Douglas Cooper Matheson

Douglas Cooper Matheson, 78, of Oakley, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2026 after patiently and courageously enduring the pain from the effects of throat cancer in 2019 and a life-altering fall in late 2024.

How do you summarize a life of honor? Doug lived his life by many mantras, especially the Scout Oath: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight,” as well as the motto “Work hard, Play hard” and “Don’t tell me, Show me.”

This was clearly evident in every aspect of his life. Whether it was as a coach for Desert Foothills Little League in Arizona, a voice on the Summit County Board of Adjustment in Utah, within his career as the General Contractor/Developer of his company Brighton Homes, Inc., a position at church, an Eagle Scout mentor, as a captain on the water at Lake Powell, or within his service in the United States Air Force and Utah Air National Guard, Doug lived his life with integrity and had a great ability to encourage others to do the same. Friends and colleagues often sought his perspective and counsel because they knew he would be reasonable and honest.

Nowhere was his example of honor, love, and service felt more than within his marriage to his devoted wife of 45 years, who cared for him up until the very end, and among his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He cared for them deeply and everything he did was out of love and loyalty to them. He was never hesitant to impart wisdom, and he was always there to listen and remind them of their worth.

Though spiritual matters were extremely private to Doug, he was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ, and it steered every decision he made and who he was to the very core. We stand in awe of the man he was and the life he lived, and we cannot wait to embrace him again.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Virginia Matheson, his brother Howard (Marlene), brother Bob (Carol), and sister Maurine Davies (Glen). He is survived by his wife Vickie; his children Jenn Beck (Jared), Austin, and Casey; his grandchildren Aiden, Cash, Emma, Lyla, Blaire, Lincoln, Rykar, and Noah; and sister Barbara Burton (Dave).

A viewing will be held at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary – 3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Interment and family/friend gathering to follow. Flowers may be sent to Wasatch Lawn Memorial.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the many health professionals who cared for and supported Doug over these many years, including those associated with University of Utah Health, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Intermountain Health, and Applegate HomeCare & Hospice. Many thanks as well to the directors and staff of Wasatch Lawn Memorial for their patience and support.

Though there were many unanswered questions in the end, we’re also grateful for the love, prayers, and support of extended family members and many friends, especially the last two years, as Doug’s health slowly declined. During some of the darkest and trying times, your love and service helped Doug press on a little longer and lifted all our hearts. Our most sincere thanks.