David James Mathson Sr.

David James Mathson

"The Mule Whisper"

Dave was born in Boise, ID September 11, 1942, and grew up mainly in Eastern Oregon. They moved around a lot, following his father's railroad job. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding, and getting into trouble with his 7 siblings. Dave graduated from Baker High School before joining the Navy. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Pamela in Weiser, ID. Dave served two tours in the Vietnam war and was stationed in San Diego, CA. The young couple spent plenty of hours traveling back home to Oregon to visit family, eventually moving back once Dave was discharged from the service. In 1967 they welcomed their first child, David Jr, followed by Deana in 1968, and then Darlene in 1973.

Dave and Pam moved to Dillon, MT in 1971 and made it their home forever. Dave lived a very full life of hunting and fishing all over Beaverhead County. For 30+ years Dave worked at Paul's Motor Company (now Beaverhead Motors) as a body and fender repair man. During those years he also worked with the Sheriff's Department as an extra deputy and even helped the Montana FBI with man tracking in a handful of cases.

After his retirement from the garage is when he started to work for the Diamond Hitch Outfitters, a job that was never work for him because it was his greatest passion. He finally found a way to get paid to hunt, fish, ride horses and mules, and show people the beautiful countryside of Montana. He spent his free time being a part of different clubs and organizations including the Three Rivers Back Country Horseman Club, the Beaverhead Snowmobile Club, and Search and Rescue.

Nothing in the world compared to the time and love that he put into his family though. Dave and Pam raised their children and grandchildren camping, hunting, fishing, dirt biking, snowmobiling, riding horses and mules, and just enjoying each other's company while making memories. In his final years, Dave spent his years chasing elk, fishing on the boat, riding and packing his beloved mules. There will not be a day that passes that he will not be missed by all the family and friends that all loved him dearly, to know him was a gift.

Dave was proceeded in death by his wife, Pam, his parents Theodore and Helen, his grandson Matthew, siblings Sandy and Dee, brother-in-law Ronnie. He will be survived by his children David (Kathy) Mathson, Deana (Richard) Borg, and Darlene (Jim) Snow; grandchildren Tim (Alicia) Mathson, Torrey (Anica) Roberts, Tara (Chris) Colon, Jessie Buell, Jaynae Buell, DJ Mathson, and Cody Mathson; 7 great grandchildren; siblings Judy, John, Randy, Mike, and Helen Kay; in-laws Jim (Chris) Aldrich, Sally Scelson; special cousin Sandy(Boyd) Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We would like to give a special thank you to every one of Dave's friends that meant more to him than they will ever know. As well as a big thank you to the AMAZING Dr. Burke Hansen who took care of both Pam and Dave.

Rest In Peace our beloved "Mule Whisper"