I want to take a moment on behalf of my mother and myself, to personally thank all of you for your prayers, calls, cards and e-mails… both while dad was in the hospital and over the last few days since his passing. It absolutely meant the world to us and helped us through this most difficult of times.

I can't say enough about all that my mother did… she was an absolute rock through it all. She helped keep my spirits up, always made dad smile when she was by his bed. More importantly though, she navigated the arduous trail through medical decisions that had to be made, treatments that had to be approved, multiple daily calls to check on his condition and endless meetings with administrators and doctors regarding Medicare and financial matters. 

Keep in mind that mom is legally blind… a detached retina eliminated one eye and she is down to about 20% vision in the other. At yesterdays meeting with the funeral director she was asked how long she had been married to dad (assuming they were husband and wife)… she said '11 years'  the director looked a bit puzzled and mom followed up with 'and we've been divorced for 40 years'. There is a special place in heaven waiting for such a wonderful person that would be such a good Samaritan and marvelous angel to my dad through all of this.

My dad had a fantastic, fun & full life… he did so much, accomplished so many things and had so many friends. He was completely loyal to those friends who cared so much for him and thought so highly of him. Dad was an artist, a writer, a poet an athlete and a musician. He was a spiritual person, a man of deep thoughts and hard political opinions (which he would debate with anyone). He was an intellectual man that knew so much about so many things. He always tried his best and was never afraid to try something different or go after a new challenge. Dad did have his demons and his share of difficult times over the years, but they in no way eclipsed the total picture... he was an amazing individual!

Dad loved his family… all of the cousins and everyone in the Matthews clan. The reunions were always special to him. He loved his mom, dad and sister deeply. I know he was proud of me (his only son) and I know he loved my mom 'till the end.

To all of you that were on the road throughout dad's life, I know he would want me to thank you for your part in the excellent adventure and phenomenal journey!

My deepest gratitude and up most appreciation,

John S. Matthews, Jr.