Memories of William "Bill" Douglas Matheny

In memory of

William "Bill" Douglas Matheny

Tucson, Arizona

October 24, 1936 - December 19, 2020

Oct 24, 1936 - Dec 19, 2020

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Nancy Isaacs

Dmitri,
Your father sounds like he was quite a wonderful person and no doubt a great dad. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and wish you comfort in your memories of him and from the love expressed by those who knew him.
Nancy Isaacs (Rachel Stevens' mom)

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Dmitri Matheny

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Dmitri Matheny

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Kim Brown

Bill captured my heart from the moment I met him. His kind spirit made me feel like I had “purpose” in this world. He sparked a light in me that had dimmed and fostered my love of photography. I loved our walks to the “jungle”. I will miss the sound of his voice and how he made me feel so very loved! See you on the other side Bill💕

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Dmitri Matheny

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Dmitri Matheny

He adored you, Kim. Thank you for all your kindness. He adored you, Kim. Thank you for all your kindness. He adored you, Kim. Thank you for all your kindness.... Read more

Krystal Saucedo

I am thankful to have shared memories with Bill. I will miss you and I will carry out memories forever! Love you Bill

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Dmitri Matheny

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Dmitri Matheny

Dad told me he was saving a couple of beers to have with you when you graduate! Dad told me he was saving a couple of beers to have with you when you graduate! Dad told me he was saving a couple of beers to have... Read more

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Kim Kilgore

Shared a heart

Dmitri Matheny

Sassy A

2019

We love you, Daddy Bill!

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Dmitri Matheny

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Jack Wright

Where do you begin with Bill Matheny? Here are a few thoughts that might constitute a first installment.

Bill was the most inspiring and impactful teacher I ever had. When reading Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” to my 7th grade English class in Marana, Arizona, Bill burst out with the key line of the story’s apex in a booming voice that made the class jump, “For the love of God, Montessor!” Other teachers could assign that classic tale of revenge, some could read it, but I doubt many could bring it home with the reading he gave us that day. That was when we learned that literature was not just 6th period, but serious business.

I will always remember an event that occurred while hiking on Arizona’s Mt. Wrightson with Bill and Dmitri, when we were all surprised by a rattlesnake on the trail. Dmitri and I were frightened and keen to move along as quickly as possible, putting the event behind us. But Bill paused and stepped forward, speaking kindly to the rattler like he was greeting an old friend. I have often wondered how many unique natural encounters he must have had in his travels, how differently he must have seen and experienced the natural world than many of us. Many of us visit the natural world, but Bill inhabited it. Another lesson from a teacher.

I will always remember Bill’s rich Tennessee drawl, and how it was a treat when he chose to speak, because of the invariable value of what he had to say, but how the sound of his voice put his thoughts in an authentically gift wrapped box for the listener.

I know there won’t be a service, in keeping with Bill’s wishes. But I will toast Bill tonight in Boston. Goodbye, dear Bill. I’m so glad to have known you.

-Jack Wright

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Elizabeth Ashley-Carnes

Par Hooper

Dmitri Matheny

Comments:

Dmitri Matheny

Thank you, Jack. -Dmitri Thank you, Jack. -Dmitri Thank you, Jack. -Dmitri

Ben Chambers

It breaks my heart to have just read about the passing my beloved 7th grade teacher. I am a man, 54 years of age and yet I still have clear and vivid memories of his kindness, and his deliberate way of interacting with me as a boy.  "Daddy Bill" as we affectionately called him, would ask very pointed questions that demanded more of you than just a "yes or no" response. Having been invited to sleepovers by Dmitri, I got the pleasure of his tasty breakfast with a healthy side of conversation that showed me another side of the classroom persona that wasn't too far removed from it. However, that well-versed man of Southern hospitality would have been a joy to converse and experience friendship with later, as an adult, had I not lost touch and subsequently moved away to CA. Still this Southern gentlman was one of my favorite teachers in life, because he and Dmitri treated me like a part of their family for that brief, but impressionable time in my preadolescent life. God bless you and keep you, Daddy Bill Matheny, and my deepest, heartfelt condolences to you Dmitri, my friend and brother.

It breaks my heart to have just read about the passing my beloved 7th grade teacher. I am a man, 54 years... Read more It breaks my heart to have just read about the passing my beloved 7th grade teacher. I am a man, 54 years of age and yet I still... Read more It breaks my heart to have just read about the passing... Read more

Jack Wright

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Dmitri Matheny

Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ben.

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Created with love by Dmitri Matheny (Bill's son).

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