in the short time that i knew him than people that have known me my whole life. i know this: Danny is all about love and goodness, and that is what I want to extend to all.
e j
June 17, 2011
Daniel was a kind, thoughtful, charismatic and generous soul. He was so creative and spirited, and always saw the best in people and of this earth. i will miss him so much. My love to his girls, Catherine, and his family - you were his world.
Laura Shmania
June 16, 2011
Danny was one of the most authentic people I know - ever true to his inner creative spirit. He shared his art with amazing good will and generosity. He lived his life relentlessly making this world a more beautiful place. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his blessings continue to shine on you and bring you peace. (I'll especially miss his presence at the Eno River Festival, where he showed his work annually for many years.)
Kent Corley
June 15, 2011
My heart goes out to Daniel's friends and family. Though our interaction was limited, he made a lasting impact by being such a kind and original soul.
June 15, 2011
We are saddened to know of the death of Dan. He was a talented and wonderful person, whom we knew from his art. His dinasaur we had and enjoyed in our front yard now stands as a mascot to the Rashkis school in Meadowmont. Dan moved it and our Don Quixote twice for us when we moved from their first locations. I see the Don every day and love it as we did him. We shall miss him and grieve with his family and friends.
Gayla and Herb Halbrecht
Todd Delk
June 15, 2011
It is so sad that someone like Daniel has to be taken from his family and friends. Our group of friends enjoyed his exuberance and happiness and the joy he brought to our friend Catherine. He will be missed. Cahterine and all his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandon Timblin
June 14, 2011
Danny was an a person unlike anybody I have ever met.He had a sense of personal style,artistic vision and force of will that was exceptional.It would be easier to get "regular job" when you are raising two daughters,he was true to himself throughout his life,which is a way to live which I truly respect.
June 14, 2011
I love this family and this beautiful gentle man. Any one who ever spent any time in Danny's presence felt it. He is just so special. That does not end here. Danny, you were so deep, creative, intelligent, passionate, funny, and kind. You seemed at times like a journeyer from another realm, an enormous being, and yet you made others special when they were in your presence. I learned how to be a better father just by your example. Thank you.
Stephen Beck
June 14, 2011
I love this family and this beautiful gentle man. Any one who ever spent any time in Danny's presence felt it. He is just so special. That does not end here. Danny, you were so deep, creative, intelligent, passionate, funny, and kind. You seemed at times like a journeyer from another realm, an enormous being, and yet you made others special when they were in your presence. I learned how to be a better father just by your example. Thank you.
June 14, 2011
Although we had only been around Danny a few times, we know his precious girls, Sierra and Zoe and know he was an awesome and loving father to them. We also know they loved him so very deeply, Our heart aches for them so much and for Danny's family. Who Danny was will always live on in Sierra and Zoe, his wonderful beautiful girls. Our prayers go out to all of them.
Roy & Theresa Church
Trev Lyons
June 14, 2011
Danny was a great neighbor and friend. My heart and prayers goes out to his family. He brought laughter and joy to our lives and I will miss him.
Francine & Benson Pilloff
June 13, 2011
What a sweet man whose presence made the world a better place. We are lucky in that he did several creative pieces for us, including 2 gates. One of his wonderful dinosaurs lives with us and will stand as a memorial to his creativity ,his loving spirit ,his love for his girls, and his sweet kindness.When our dog, Hooty died, Danny made a memorial plaque for him This is an example of Danny's sensitivity and caring actions. We will miss him. Our deepest sympathies to Danny's family at this most difficult and sad time.
Tom Ponder
June 13, 2011
God bless you Danny!
Bill and Mary-Anne Collins
June 13, 2011
We are shocked and saddened beyond belief to learn of Danny's passing. He has always been the embodiment of life and positive energy. Our hearts ache along with you Sierra, Zoe, and Catherine. And with all those who have been touched by him.
Bob & Laura
June 13, 2011
We are fortunate to have known Dan - we commissioned a piece from him for our fifth anniversary that will serve as a daily reminder of his grace, charm, relentless good humor and love of life. He made the world a better place.
Alison & Denny Maloney
June 13, 2011
We will be keeping his family in our prayers. We are so sorry that he is gone, and know the loss to his family is huge. May God Bless, and ease your pain.
Alison & Denny Maloney, *Artrageousfolk, copper-enamel folk art*
Earl Glass
June 13, 2011
My Deepest sympathy for the loss of Danny to his daughters, Mom, Dad, siblings and all others. I remember Danny as a passionate person who loved to create, who loved his family, and life. Danny was energetic,eclectic, and just a fun person to hang out with. Again so sorry for your loss. One less shining star in this life.
Judith Ruderman
June 13, 2011
I am honored to own two of Dan's creations--his art is yet another way in which he lives on. Although I knew Dan only tangentially, he made a big impression on me with his kindness, gentleness, and creativity. His death comes as a shock. My condolences to the family and close friends.
stephanie tumbleson
June 12, 2011
Who else can call and wake you at 6am and tell you that he and his girls had just arrived in your front yard for an unannounced visit on their summer roadtrip, and would like to go see the windfarm when we woke up? Danny was so endearing that he could pull that off and leave smiling! Our hearts are heavy as we will all miss danny's personality and wit. his charm, grace & talent will never be forgotten. missing you dear cousin.
Jan and Blane Zirilli
June 12, 2011
Danny truly was a very special and beautiful person...his smile was genuine and his love was real...Blane loved talking and learning from Danny....about anything and everything !!! My heart breaks because of his untimely loss and to Sierra and Zoe and all his family. we loved him, too. You are all in our prayers.
Norris Vanstory
June 12, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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