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Theodore Mathews Obituary

Theodore Carl "TC" MATHEWS Ted Mathews, age 66, lost his battle against heart disease peacefully on July 31, 2004 at his home in Auburn, Washington. His final days were filled with the simple pleasures of family, watching the Mariners, and spiffing up his truck. Ted was born to Willie B. and Frances G. Mathews on March 28, 1938 in Stevenson, Washington. At an early age Ted, his parents and two sisters, Barbara and Marilyn, moved to the Seattle area where Ted spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, and a wedding to a beautiful Italian girl named Dee Dee Chevara, Ted, or "TC" as he became known, joined The Boeing Company where he worked proudly for 39 years until his retirement in 1995. Also during that time he served in the Marine Corps and Reserves for about fifteen years. Ted will be missed by his wife Dee Dee, his sister Marilyn Versoi, his children Tony Mathews, Lisa Gaughran, Delci Goranson and Todd Mathews, his grandchildren Bailey, Madeleine, Deana, Clayton, Coleman, Lucy, Melanie and Nicholas, and many loving family members and friends. Ted, or "Boppa" as he was known to the grandchildren, really appreciated his family, ancestors, co-workers and friends. Ted enjoyed camping, hiking, gardening and fishing. He coached soccer and baseball, and was a scout leader. Many will remember his involvement for his high effort, uniqueness, openness, forgiveness, and happiness. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 7th at 1:00 PM at Yahn and Son Funeral Home on 55 West Valley Highway in Auburn. Ted wasn't much for flowers but loved a good bean plant. In lieu of sending flowers please do something for the outdoors, or just go fishing.

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 5, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Mathews

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Lisa Gaughran

September 3, 2004

My dad was a quiet and constant presence in my life. I knew he was always there if I needed, and I hope he knew he could rely on me, too. My life is filled with reminders of all the little (and big, too!) things he did for me--the new bat houses, the bird feeders he fixed, the new latches on the barn doors, and much more. Not a minute goes by that I don't think of him, and miss him terribly. I love you, Dad.

Niki Anderson

August 21, 2004

I would like to think we have a friend out there, watching out for us....



The latest sun is sinking fast, my race is nearly run

My strongest trials now are past, my triumph is begun

O come Angel Band, come & around me stand

O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

I know I'm near the holy ranks of friends & kindred dear

I've brushed the dew on Jordan's banks, the crossing must be near

I've almost gained my Heavenly home, my spirit loudly sings

The Holy ones, behold they come, I hear the noise of wings

O bear my longing heart to Him who bled & died for me

Whose blood now cleanses from all sin & gives me victory

Deana Goranson

August 18, 2004

Bopa was a VERY good grandpa. He was always so happy! He always made me feel happy when he'd say good morning "Boo"! He would help anybody with anything they needed help with! I think he made everybody around him happy. I love him and miss him.

Jack VanLeuven

August 8, 2004

Sorry to see of Teddy's passing. Yes, at Maple Grade School he was known as Teddy; now you know why he is known to the rest of you as Ted or TC. After spending 13 years (K-12) in school together (75% of our life to date) it's strange how our paths go separate ways. I remember him in school as one of the good guys (studious, hard working and smart) and reading this guest book it appears he continued as such. Rest in peace my friend.

Fiore Chevara

August 8, 2004

Ted was my son-in law for 47 years.

He was always part of our family

Loved and liked by my wife Celia, and all of our six children

Wil we miss him??

Yes we will He was very generous with his time and helped everyone.

Rollie Fisher

August 6, 2004

I met Ted in 1967 when I married his sister-in-law Marty. His generosity, positive attitude, and pleasant disposition were his greatest assets (not to mention his superb wit). We had many great times together the past 37 years fishing, hiking, camping, logging, building, and cribbaging just to name a few. Ted was the older brother I never had. Goodbye ole buddy, ole pal. I hope they're bite'n good and remember to come ashore and get me when it's my time.

terri bean

August 6, 2004

I worked for TC off and on for eight years. He was and still is a good, kind hearted person. I enjoyed being around him. I am sad that he is gone, but he is not gone from my heart. If I know TC, he is back to being a hippie with long hair and out camping and fishing.

Peace be with you my friend.

Fatty Paddy

August 5, 2004

Ted was about the finest human being I ever knew. I NEVER thought of him as a brother-in-law; only, as a brother. I told him that a few times. The first time, I do not think I was more than 10 years old. He laughed that time. The last two times were when we worked on the decks. He did not laugh. He thanked me. He said he thought of me as a brother. That says a lot about the heart of the Man.

Marty Fisher

August 5, 2004

I loved it when Ted would pick up his beat-up old guitar and start quietly strumming. Before you knew it an all-out song-fest was happening,and everyone was included.We always ended with Marching to Pretoria. In the 47 years he was my brother-in-law,that is just one of too many memories to list. Can't believe he is gone. I miss him.

Bailey Goranson

August 5, 2004

Bapa was my grandpa, and a really good one. Out of all the grandpa's in the world he really was one of the best. He would go to coffee every morning at the same time I would leave for school and he would say "Have a good day ,Learn stuff!" so I would say, " I learn somthin' new everyday!" Then he would laugh so I was always in a good mood for school. I will miss hearing that everyday and hearing "Mornin' Baiows!" when I woke up. I still love him and will miss him a "whole bunches!"

Bryan Christensen

August 5, 2004

I worked for Ted on graveyard on Boeing Field in Flight Test. We had some great times and I shall always remember him as fair and honest, and a wonderful guy to work for.

Mike Goranson

August 5, 2004

Ted was my buddy, through good and bad he always treated me like one of his son's, and I considered him my second Dad. We had a lot of great times together and I will always remember him as one of the most caring and easy going people I have ever met. He was also a super grandpa to my daughters, They are lucky that they got to know him. I will miss him lots.

Ruth Patterson

August 5, 2004

Ted was my Brother in Law for 47 years. I came to love him as if he were my own Brother. I will miss his laugh, hearing his voice calling me "Hoofie" when I called his house, raiding his garden, and listening to his fish stories. Say hello to those that have gone before us, Ted. May you rest in peace.

Delci Goranson

August 5, 2004

My dad was a very special man, as anyone who knew him knows. He cared deeply about his family and friends, and would do any thing for any one of them. I can't begin to mention the many things he did for all of us, always with a happy heart. I will miss him terribly.

WENDY LINDLEY

August 5, 2004

T.C. WAS THE BEST CO-WORKER / MANAGER I'VE HAD,,I WORKED WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS !! I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS LAUGH,, AND HIS GREAT HUMOR !! HE WAS A GREAT PERSON !! HE WILL BE MISSED SO VERY MUCH !!

Amy

August 5, 2004

Ted was and is still my favorite uncle. Every time he hugged me I thought my ribs would crack, and it felt good. Not only will he live forever in my memories, every fish I catch and every seed I plant will be dedicated to the Mountain Man who taught me so much without even trying. I knew his days were numbered, but that doesn't make me miss him any less.

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