Scott W. Matthews

Scott Matthews Obituary

Born May 18, 1947, passed away on Sept. 15, 2015, at the age of 68, after a tragic battle with Alzheimer's. Married to his wife Kathy for almost 40 years, he taught his 4 daughters what unconditional love looks like. Guided by a desire to do the right thing and enjoy the world around him, as long as he was here, he befriended almost everyone he met, and mentored many to be the best versions of themselves that they could be. A second generation Californian, he lived in Sacramento area from a very young age; graduating from El Camino HS in 1965 and later, Sac State. He proudly worked with wife Kathy for over 30 years at the CA Energy Commission. He worked on, among other things, the Appliance and Building Efficiency Standards that led to the development of EnergyStar and RValue projects that are now national programs. Driven by an interest to experience new things, he traveled whenever he could, from family car trips all over the US, Canada and Mexico, to long trips abroad. He turned his lifelong interest in film into a hobby as well, videoing and editing together many of his and Kathy's adventures and family moments. A Vietnam Navy vet, he was able to return to the Mekong River in 2011 and see the country's tremendous changes shortly before Alzheimer's began to steal his memories. Scott is survived by wife, Kathryn, sister Robin White, daughters; Lisa Speer, Sandra Blackburn, Ellenor Varvel and Marissa Matthews as well as the brother and sisters-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren he cherished so much. His parents, Roy and Leslie Matthews, preceded him in death. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 4th, at 11 AM in Roseville. For details please call or e-mail Ellenor Varvel: 415-837-3217 [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in Scott's name to either Alzheimer's research or one of his favorite charities: Doctors Without Borders(MSF), or your local NPR/PBS station.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Oct. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Matthews

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6 Entries

October 2, 2015

We're having our 50 th high school reunion this Saturday.....sure wish you were here. Prayers of peace to the family.

Classmates,
Craig and Jeanette Dillingham

Lynne Meckfessel Martinez

October 2, 2015

I remember Scott as one of the sweetest guys in high school. What a wonderful life he lived. Condolences to his loving family.

Carol Bohmbach

October 1, 2015

I will always remember Scott with great fondness. I met him and Kathy in December, 1979, at a Christmas gathering in the family home at Granite Bay. We all sang songs of the '60s, '70s and of course holiday songs, which is one of my favorite things to do, so it was love at first song. I had just started dating Dick, who had grown up with Scott and considered Scott another brother. They both loved making music and I was always impressed that Scott had taught himself to play guitar, pump organ, harmonica, and probably other instruments too! We welcomed the births of Ellenor and Marissa, and joined them all at a Raffi concert with our just-adopted baby, Katie, in 1987. We continued the long-time tradition of getting together every Christmas season for a sing-along and, of course, Scott's famous glug! When Katie and I moved to WA in 1993, we left behind some very special friends and lost track for many years until Sandra helped re-connect us somewhat with most of the family, thanks to Facebook. Scott, you will be sorely missed. Your many great qualities live on in your wonderful daughters and grandchildren. Love to all the family.

Dick Wehe

October 1, 2015

Scot was the little brother I never had. We were cousins. We were together almost every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and Cousin's Week while we were growing up. I recall with great fondness camping with he and his family during the summer in Sequoia National Park. I will always remember his easy smile, his awkward gate (he did nave a propensity for accidents) and his laugh. Scot seemed happiest when he had family surrounding him, when leading a song or when preparing his famous Swedish glug. I will miss him. Rest well my friend. Dick Wehe