Michael Matheson Obituary

Michael Joseph Matheson, 62, of Durango Colorado, passed away tragically on October 29, 2021 while on a camping trip in Southeast Utah. He was a gentle, old soul whose presence was a gift beyond words, and whose absence is a loss beyond measure.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his children, Bonne, and Boyd. He is also survived by his father, William, and his siblings, Mark, David, Anne, and Bob. Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Joan.

Born in Detroit, MI on October 29, 1959, Mike would become the quiet leader of his four unruly younger siblings, respected and feared for his ability to swiftly bring order through a well-placed knuckle punch to the arm. As children, Mike's Mom hauled the five siblings around in extended summer adventures which bonded them in ways they would only come to appreciate as young adults. For decades Mike joined his father and siblings in an annual fly-fishing trip. Although best described as a distracted fisherman, more likely to hook a log than fish, Mike treasured the time to just sit and "be" with his brothers and sister. As the years passed, knuckle punches evolved into gentle, thoughtful words of encouragement and guidance, and Mike was most respected by his siblings for his soft presence and tenderness.

Mike was an explorer. After graduating high school in Hoffman Estates, IL, Mike headed West where he would spend the rest of his life adventuring through the deserts, canyonlands, and mountains that forever seemed to be calling him. The words "let's go check out..." were always an invitation to experience something new and exciting. Mike's love of the land led him to a degree in Geology from Northern Arizona University in 1984. From there he set course on a career as a registered geologist, as the owner of the environmental consulting firm, Plateau Environmental Services, and most recently as Energy Manager for the Southern Ute Department of Energy. He ultimately had the great satisfaction and pride of watching his son, Boyd, obtain his own degree in Geology from Northern Arizona University.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and father. He and Sharon met while working at an environmental consulting firm in Phoenix, AZ. They married in October of 1987 and soon decided they would rather be doing their work for themselves. The next year, they landed in Durango, CO. Mike and Sharon fell deeper in love with every adventure. Together they used every opportunity to travel and explore the West by motorcycle, truck, or foot. They enjoyed attending live symphonies and theater shows, but also simply spent quiet time in each other's

company. When Bonne and Boyd were born, those adventures expanded, and the family's appreciation for exploration became everlasting.

Mike understood the importance of civic involvement. He was a proud 30-year member of the Durango High Noon Rotary Club. Mike served as a member and as Vice Chairman of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from 1994-1999. For years he served as a board member for Durango Public Radio, and from 2004-2007, he served as a member and Board President of the Durango 9-R School District Board of Education.

Mike will be remembered as a gentle leader, an intellectual, and whose hearty laugh would fill a room. The impact he has had on the community of Durango is immeasurable, and the imprint he has left on many of our hearts will not be forgotten. A celebration of Mike's life will be announced at a later date.