Pass Icon Bud Mathewson Dies at 88

Bud Mathewson, a long-time resident, volunteer and historian of the San Gorgonio Pass, died Monday morning at San Gorgonio Hospital in Banning, city officials said.

"Bud was a wonderful man, really dedicated to the city of Banning, and he worked as a volunteer over 50 years," Banning Mayor Barbara Hanna said in a phone interview. "He really wanted the best for Banning, even in his declining years. He always emphasized we need to be working in a positive direction."

Mathewson had been staying at The Lakes Retirement Community until Saturday, when "it was apparent his health was rapidly declining as a result of natural aging progression," Hanna said.

On Sunday, he was transported to San Gorgonio Hospital, where he passed away at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Hanna said.

Mathewson's closest relatives live in Sparks, Nevada, Hanna said. They visited Banning a few years ago when the Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Citizen of the Year.

 "To the very end, Bud was always concerned about other people," Hanna said. "At every place he stayed, he knew the names of every caretaker and always asked how they were doing."

Mathewson made necessary arrangements for his care and his funeral prior to his death, Hanna said.

The service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday May 15 at the Banning United Methodist Church. Ana Fultz is coordinating the service at the Church.