David Mathis

David Allen Mathis

David Allen Mathis passed away on February 17, 2014 at his home in Napa, CA. Born on October 20, 1937 in Berkeley, CA to Raymond and Geneva (Hickok) Mathis, he was a true native son to Northern California, having always made his home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

David grew up in Berkeley, CA and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1955. After high school he attended& California State University, San Jose. Prior to graduating, David joined the United States Marine Corps. He served at Camp Pendleton and as a reservist.

Semper Fi.

David began working for the family business, Virginia Cleaners, from a very young age and eventually became an Owner/Partner along with his father and uncle, Herman Mathis. After nearly 57 years with Virginia Cleaners, David retired at the age of 68.

David cherished the lifelong friendships he formed when growing up in Berkeley and as a member of the Fraternal Order, Delta Upsilon. He found true community amongst his friends at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland, CA where, as a member for over 30 years, he could regularly be found enjoying laughter, camaraderie and a little controversy along the way.

However, David's real passion was always the outdoors. Inspired by the beauty and power of nature, he was never more at home than when sitting in the duck blind with his sons and their faithful Labrador, Raige. Year-round, you'd find David jumping into his truck and heading out for "opening day" or leaving town on a trip to the family cabin at Caples Lake where he enjoyed fishing, hiking and looking at the night sky in the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Regardless of where, he was always happiest when with friends and family enjoying the spoils of a successful hunt.

David was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Mathis, brothers, Raymond and Roger Mathis and his dearly beloved mother, Geneva Mathis.

David was extremely loving and proud of his family, son Raymond Mathis and wife, Alice (Slater) of Los Angeles, son Justin Mathis and fiance, Sabah Williams, of Oakland, and Life Partner, Elley Leonard of Napa.

A memorial will be held at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland, CA on March 9, 2014 from 2-5PM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to one of the following charities:

California Waterfowl Association, 1346 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Roseville CA 95678
Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute 140 Old Orangeburg Road Orangeburg, NY 10962.

Condolences may be sent to:

Mathis Family, 2588 Hidden Valley Rd., Napa, CA 94558