Tribute to Mike Mathis, George Washington High School classmate --
by his classmates
Mike Mathis
Mike Mathis
Michael Mathis is pictured in the 1962 Surveyor Yearbook, High 11 Class (p. 69, section 2, row 2, 3rd from left)
The following obituary was printed in the San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 11, 2013.
Michael Mathis
67, passed away on March 12, 2013 in Southern California. Michael best known for his enduring smile and positive attitude died after a long illness. A great musician, singer and song writer, Michael appeared in many local Bay Area venues as well as touring internationally with various bands. Michael attended Presidio Junior High & Washington High school in San Francisco. He also served his country in the U.S. Army. Michael is survived by his brothers John and Ralph, as well as his sisters Elizabeth and Linda. He will also be missed by his many niece's and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Clemmie L. Mathis Sr and Mildred B. Mathis, brother Clemmie L. Mathis, Jr. and sister Marguerite McMillian.
Music was the heartbeat of Michael's world. He wrote it, played it, sang it and he lived it!
Michael Mathis - Obituary
Remembrances:
Jacqui Cyrus: I went to CCSF right after GWHS, and I remember seeing him there several times during the one year that I attended. I think Michael sang at our 41st reunion.
Carol Malcolm: Yes he did. I was there, too. There is a video on YouTube of Michael's called "Fade Away". He moved at some point and did not graduate with us.
Mike also wrote a poignant and somewhat controversial poem that I have that is no longer on the internet. He was a good soul.
I have a friend with Alzheimers who I was making a home-made music tape for and researching some of Johnny Mathis' songs because I knew which of Johnny's songs that she liked. In the process, Michaels name came up and an obit that he had died a few months earlier. I just decided to see what I could find out about Michael's music that might be on the web. There was not a lot, but I was very touched with what I was able to find. I knew he had had a band.
It is a bit unfortunate that Mike had to live somewhat in the shadows of such a famous brother (Johnny Mathis). The whole family was musically talented each in their own style..and everyone good looking, too.
Noah Griffin: Mike was an amazing rock singer, gifted beyond his years! I can remember Mike passing out copy's of "Chances are" (by Johnny Mathis) on the Presidio School yard. Sigh....
Bob Davis: That brings back happy memories...such a good guy...
FADE AWAY (lyrics)
1. Can you hear the notes from all the guitars?
Never stop playing, playing up into the stars, with all that feeling;
Seeing visions above the clouds no man was feeling;
But now the notes are gone, no longer ours,
While we are quietly, quietly sleeping.
Chorus: Come again my friends, I say,
What did you say?
Some of them have their heads turned the other way;
Come again my friends, I say,
What did you say?
The music had no end
So Fade Away.
2. On many smoky nights while the guitars were playing,
No one was listening.
How many miserable nights the music played, and they were leaving.
The music shook the night, and set the universe reeling,
On those hypnotic nights
With all that feeling.
Chorus: Come again my friends, I say,
What did you say?
Some of them have their heads turned the other way;
Come again my friends, I say,
What did you say?
The music had no end
So Fade Away.
Fade away, Fade away . . .
Paul J. Wigowsky: Carol, thanks for the video link. That is a very haunting song -- "Fade Away." I've listened to it several times, and watched images of his face on screen -- and it came to mind that I should do a "TRIBUTE to Mike Mathis" page. Is that OK with the rest of you? Contributions would be posted on his tribute page.
Judy Graham Fajardin: Thanks for sharing, this was wonderful. And I think that a tribute would be wonderful, Paul.
Carol Malcolm: Nice idea, Paul.
