To Beradette and family - We had the pleasure of counting Dave as our very good friend for many years and we offer our sincerest condolences at this time of loss. We have so many fond memories of Dave's time with the Medina PD. I have never worked with an officer for whom I had more respect and admiration. Dave was a unique and special person and he will be truely missed.

I think about you every day and so thankful for all my memories.  Love you Dad💕

When David first got his job in Virginia Beach we would go down from New York and visit.  He would give us a tour of the Department and he was excited and happy to be there. I cherish those good times.

My heart goes out to Dave's family as they were blessed by the years they had with him. He was a good friend and we shared many good times together in our youth. It was a sad time for me when Dave left the Orleans County Sheriff's office for Virginia Beach PD but he was happy there and had a good life. I regret that I only got down to visit him twice after he moved. Love You buddy.

Thinking of you Pops. I know you’re looking down smiling like Igor. Wish you were here. 

Thank you Dave, you are a bright spot in my time with The PD!  I enjoyed working with you & getting to know you.  You & your family are & will always be remembered.  Rest in peace brother.

He was the best professor anyone could ever ask for. He always knew how to make people laugh and he could always tell when there was something me, or any other student was going through.  He gave the best advice. He was like a father to me and he will always hold a place in my heart. 

I would like to send my deepest condolence to the family of Professor David Matson. He and I were co-workers at Bryant & Stratton College, and this one day in particular he stopped by the front desk and we were having small talk and I was having a bad day and Mr. Matson must've sensed it because I didn't tell him that my morning had started off awful. But he said to me "Hey i'm about to run to Starbucks and asked if I wanted anything, and I said yes that would be great and reached in my wallet to give him the money to pay for my order, he said I can see that you're not having such a great day so this one is on me. He was such a nice person and I'll be praying for the family.

Dearest Bernie
My heart hurts for you and yours, as David’s loss is immeasurable. How many years have we been tied together? Our paths began with the training academy and continued throughout our VBPD experience.  David became my confidant over those years and he earned my respect, my love and my devotion. I can’t describe my sorrow but I can share my gratitude to both of you for always remaining close as the years have gone by.  I will carry his light in my heart as I move forward without him. As the world just became a little smaller and a little dimmer without his presence.  Godspeed David. God’s grace Bernie.❤️

Bernadette, my very deepest condolence on this very special man. David was a excellent Dad, grandfather and will be greatly missed.                      Wendy Matson Wells 

Bernadette and family, my deepest condolences on your loss.  I worked with Dave and he was a great guy, well liked by all.   We lost contact after he retired although I did run in to him on several occasions over the years.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Bernadette and children, I am so sorry for your loss.  I have very fond memories of David and you when we worked together.  I hope that the wonderful messages from your friends offer some sort of peace and comfort.  

So sorry to hear this news.   Dave and I worked together while I was assigned to the Summer Beats. He always had a smile.   My condolences to Bernie, the Matson family and the VBPD.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dave on the Virginia Beach Police Department.  Dave appreciated the immense responsibilities of the job and approached them with professionalism and compassion.  He made a positive difference in our community as well as within the VBPD.  He was a good man who has left us far too soon.  Rest in Peace, Dave.
My thoughts and prayers are with Bernie and the rest of Dave's family.

My family and I send our deepest condolences in the passing of a true gentleman.  Dave and I worked together at the Virginia Beach Police Department, where he was known as a great cop and deeply respected by all who worked with him. Although our conversations over the years have been few, when we did speak it was if we had just seen each other the day before. Dave loved his family and was deeply proud of each of his children.  Dave will be missed by all who ever had the pleasure to meet him. Rest easy in the hands of Our Lord Brother.

I met David almost 25 years ago when we called the Va Beach Police to disarm an unruly drunken customer.  Back then it was a 50/50 call on who the culprit was, a car sales manager or the customer. David quickly resolved the disturbance by taking control in a gentlemanly, professional,  and proactive manner. We were both so impressed with each other's professional  handling and disarming of the incident. We were also so impressed we asked him to work for us if he ever had the opportunity, and he was so impressed  with our demeanor that he accepted. We have been good friends ever since. 
Anyone that has associated themselves with David, know of his  kind, sincere, ethical, and Patriotic character. He was one of the really good men, as an officer, employee, Dad, friend, and otherwise.  I'm sure St Peter is happy to have David to assist in guarding the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
It was my pleasure & honor to know David and meet his family.
We were all  together at the Nutcracker Ballet just days ago. 
Sincerely and with deepest Condolences ,
Thomas Bates and all of his RK Auto friends

I met Dave in the early 2000s when we were both instructors at ECPI College.  Students loved him there. I was surprised when in 2010 I began a new position at South University: Dave was teaching there, too, and was quite popular. I remember his friendly personality and always present travel coffee mug. Then, I was a bit taken aback when I began teaching at Bryant & Stratton College and saw Dave in a classroom teaching. Uncannily, it seemed like we were on parallel professional paths. And it was at Bryant & Stratton College that we both "landed': we were happy here. We talked about this a few times, and I could tell he was happy. I talked to him just two weeks ago, and he was kind, unassuming, and funny as usual. Hard to believe he's gone. Students and colleagues will not forget the high caliber instructor and person he was. 


