Plummer, Idaho (January 10, 2023) – The Coeur d’Alene Tribe today shared that David Matheson passed suddenly this morning, a profound loss of a revered, accomplished, and visionary leader.
Matheson was the driving force behind construction of the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Circling Raven Golf Club, enterprises that have been highly beneficial for the Tribe and its members.
Not only was Matheson a mover and shaker of incalculable proportions for the Tribe, his hard, smart, and impassioned work helped him ascend to the highest Native American post federally – serving under President George H.W. Bush from 1990-93 as head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
“Dave has left us a profound legacy,” said Chief J. Allan, Chairman. “He was a true visionary who had the foresight to see the great possibilities for the Tribe and Native Americans. He was the architect behind much of our enterprises, endeavors that have enabled us to thrive as we stride forward in the 21st century.”
“Dave was my mentor—I learned so much from him about how to treat people, how to be a strong but kind leader. He is loved dearly and will be missed deeply,” said Coeur d’Alene Casino CEO and Tribal Member Laura Penney.
Matheson was a Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council Member at the time of his passing, a position to which he was elected to on multiple occasions. He also served previously as Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council, the youngest to be elected to the position.
Matheson earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Washington, in Seattle, Washington, in 1989. He did his undergraduate work there from 1970 to 1974, majoring in Political Science, originally planning on going to law school.
Matheson leaves behind his wife, Jenny. Together they raised five children and have more than two dozen grandchildren. His favorite hobby and pastime was riding and training horses, spending active time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoyment of the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
His personal philosophy: “The Great Creator promised no one a tomorrow, or an easy time … no one. When the new day comes, greet it with great thankfulness. It is a time not used by anyone. Use it for something good, even great. It’s the one life we have. Leave no dream unfulfilled, and no good deed undone.”