Christopher Alexander Matheson

Christopher Alexander Matheson, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at home on Nov. 27.

Christopher, "Chris," was born Sept. 13, 1927, the second of three children to Christopher Sr., and Mary Jessie in Ellensburg, Wash. He remained in the Ellensburg area working on the family farm until moving to Moses Lake in 1955. Chris purchased acreage near his sister Isabel Roseburg's farm in Block 40.

He married Guynell "Nell" Hooper in 1959 and together, they farmed the original homestead. With the help of their three sons, the family farm grew from 160 to more than 1,000 acres, which included a cattle operation. In 1972, Chris received the prestigious Columbia Basin "Farmer of the Year" award due, in part, to his exceptional knowledge of the art of farming and the raising of beef cattle. Local farmers referred to Chris as the "Bean King." Farming and ranching were Chris' greatest passions, at which he worked diligently until his retirement in 2005.

Chris' hobbies both before and after retirement included hunting, fishing and flying his airplane. He also enjoyed vacations to the Oregon coast and spending time at the family cabin near Curlew, Wash.

Chris was preceded in death by both of his parents and a sister, Kathy "Katie" Rasor. He is survived by his loving wife, Guynell "Nell" Matheson; his sons, Mitch and Carol of Leavenworth, Wash., Larry and Cheryle of Moses Lake, Brian and Tawny of Moses Lake; a sister, Isabel Rosburg of Moses Lake; nieces and nephews, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Chris will be greatly missed by family and friends; however, we are comforted by special memories and loving times spent together and with the knowledge he is at home with our Heavenly Father.

Memorial service to be announced.