On February 29, 2024, Daniel (Dan) Lee Mathews was called home to be with his Heavenly Father after a ferocious battle with cancer at the young age of 57. Dan is survived by his beautiful wife of 32 years Tracy (Amaral) Mathews, their four daughters Darci and Brian Rice, Tawnie and Riley Swift, Jenna and Jared Snelson and Cassidy and Harley Newhart and his ten grandchildren Ashlyn and Jordan Rice, Finley, Sadie and Fallon Swift, Logan, Jaycee, Preston and Morgan Snelson and Haven Newhart. Dan is also survived by his wonderful mother, Diana Mathews, brother Dave Mathews and sister-in-law Michelle Mathews. Dan was preceded in death by his father Donald (Donny) Mathews on February 1, 2024.
Dan was born on March 9, 1966, in La Mesa CA. He grew up in El Cajon CA where he attended Valhalla high school and was a standout student and wrestler. He received his higher education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he earned his bachelor’s degree in food science. He later received his MBA in Business Technology Management through the University of Phoenix. His passion for food led to a career as a Quality Assurance Director for various food manufacturing companies. Dan was a staunch advocate for wholesome organic foods and had the opportunity to travel the world and work with various regulatory agencies.
Dan had a fierce love of the outdoors. He enjoyed spending his free time running, hiking, and mountain biking. He would take any opportunity to visit the beach. On Saturdays he could be found watching NASCAR while sharing his love of food with family and friends as a gracious host. He enjoyed donating his time to the Church where he held numerous callings throughout the years. He was environmentally conscience and always sought to preserve the planet for future generations. His infectious grin and laugh after telling his latest dad joke will forever be remembered by those he leaves behind. Dan has left a powerful legacy that surely will endure through those that had the privilege of calling him Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Papa and Friend.
Services to be held on Monday March 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
700 W. State Street, Eagle ID