We have not officially met but I am Hannah's grandmother ( GIGI), Gloria Siegel. I have known Jack for many years and he has been in my home at the beach many times...a fine young man!!!
I am so very sorry for your loss as I know how difficult this journey is for your family...my deepest condolences!!Jack spoke very lovingly of his father and Hannah has many praises for your entire family...

I met Dave in 1986 when he was assigned as my Field Training Officer at the Second Precinct.  This was a time when recruits only had one  FTO.  Of course I made numerous mistakes as a brand new rookie, but Dave was so patient and kind to me during this process.  He was also a very humble man.  I recall going to a domestic call late one night and the husband noticed Dave’s FTO badge, and he started calling me a rookie, and telling me that he wasn’t going to listen to a rookie.  When we left this call, Dave looked at me and said he was going to remove the FTO badge so I wouldn’t experience this type of thing again during my training.  What an example of humility.  We truly lost a good man.  Rest in Peace my friend.  

I had the pleasure of standing on the lacrosse field sidelines with Dave for almost a decade - watching our boys play the sport they loved.   While I didn't know him in many facets of his life - as a father and a lacrosse fan - he was special!  He was one of the sweetest, kindest, most gentle men I've ever known.    He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  My deepest condolences to Bernadette, Jack, Samantha, Bob and the family as a whole.  Sending you all my love and prayers.

He was a very good teacher and help me throughout my college career while at Bryant & Stratton i send my condolences to his family , he will be miss dearly .

RIP David. Another one of VBPD finest gone way too soon. Prayers for comfort for the family. He will be missed by many.

I have only had the pleasure of meeting David a couple times but I know two of his children, Andy and Katie,  well.  They love their father and always spoke quite fondly of him.  Not just as a child loves their father but as a man of high integrity worthy of anyones admiration.  I am so sad to hear of his passing way too soon.  My prayers are with his entire family.  May they find peace in the good memories they will have forever. 

I would like to express my condolences to the family for their loss. David was an amazing person and an excellent instructor here at Bryant & Stratton college. He will be surely missed. 

Dave was one of the first Officers I had the pleasure of working with when I came to the 2nd Pct., Aug. 1980. We were part of Sgt. Dennis Watson's squad. Dave was a good officer, easy going and friendly to all. We talked often, worked together and played together as part of the squad. Another bright light has been extinguished, but I will never forget the camaraderie and friendship. 

Dave and I were childhood buddies. We pranked together, rode motorcycles together, dated some of the same girls. He was my Best Man when I got married. He held each of my children when they were babies.  His kindness comes from an understanding of the fragility of humanity and knowing that none of us is perfect, and we all make mistakes. 

When he went into police work I was amazed at his restraint, when he would tell me stories of dealing with angry and dangerous people.  But, that was his personality, the most laid back person you will ever meet. He was a great friend, and a man worthy of respect.

My condolences to Bernadette, his children, his sister, and brother as another fine man has left this place. I know he will be greatly missed.

First met Dave when we both attended the VBPD police academy as brand new recruits.  Right then I knew Dave  was a kind, helping person who would be a friend throughout our careers. 
Our careers crossed paths several times and Dave was always one to give his time and expertise to further our department’s mission. He was the example of what a Virginia Beach officer strived to be to make our city safe and our department successful.  He WILL be missed🚔

Dave you were a great friend. Rest In Peace. Thank you for all you done for VBPD. You will be greatly missed. Condolences to Bernadette and family 

Rest In Peace Dave. You were always one of the nice guys. Condolences to Bernadette  and the rest of the family.

Rest in peace Dave. Thank you for your service and dedication to our city. My condolences to Bernadette and family.


Dave was a great friend of mine as well as a co-worker who always watched my back. He was an excellent instructor who all the students loved. They loved him because they knew that he sincerely cared for them. He did such an excellent job and was respected by all at our college.
Dave and I met over 40 years ago as young officers on VBPD. We quickly became friends and were involved in some very memorable moments.
After we retired, we reunited again while working at the college. We became very close again as we talked everyday about our lives and our students. I will surely miss my dear friend as he was truly my buddy who I cared very deeply about.

Mr. Matson was truly a genuine man who I will miss tremendously! The kindness that he showed to my daughter and I are memories that I will forever hold in my heart. He made a huge impact at Bryant & Stratton College, and his presence will truly be missed. The last memory I have of Mr. Matson was him dressed as the Incredible Hulk at a birthday party. He made my daughter and all the other children laugh. 

To the Matson family, may memories of David and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. 
With love,
Natarsha and Brielle Lee

David was a wonderful and caring person. I truly enjoyed working with him at Bryant & Stratton College. He was totally devoted to his students' success. In my opinion, he was the best CJ instructor that I have ever met. Mr. Matson was an overall good person. I am honored to have spent some time in his life. His presence will truly be missed on campus. 

My condolences to you and your family in your time of loss.  May God continue to bless you and hold you all in His arms during your time of sorrow. 

David was one of the funniest, sweetest, wisest people I have ever known. Having him as a friend has been one of life’s greatest gifts and I will treasure those memories. He will be missed more than I can say. Prayers and condolences for his beautiful family. 

Mr.Matson was one of my first criminal justice teachers. I will always remember his corny jokes and his smiling face! He was such a good man I will miss him so much! 

OBITUARY

David Wilfred Matson

May 23, 1954 – December 28, 2019

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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