Donald Lee Matthews' Obituary
Donald L. Matthews, Oakland Fire Dept. Assistant Chief (retired)
1928-2016
Born to Frederick and Estelle Matthews on November 8, 1928, Don Matthews was a fourth-generation San Franciscan. He grew up in San Francisco, moved to Oakland while in grammar school, and graduated from Piedmont High School in 1946. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UC Berkeley in 1950, and later that year the Korean War drew him into the U.S. Army. He was sent to Korea as a Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) officer as a sergeant attached to the 1st Division of the U.S. Marines, where he worked with South Korean translators to locate and interrogate spies. He was honorably discharged in December 1952 when his father passed away back home.
Despite his college degree in business, Don followed his heart and joined the Oakland Fire Department in September 1953 as a hoseman. He served through all fire department ranks over the span of his career, including additional service as the city’s Water Supply Officer. He retired as Assistant Chief of OFD in December 1993, after 40 years of service to a career that he loved and where he dedicated himself to helping other fellow firemen train and advance.
Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverley Matthews, and their two children, Scott Matthews and Susan Lane, and their families, including four grandchildren and one great-grandson. Scott’s family includes his wife, Janine, son Mitchell, daughter Katie and grandson Landon. Susan’s family includes her husband, Patrick Lane, and two daughters, Tabitha and Tori.
Don met his wife, Beverley, in 1962 on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Bev was a registered nurse (RN) living in San Francisco. She had a strict two-date-limit policy, while Don was a confirmed bachelor – thus a perfect match. They married in Bev’s Wyoming hometown in May 1964. After 52 years together, they parted on March 14, 2016, holding hands when Don passed away peacefully at home with his wife and children. He died from respiratory complications related to occupational hazards and advanced age.
Don was an honorary member of the Phoenix Society of San Francisco – the lone professional firefighter allowed to join this exclusive association for firefighting enthusiasts. He was a life Member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPC). He also held memberships in the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Alameda County and the Bay Area Fire Protection Forum. He and his family were members of Park Blvd Presbyterian Church in Oakland, and they joined the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church in 1981-present, where Don and Bev have contributed to the growth and success of the church and its community.
An additional memorial service will be at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 15, 2016.
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