Blaine “Bub” Mathews, 59, passed away unexpectedly from a plane crash over the Mazatzal Mountains in Arizona on Friday, January 24th, 2020. Bub was born to Gordon and Julie Mathews in Pasco, Washington on January 16th, 1961. He was the youngest of 4 children and grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and serving others. He attended Brigham Young University where he played collegiate football, graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and met the love of his life, Sandy Perkins. Bub and Sandy were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on March 1st, 1986. They later had 5 beautiful children and recently 3 little grandchildren. Bub loved nothing more than being a father and a grandfather. He worked hard at his job in commercial real estate, but nothing gave him more joy than spending time in the outdoors and attending his kids’ events. He was well known to those around him for his endless service, hard work and his unconditional love for others. As a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years, he provided an unshakable example to the boys and men around him. Many, old and young, also gathered at his house for his famous waffles each Sunday, not knowing that they would leave with inspiration and love in their hearts. He was a silent humble giant working miracles wherever he went. He will be loved and missed by all those that knew him.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5350 E. McLellan Road, Mesa, Arizona 85205 with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.
First met Blaine in 1987 where we both worked at Farnsworth Commercial Real Estate. I knew I was going to like him when I heard him quote all Bill Murray’s lines in the movie “Caddyshack”…Later on we became good friends and went to the same ward and helped out with the church sports program together. I even started to call him Bub like everyone else. What a man he was. Tons of friends and lots of respect from all. There are a bunch of Elk, deer and bears that are breathing a sigh of relief knowing they will not be discovered as fast now. Our heart aches for Sandy and the kids. He will be missed and not forgotten. RIP Bub.
I knew your brother Steve as a great friend. I wish we could have met and spent time because I know you would have brought me a laugh and good conversation. Life is short and hope you had a great run. Condolences to your family, God bless you! Mark Daugaard
Sandy and family, we were devastated to hear of the death of your husband and father. Knowing the kind of man Brandon is tells us a lot about the kind of man his father is (I don’t say was, because I know he lives still). Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you in this most difficult time. We know that the Lord will support you with His spirit and take away some of the pain, but the loss remains. May God bless each of you to keep Bub’s memory alive for the grandchildren and future great-grandchildren. Love, Gerald and Nancy Sorensen
Uncle Bub was always happy to see me and always happy for me. I am sure it will be the same when we meet again.
RIP my friend. Really fine man. Our condolences to Sandy and the family. May you all find peace after grieving.
Kyle and Emily HUGE thoughts and prayers coming your way, Sorry for your loss,, Love you all
Bub’s been my friend since we became pen pals in 6th grade, and he will surely be missed. Glad we spent the
extra time at our reunion last summer catching up, we really had a good time. Deepest condolences from the Weitz family.
So long our friend until next time!
So very sorry for your loss. I got to see and visit Bub this last summer at our class reunion, we shared a few stories from our edwin markham elementary days (such fond memories), we shared a really good belly laugh and I loved it! Sending my warmest thoughts and prayers to his family.
There will never be another like Blaine. He loved our family and was a blessing to us all. He was a giant of a man, and we feel blessed our lives crossed paths with his. Heaven is better and brighter because he is there.
Growing up with Bub, hanging out together during high school and beyond has been a huge blessing to us always. He always made a point to come see us when he was in town, the guys could talk hunting and outdoors for HOURS and we loved it when he could bring some of the family with him. Bub was a good man, he will be greatly missed. Sending love and prayers to the whole Matthews family.
Our prayers are with Sandy, their children, grandchildren, extended family and the many, many friends who knew and loved Bub. He influenced so many young men for good through his years of service in Boys Scouts and Young Men. May his family find peace and comfort in the days ahead. May Father in Heaven bless you with His infinite tender mercies.
Such a great person, we are better for knowing him and were blessed by his service and big heart. He was a big influence for good on our boys and they always knew he cared. Much love and prayers for you, Sandy and your family. We love you!
We were just heart broken when we got the news about Bub. He was truly an extraordinary man and would do anything for anyone. He was a wonderful example to all of my boys growing up and they loved him and enjoyed being in scouts with him. We love his sweet family and our condolences go out to all of them at this time of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blaine was the “real deal”. When he said he would be there, he was. When he said he would do something, he did. And not half hearted – he did it to the best of his abilities. The world needs people like him, and he will be sorely missed. May his family and those who knew him be comforted by his firm knowledge of a loving heavenly Father’s plan. Until we meet again, my friend!
We love you, Sandy! You are in our thoughts and prayers. David and Susan
I had the privilege to be his teammate at SFCC. Great person and friend. RIP teammate, Love You
Tom & I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bub during last summer’s Pasco High Reunion. We were surprised to learn he & Sandy live here miles from our youngest daughter and talked about meeting up on our next trip to Arizona. We have such wonderful memories of Bub from high school, he was always humorous, kind, and had a big heart ! Our deepest condolences are extended to Sandy, Bub’s children & grandchildren.
Sandy, know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that you will find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Love,
The Egbert family
Dear Bub, I know your in heaven , Knowing you in school and riding that long bus ride for so many years, brought us close, we talk about sports and motorcycles. I missed you at the class reunion as well as all the other classmates. Bub you will be forever in my memory, your smile your funny humor .Your old friend .God bless your family in this time of sorrow . We will all meet again and then well catch up. Bye
So many good memories with Bub. I was just talking to my wife about the pocket knife he gave me and others as an Eagle Scout. He was always so friendly when I came back to visit. He taught me many great lessons and will be missed.
So many things could say about Bub. I’m just glad we all got to hug him or shake his hand at reunion. Bub is just a good person. Always in my heart…. Love to all the Mathews Family. Young men he left the blueprint….
Bub was a great friend—funny, kind, generous and true. We met in Jr. High, and I had never laughed so much in my life before. His wit was quick and clever, his heart was huge, and the world is lessened by the departure of this wonderful man. Blessings, comfort and peace to his beloved family.
How thankful I am for all the kind comments about Bub! It’s wonderful to know he was deserving of your admiration. I am so blessed to be his Mom. I miss him so much and look forward to our reunion!!!