Published December 22, 2010

Louis F. Matheson

Louis F. Matheson Jr., aka "Rock Louie," passed peacefully surrounded by his family December 14, 2010 at Swedish Hospital. He was a very young 72. He will be deeply missed.
Born June 5, 1938, Louis spent his life dedicated to serving his family and its business, Riverside Sand and Gravel, with his parents Ann and Louis Matheson Sr. His determination came early in life. As a child of only four years old, Louis overcame a serious hip injury and rehabilitation at Orthopedic Hospital for nine long months. However, he went on to set a championship record for Everett High School in the high hurdles track and field event. A graduate of the colorful class of 1957, Louis' track record remains undefeated today.
Louis served his country in the Marine Reserves and married LaVi George in 1960. The striking pair welcomed two daughters, Renee Ryssel and their youngest, Leah Matheson-Coleman.
He is survived by his son-in-law Andy Ryssel; his grandchildren, Chanel Ryssel, Mackenzie, Jadyn and Marques Coleman. Louis also leaves behind his sister Billie Leggett and her children Alexis Karr and Winthrop Beach, along with their children.
Both the business and family grew for over thirty years until his father's retirement. Louis continued the family tradition in the gravel business as well as his father's legacy in helping to found First Heritage Bank of Snohomish. Greeting the public personally with that big smile for 46 years at Riverside, he became known and loved throughout the county. Louis was famous for his gift of gab, his ribald sense of humor and his sincere interest in the lives of others. His secret for living was his enjoyment of people from all walks of life. As a local business leader he spent his best years creating community partnerships with contributions to schools, sport teams, scout troops, and so many others. Always the social gentleman and avid whiskey connoisseur, Louie was a life-long member of the Elks, Lions, Eagles and American Legion, where he really enjoyed spending time with his friends.
Along the way Louie reconnected with and married his high school sweetheart, Gail M. Collins. The couple lived together, eventually creating an estate where they could accommodate raising wolf-breed dogs. They enjoyed traveling the Northwest learning about first-nations culture, sport fishing, and gambling at premiere destination casinos. In 2004 Gail and Louie were delighted to travel to Texas to bring back Louie's pride and joy, a new white Hummer. Louie survived Gail's passing, and is, in turn, survived by her children and grandchildren, Ken, Brooke, Christina and Jeremiah Nadeau; Roy, Samantha, and Brandon George, and Amber Ferrano.
Funeral services were held December 18 with a Celebration of Life following at the Comcast Arena. The family wishes to express thanks to all those who attended.
The family will host a second celebration of Louie's life sometime in June. Please contact Riverside Sand and Gravel with any questions you may have.