Michael Mathews, age 84, died peacefully, with family by his side, on May 17 at Princeton Medical Center from acute respiratory failure. Born in Columbus Ohio, he made Princeton his home for over 50 years.
Michael was known for his quick wit, charming toasts, and adventurous spirit. He scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef, traveled to Borneo to see the orangutans, sailed the Irrawaddy by paddle boat, followed Genghis Khan’s footsteps on the Silk Road, and even taught Paul McCartney’s daughters to waterski in Barbados. He loved gardening, even taming the thorny hedges that lined their home on Elm Road. He loved the outdoors — hiking in the French Alps, paddling on Adirondack lakes, and applying lessons learned early as a Junior Maine Guide. He read voraciously and loved sharing the odd turn of phrase in the Economist with his wife late at night.
He graduated with the Class of ’62 from Princeton, where he was Editor of the Daily Princetonian and recipient of the Detwiler Prize. A graduate of University of Michigan Law School, Class of ’65, where he served as student body president, he began the practice of law at White & Case in New York City. He soon switched to investment banking when he joined Smith Barney in corporate finance. From there, he focused his career on Scandinavia, helping start investment banking and US operations for Swedish and Norwegian banks. In 1992, he became an independent financial consultant, public company director and private equity investor. He welcomed every opportunity to mentor young people both in business and life.
Michael believed cultural exchange to be a crucial cornerstone for peace and acted on his conviction. He served on the executive committee of the American Field Service; as trustee of the American Scandinavian Foundation; director of International Schools Services in Princeton; and member of the Council of Foreign Relations in New York. From 2019 until his death, he was a Trustee of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, also serving as treasurer.
He volunteered his time with social clubs where people could build new personal connections: The University Club of New York, where he served for years on the Council and as a Vice President, and Cap and Gown Club of Princeton, where he was on the graduate board for more than 40 years and Chairman for 13 years. He was a member of Pretty Brook Tennis Club and The Nassau Club, continuously growing his circle and enjoying decades-long friendships.
The most important focus of his life was his marriage to Cecilia in 1967 and the family they created together. He is survived by Cecilia and their children: Brandon (Kristina), Mark (Vickie) and Alexander and five grandchildren whom he adored — Elise, Cate, Nico, Jane, and Max.
A memorial service will be held this fall in Princeton. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you might consider a contribution to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra or the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, NY.
