Desmond Rockford Mathis Obituary (1937 - 2023)

Desmond Rockford Mathis was born in Seattle on May 11, 1937, to Jess and Mary Mathis, living in West Seattle until the age of eight. The family moved to Selah in 1946 where they started their family business, The Selah Variety Store. Des graduated from Selah High School and went on to attend the University of Washington. He spent many years happily skiing at White Pass while at the University. He was a significant member of the UW ski team, winning many medals and awards for the school. After graduation, he and a close friend from the ski team received their Canadian ski certification. They were instructors in New Zealand, Australia, and Wengen, Switzerland. They thoroughly enjoyed ski instructing around the world. When he returned in 1964, Des joined the family business in Selah, allowing the Mathis family to add the Toppenish store. The Selah Variety Store was closed in 1996 and the building converted to Selah Plaza. Additionally, the family built and operated Val-U-Lock Storage from 1998 to 2017. Des and Carol were introduced by a mutual friend in 1969. They were married on a "Monday Morning in May" (May 17th to be exact), 1971. Desmond passed away one day after their 52nd wedding anniversary. They had two daughters, Paige, and Christen. Des loved being a doting father to their two girls. He taught them everything he possibly could about life and family. During Des' final hours, he was surrounded by his family, who were telling stories, sharing laughs, and making sure he knew how much he was loved. He peacefully passed away on May 18, 2023. Desmond is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Paige Erickson and her husband, Jeremy, daughter Christen Cripe and her husband Allen and stepson Thomas, brothers-in-law John Krummel and his wife Sandra, and Jerry Krummel and his wife Geraldine. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at River Ridge Golf Course, on June 9, 2023, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations on behalf of Des to the White Pass Foundation, Airlift Northwest, or Brain Injury Alliance of Washington. Donations can be made via Zelle, PayPal ([emailprotected]), please note your preferred charity, or in person at the Celebration of Life. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.