Alan Adams Matheson, Sr.

In the peace of his home, Alan Adams Matheson, Sr., passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 92. His notable professional achievements as a renowned scholar and professor were exceeded by his personal achievements as a man of unassailable character and as a beloved family man, mentor, and friend.

Alan was born on February 2, 1932, to Scott Milne and Adele Adams Matheson in Cedar City, Utah. Two years later the family—which included his sister Bonnie (Anderson) and his brothers Scott and Stephen—moved to Salt Lake City. To his last days, he delighted in sharing stories of his warm homelife, laughter-filled experiences with his siblings, and the colorful places and characters of Southern Utah that meant so much to him.

Alan attended East High School and the University of Utah. As an undergraduate, he served as student-body treasurer and president of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, receiving the prestigious Balfour Award as the national member of the year. In his later years, the fraternity honored him as a Significant Sig for his contributions to the community. Following military service during the Korean War, Alan returned to the “U,” where he received his Master’s and Law Degrees, graduating first in his class and serving as editor-in-chief of the Law Review. 

Alan’s mother introduced him to her co-worker, Milicent “Mimi” Holbrook, planting the seed of a lifetime romance. When Alan accepted an invitation to be an Associate-in-Law at the Columbia University Law School, Mimi followed him to New York to teach elementary school, and love blossomed. They returned to Salt Lake City to be united in marriage in 1960 and shared a loving and lasting relationship. Alan and Mimi taught courses on the principles of successful marriage, reinforced profoundly through their example of courtesy, respect, humor, tenderness, and shared service. Their eyes sparkled as they regularly sang love songs to each other, accompanied by Mimi on the piano. Their marriage became eternal when Alan and Mimi were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 2000.

Alan found great fulfillment in learning and teaching, mentoring students with kind wisdom, and helping to launch their legal careers. After a stint as Assistant to the President at Utah State University, he was appointed as a founding faculty member at the now Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he taught constitutional law for 47 years and served as Dean. Honored by students and faculty, he received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching, was elected President of the Arizona State University Faculty Senate and earned the Arizona State University Distinguished Service Award. 

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alan was a beloved Bishop of an Arizona State University Student Ward, where, consistent with his life’s focus, he provided caring spiritual direction and support to hundreds of young people. In addition, he served as a devoted home teacher, a masterful gospel doctrine teacher, a High Council member and, with Mimi, as a humanitarian outreach representative assisting families in need. 

Alan was a man of pure character, whose life reflected uncompromising integrity, hard work, commitment to principle, and compassion. To his family he was warm, gentle, wise, and loving. His delightful sense of humor and tender hand-written notes still bring smiles. Ever self-sacrificing, Alan lived for others—family, students, and friends—and they revere him. A teacher by profession and nature, he promoted education and guided many to richer, more meaningful lives. Alan’s faith ran deep, spoken gently, but shouted in action. His was a life to celebrate.

He is survived by Mimi, his beloved wife of 64 years; three sons, Alan, Jr. (Laura), David (Lynn), and John (Angie); and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who adore their Pa. 

A service will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brighton Point Ward, 3455 E. Bengal Boulevard (7800 S.) in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Visitations will be held at the same location on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and prior to the service on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. There will be a livestream of the service at https://zoom.us/j/.92087083917. Burial will be at the Parowan City Cemetery in Parowan, Utah. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alan A. Matheson Scholarship at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Scott M. Matheson Leadership Forum at the University of Utah; or the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center at the Hogle Zoo.