The world has lost a great man, husband, father, and friend. Captain David Burton Mathie was born September 4th, 1958, in Detroit, MI to Betty and Burton Mathie. David passed away in his home on January 11th, 2022. David is survived by his loving wife Heather and his four children, Ashleigh, Jacob (Gabby), Nicole (Corbin), and Monica, as well as his grandchildren, Lee, and Addison. David also leaves behind his siblings Karen Henry, Susan (John) Fisher, Michael (Melissa), and his mother-in-law Barbara Tibbetts, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his mother and father, and father- in-law, Harold Tibbetts.

Family was the most important thing to David. Dave and Heather were married for 40 years and relocated to Traverse City while Dave attended school at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and NMC. He was a master in his field and on the ship, making captain at the young age of 37. He was celebrated on the Great Lakes, as he would blow the horn for those on the Saint Mary's River, who waited for the freighter to come through. He worked hard to provide for his family. Dave was the life of the party and loved game nights, bonfires, and pool days with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed nature, planting trees, and tending to his bees. He shared his knowledge of nature and astronomy with his children because "knowledge is power." David also shared his woodworking, jars of honey, and homemade bee candles.
David was deeply loved, and words cannot describe how much he will be missed.

"Home is the sailor, home from the sea." Raise a glass to the best.

A memorial celebrating Dave's life will be held Saturday, July 30, at Twin Lakes Park, Gilbert Lodge, 6800 North Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49685