David Mathiason

David Ray Mathiason of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on November 17, 1952, in Havre, Montana, David made his home in the “Valley of the Sun” since 2001, following his retirement from Starbucks Corporation in San Francisco, California.

In 1997, while living in the Bay Area, he met his life partner, Gene Ellsworth. Together, they shared 27 years of devoted love and partnership, along with their beloved companions, Spikey and Oreo.

David was the Director of Operations at Starbucks, where he was known for his remarkable leadership, mentorship, integrity, and dry—yet witty—sense of humor. A man of passion and precision, he excelled at home improvements, renovations, cars, and fashion. After retirement, he cherished his morning drives to Starbucks for his daily coffee, pastry, and newspaper, and found great joy in his home projects and “treasure hunting” at Goodwill.

He will be remembered as a man of strength and kindness—a true Norwegian warrior—whose generosity and character left a lasting impact on family, friends, and colleagues alike.

David is survived by his significant other, Gene, and Oreo; his children David Jr. & Samson, Amanda & Alfred; grandchildren Alfie, Andrew, and Allysa (with their spouses); and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Garry and his children Jessica, Tiffany, and Ryan; grand-niece, Ally, and grand-nephew, Jackson; and by Mama Nedy, Jenny, Martin, and children George, Mikael, Janessa and Joseph, and grand-nieces Joelle and Julianna, Harry, Rizza and children Georgette and Harris.

David’s memorial service and final resting place will be in North Dakota.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7