Donald Matthews

He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on January 11, 1948, and was Wanda and Carl Nathaniel Matthews’ seventh child. It was clear from the moment that Donald arrived at home that everything about him was larger than life: from his emotions, the love, and loyalty he had for his family and friends, and his collaborative approach --- to the way that he worked and played. Mostly it was his laugh. But, according to his brothers, even his head was large. They lovingly nicknamed the handsome and brilliant Donald, “Footie,” which was short for “Football Head,” and that term of endearment lasted, even though Donald didn’t truly embrace the love behind the moniker until he was older.

Donald attended Klamath Fall’s Fremont and Portland’s Eliot Elementary schools, and graduated from Washington High School in Portland, in 1967, where he stood out athletically, including as a Portland Interscholastic League All City Football Team Running Back. He then attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, studying liberal arts, with an interest in pre-law, psychology, and philosophy. He followed in his United States Marine Corps’ brother Cardell’s footsteps in service to his country, enlisting in the United States Army, which led him to Fort Hood, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana. After fulfilling his obligations, he returned to the Pacific Northwest, working in various retail businesses in Account Manager roles. Because he was well read, had a dry sense of humor, a mischievous personality and stayed abreast of current events, customers found it easy to connect with and build a relationship with Donald.

He married Margaret Arata and together they celebrated and cherished the gifts that God gave them in their two handsome, accomplished sons, Fred, and Gabriel. After they divorced, Donald later welcomed another son, Nathan. His love for his children was everlasting.

In asking those who love Donald to describe him with just one word, the adjective “introspective” was consistently used. His passions included reading voraciously; politics; world history and geography; the Civil Rights movement; spirited debate; stories told with attention to every detail, even the most minute; and all music, but especially the psychedelic genre, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors; along with the lifestyle, cultural mores, and traditions of the 60s. He was fortunate to journey through this life with longtime friends who benefited from his big heart, loyalty, and zest for living, including Ronald Hoodye, Terry Fisher, Merle Chatfield, John Lee, Sevedious Simington and Ron Coleman. Donald was famous for his eagerness to lend a helping hand, remember birthdays, celebrate others’ accomplishments, and unite with family. He was always ready with a smile, a laugh, and a bear hug. He was strong, charming, and versatile. He was loving and mostly easy to love. He lived his life his way.

Left behind, with sadness for their loss, but at peace because Donald’s suffering is over, are his three sons Fred, Gabriel and Nathan, his grandchildren Sydney, Bryce, Ania, Kayla and Marcus, sisters Tia Dorsey, Marve Gray, Mae Bryant and Carolyn Stoudamire and brothers Willie, Charles, and Anthony Stoudamire. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends share in their grief. His parents, stepfather Eddie Stoudamire, brothers Cardell and Carl Jr., and sister Zenobia, and brother-in-law Conny Dorsey preceded him in death.

The family is grateful to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center staff, who not only cared for Donald, but accepted and celebrated him for the character he continued to be and for his knowledge that allowed him to converse with them about their varied and diverse countries, cultures, and traditions. There’s also deep gratitude for Willie’s unwavering commitment and dedication to his brother’s care and quality of life. Willie remained steadfast as Donald’s health began to decline, as an advocate, driver, appointment manager, and more and provided companionship, grace, and love, especially during his daily visits throughout Donald’s extended hospital stay, where he reassured and comforted Donald until his last breath.