Eulogy for Amos 'Bud' Mathewson, 1922-2011

Mayor Barbara Hanna's eulogy for Amos 'Bud' Mathewson, who died May 9 in Banning:

"Actually this is more a few thoughts about Bud. His eulogy is combined of all the stories of all the people in this room, and more.

"What a trip it's been these past four months with Bud. It was an unpredictable journey. A difficult time for Bud of course. But his character shone as brightly as ever.

"For most trips you gather the things you need for the trip. Some of you may take an RV full of things to go on a trip. For this trip, Bud had to let go of many things.

"The first thing Bud had to let go of was the store. He was angry about how code enforcement was conducted, but not that it happened. The first night at our home, Ed suggested that Bud spend time with the Lord about the incident.

"The next morning at nine o'clock, Ed was aware that Bud was awake. But Bud said he wasn't done talking with the Lord. So he stayed in his room. At about 5 p.m. he came out and said he was at peace with what had happened, and how it had happened.

"Later somebody speaking to Bud on the phone was riled up about the city's actions. Bud said it was his store. 'Don't be angry. I'm at peace about it. We need to work together with the city. We need to support the city.'

"Later he told me that he didn't want to be an angry man. That wasn't what the Lord would want of him.

"Then Bud let go of his red cap, and his hearing aid, and his dentures, and then his glasses. He'd lost so much weight that some people didn't recognize him. What did Bud have left?

"His character. His faith. His humor. Unfailing politeness. Concern about others, always. And Bud had such passion.

"Every day that he was at our home, I gave him a green smoothie, a blended drink of spinach or kale, protein, a banana and fruit. I'd add an avocado for Bud. He thought they were so healthy and good. He'd drink a big tall glass of it.

"In the midst of his declining health, he developed big ideas. 'Every child in Banning should have a green smoothie every day. Think how good it would be for them. You need to develop a way. Maybe through the schools. They could be produced and offered to students.' Such enthusiasm.

"And what thoughtfulness. No matter what his condition, Bud was always thinking about others. He was truly remarkable. Every person who visited him was asked 'How are you doing?' He hated the usual nursing home conversation that centered around his health. It bored him. He wanted to know about your health, your work, and your projects.

"And he had a terrific sense of humor. His last morning on earth he cracked a joke. It was a wry sense of humor. You could see his lips curve up at the end. You had to take notice.

"Bud loved Banning far above almost anything in life. Think of him, observing us, for all those years. He saw a lot and treasured all of the wonderful people of Banning. He would get angry with those who were negative and attempt to disparage this community. He was proud of all the advances that have occurred.

Recently I asked Bud, 'When you think of all the needs in Banning, what's most important to you?' He responded, 'The youth.'

"Then I asked him, 'When you think about all the programs and services for youth, what should have the highest priority from your perspective?' He thought about it for a minute, and then responded, 'Scholarships to Mt. San Jacinto College. It's the way out of poverty for Banning students.'

"These past two months, whenever he had to be at a facility out of Banning due to insurance coverage, he insisted that he needed to be in Banning. He reminded me of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. 'There's no place like home.'

"Bud's faith dominated many conversations these last months. Before people left visiting him, he would ask for a group prayer, and then wish each person, 'God bless you.' His '60 Attributes' was recently reprinted by Bill and Gloria Bell. They did a great job, didn't they?

"The 60 Attributes are a collection of Bible verses that describe 60 attributes shown by God for our lives. As Bud wrote, 'Do you live the 60 Attributes? Are you gentle? Are you kind? Do you have self-respect? The 60 Attributes will make you stand out among people. You will show politeness, refinement, and cheerfulness.'

"When I think of Bud, I can go to Phillipians 4:8. 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are good, of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'

"We know that all earthly journeys must come to an end. First Peter, 4:7. 'The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray.' At the very end, Bud prayed a blessing on others, and a few minutes later he went home. Bud loved you, every one of you."