Kyle Gene Matheson

Born Leigh Kyle Nommensen in Seattle, WA, to Gene Owen Nommensen and Janet Marie Peterson. After Gene died in a Navy jet training accident when Kyle was one, Jan remarried to George William “Bill” Matheson who formally adopted Kyle. Kyle graduated from Inglemoor High School and went on to work for many years in office clerical and mail service positions. However, Kyle’s true passion was as an advocate for those, like him, with developmental disabilities. As a founding member of People’s First of Washington, and an active member of the ARC of King County, Kyle attended rallies, spoke at hearings, and regularly visited with his senators and representatives to promote causes for the disabled. He supported others with passion and vigor from volunteering for committee/chapter work, to helping people navigate through the disability systems and community.

Kyle’s warm heart, pure honesty, and robust laugh touched many around him. He was quick with a joke and always ready for a game. Kyle had a passion for traveling and his many adventures took him all over the world. He has been an avid Sounders fan since 1974. In his younger days he was very active in the Special Olympics where he participated in track, swimming, and skiing. One of the highlights of his life was a trip to the International Winter Special Olympics where he was featured on ABC Wide World of Sports.

Kyle was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his two brothers, Dale (Leah), Mark (Reina Nakamura), and 3 nephew/nieces.

Please consider remembering Kyle through a donation to People’s First of Washington, or the ARC or King County.