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Paul Martin Matheson, 68

Paul Martin Matheson, 68, of Worley, Idaho, died Friday, June 2, 2017, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Paul was born March 25, 1949, in Tacoma, Wash., son of Pauline Camille and Donald Matheson.

Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy (Howard) Matheson; son Nick; daughters Paula, Jessica and Dianna; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers David Matheson and Charles Matheson; sisters Charlene Matheson, Marjorie Zarate, Dianne Allen and Donna Matheson: numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and their children.

As a young man, Paul stood side-by-side with his parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and hundreds of others, and fought for Native American treaty rights. Later in life, Paul became a successful entrepreneur. Paul owned and operated several successful Smoke Shops and retail fireworks operations. Paul was a pioneer at the beginning of Indian Gaming, paving the way for many others to follow in his footsteps.

Services will begin with a wake at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the Puyallup Tribal Elders House of Respect (Elders Building), and the funeral service in the same location the following morning, Thursday, June 8, 2017, at 10 a.m. Burial service will follow immediately at Cushman Cemetery. The family invites all to attend a dinner following the burial, also at the Elders Building.