D. Eugene “Gene” Matthews

August 29, 1941 – February 20, 2026

ST. GEORGE, UTAH — D. Eugene “Gene” Matthews, a pioneer in the early Alaskan computer industry and devoted family man, passed away at home on February 20, 2026, at the age of 84, ending his 13-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 29, 1941, in Sterling, Colorado, to Darvon Everett Matthews and Josephine Mae Kelley, Gene was raised in Pueblo, Colorado. During his youth, he demonstrated early leadership as a Master Councilor in DeMolay, a role that fostered the character and organizational skills that would define his professional life. Gene’s adventurous spirit led him north to the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1961 with two friends. There, he embraced the rugged beauty of the frontier, spending his winters cross-country skiing under the Northern Lights. He completed his studies in 1964 in electrical engineering, before the specialization of computer science studies existed.

A Career on the Technological Frontier

Gene’s professional career began at the dawn of the mainframe computer era. In the summer of 1964, he was hired by IBM in Anchorage, just as the company was launching the revolutionary System/360. In 1965, he joined RCA to manage the installation of their new 360-compatible "room-sized" computers, placing him at the forefront of the technological revolution that was transforming modern business.

An entrepreneur at heart, Gene co-founded Scientific Computer Services (SCS) in 1966. His firm played an important role in the development of modern Alaska, providing essential data processing services for the newly formed Native Regions and the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and oil companies during their formative years in the area. He later established Matthews and Associates, continuing his work as a respected independent consultant in both Anchorage and Southern California. After a brief period with Libra Software in Salt Lake City in 1990, his love for independence led him to re-form Matthews and Associates in 1991, where he served his clients with distinction until his retirement in 2004.

A Man and his family

On August 16, 1963, Gene married the love of his life, Ann Chambers, in Nome, Alaska. Together, they built a life defined by family and adventure. An accomplished pilot, Gene purchased a Cessna 172 and found great joy in the cockpit. He famously flew his family from Alaska to the "lower 48" twice, a testament to his skill and desire to share the world with those he loved. Gene built a two-story home for his family on the hillside of Anchorage in 1970 with help from family, neighbors, and friends.

Hand in hand, Gene and Ann created communities of family and friends wherever they went. His welcoming manner, humor, and willingness to listen earned him friends for life. Gene was a thorough planner and organizer, nearly to a fault, a skill that brought him success working with computers in the punch card era. Gene had a love for reading, travel, skiing, yard tending, and a complicated love of golf, only understood by the other golfers out there. But more than what he did is who he was. Gene cared deeply for those close to him. A caring that is hard to describe and has left a lasting impact. Gene was a lover and a fighter through and through.

Gene took great pleasure in his time with family, leaving many memories. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ann, his son Dan and wife Shannon, his daughter Deanna, and his daughter Sarah and husband Dustin. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Laci, Nate, Dean, and Colin, and his sister Carol and her husband Ralph. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine ("Jo") and Darvon ("Matt") Matthews.

At Gene’s request, no formal services will be held. His legacy remains in the family he adored and his fighting spirit. Rest easy.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories and sign Gene’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com