Stephen Matthias Obituary

Stephen MATTHIAS March 18, 1935 to September 3, 2007 Stephen Matthias was a loving, caring man who offered support before you even knew you needed it. A romantic, talented artist and architect, he had a keen eye for the beauty, humor, and promise of life. He saw the best in his friends, helping each to reach beyond superficial limits to capture the possibilities. While sometimes he walked to a tune that was off beat to some, he found a way to include everyone in the chorus. He is loved by his son, Scott Grometer and daughter-in-law, Tarn Wilson, his life partner, Lynda Matthias, his brother, Paul Matthias, his mother-in-law, Gloria Haran and many others too numerous to mention. All his friends are invited to celebrate his Life on Friday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. at The Fountainhead Gallery, 625 W McGraw St, Seattle. Remembrances may be sent top United Way of King County.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Sep. 15 to Sep. 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Matthias

4 Entries

Nathan Leblang

September 9, 2020

Remembering Steven my once upon a time business partner in Baltimore which seems so long ago. A gentle spirit full of fun and a twinkling eye as though he carried the secrets of the Universe which I think he did. Much loved by all who knew him and I miss him. Go Gentle into That Good Night

Richard Ayers

October 2, 2007

2 October 2007
I first met Steve when he sat across from me when I applied for an intern architect’s job at Meyer Ayers Saint Stewart in Baltimore May 1969. Coincidently, my thesis project was the same as the one he was working on in the office – the Loyola University / Notre Dame joint library. He was very supportive and I was hired. Having my father in on the interview helped also.

Steve was one of those creative talents to whom all young and aspiring architects gravitated. Many of us went to him for design critiques on our projects, even those that were not his, which he gave willingly and earnestly. He had a natural instinct for design and applied that talent to everything he touched. While he only was with us for 4-5 years, he made every project that he came in contact with so much better. I’ve been at this profession closing in on forty years (God, where has the time gone!) and I can think of but two or three other architects I’ve worked with that had as well-rounded talent as did Steve. He adopted Loyola Notre Dame Library as his own, shaping all the components and systems into a beautifully detailed and coordinated whole. Although my dad and I had the privilege of supporting him, “it was his baby”, to use Dad’s expression. The profession recognized his accomplishments by awarding the library with a national American Institute of Architects Honor Award. Steve stayed with us until it was finished, then as was his way, moved onto other adventures.

Those who knew Steve saw that he had a very impish side. One afternoon in 1971, he asked me to the Civic Center to see some sporting event that night.. It must have been the Blast (indoor soccer), Bullets (former Baltimore pro basketball), or some other local team (Clippers?). I got the okay from Genie (we had two children by that time) and that night we went down to the center. As we approached the entrance, I asked Steve where we were sitting. Wordlessly, he turned around, slung his camera onto my neck, and handed me a card that he had meticulously fashioned that afternoon into a press pass – the Harrisonburg Patriot News, with my name on it !-- and we cavalierly walked through the press gate on the way to the VIP seats! And I know I wasn’t the first and not the last to be so treated!

Genie and I have strong ties to the Seattle area now that our son and daughter-in-law have started their family. We tried to look up Steve last year and were delighted to catch up with Lynda, have drinks and dinner. In the last twenty-five years I probably saw Steve on two occasions, both in Baltimore, when unannounced he popped his head around the corner and chatted for a half an hour or so then disappeared just as quickly as he came. I had visions of returning the favor, taking the ferry out to Bainbridge Island, checking out his artwork, drop in for a half hour, then purposely vanish. Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity. We planned to visit this time around, but fell a week or two short, a regret that will time a long time to get over. Steve, we miss you. Much love, Richie

Nathan Leblang

October 1, 2007

One is never ready to deal with the loss of a friend or family member, or one's own death for that matter. So many memories flooded back; remembering you, Lynda, at Betty and Bill's shop in Cross Keys; your wonderful house and terrific kitchen on that very cool street in Baltimore; your fabulous laugh and sense of humor, Steve's amazing talent and his terrific drawings and sketches; walking with him on the beach in the autumn in Ocean City. We couldn't have been more opposite: he in cutoff jeans and I in a suit going to meetings, and how ironic that I was Mr. Straight in comparison to his Vincent Van Gogh! We had some terrific times and Marge asked to be remembered to you and for me to send you her condolences as well. Steve will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was one unique individual who actually frightened me with his authenticity and sense of self. I was not ready, and too fearful then, to handle my own inauthenticity, and he held up an uncomfortable mirror to my self. I want to shout "yes" to his life, to the joy he always exhibited, to his dedication to his art and architecture. I see him with a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and his great smile greeting God at the gate. He was, and is, such an alive spirit.

Jim Pettit

October 1, 2007

Steve and I worked together a couple of years at Meyer Ayers Saint & Stewart in the early 1970s. About six months after he left MASS I joined him and Nate Leblang at DesignBank. We worked together for about five years altogether. Steve was one of my mentors, a wonderful man with great talent who always seemed to have a twinkle in his eyes. I had known him as a real "star" when we were both at the University of Virginia, he several years ahead of me. Everyone loved Steve. I cherish the time we spent together and only regret that the time was cut so short. Through Joe Clarke and Richard Ayers I heard the terrible news of Steve's untimely death. I'm sure that each of us wishes Lynda the very best in the days ahead.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results