Raymond Oliver Mathewson

Our beloved father, Raymond Oliver Mathewson, passed away peacefully June 25, 2007, with his daughter, Susan by his side.

Dad is free now to join his beloved wife, Dona in heaven. Dad was a wonderful and caring father, and the joys of his life were his grandchildren, Raymond and Larry, with whom he loved to travel and spend time.

He joined the Navy at the age of 17 in 1948. Even at this early age he was extremely patriotic. After boot camp he was shipped off to China, where he served as a gunners mate. This was not for him. He trained and became a photographer upon his return stateside to Astoria, Ore. A long photographic career started as the base admiral's personal photographer. His first big photo job was photographing President Eisenhower and his wife. Years later, he photographed President Kennedy at Point Mugu.

While in Oregon, he married the love of his life, Dona Mae Hall, on July 19, 1952; exactly one year later, his son, Larry, was born in Astoria, Ore. Dad's next station was Yokosuka, Japan, where his daughter, Susan was born. The whole family traveled to many different places through our Dad's naval career, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, Okinawa, Florida, Washington, Oregon and California.

Dad was stationed at North Island, San Diego, and served aboard the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War.

You would think Dad would retire; oh, no, he went on to work for Raytheon for 18 years and almost another 10 years at 3DBM, where he made many new friends.

Dad also enjoyed being the editor and chief photographer for the Los Angeles Pigeon Club. Some of Dad's hobbies were collecting stamps, first-day covers, raising and showing many different fancy pigeons and finches, gardening and taking 3D stereo pictures with Mom. Most of all, Dad enjoyed spending time with the family and especially with his daughter-in-law, Margaret, sharing jokes while enjoying a box of See's Candies and spending time with his son-in-law, Robert, buying computer stuff on eBay.

Dad's timing and funny jokes always brought a smile to everyone. He was a compassionate and generous man, always thinking of others. Anyone who knew him remembers his wonderful zest for life.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (husband Robert); son, Larry (wife Margaret); grandchildren, Raymond and Larry; brother, Jerry (wife Barbara); sister and brother-in-law Connie and Monte Ray, Hanni and Harry Maguire and Peggy Hall; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Marlene and Henry for all their compassion and caring for Dona and Ray.

There will be a private celebration of life for our Dad July 7.

We love you, Dad!

Camino del Sol Memorial Center and Funeral Home, a Heritage provider, 200 North C St., Oxnard, is assisting the family with arrangements; phone 805-483-3443.