Norman Sinclair Mathews, a pillar of the Vashon business community who was equally beloved for his ongoing support of many island organizations, died on Oct. 9, at his home on Vashon. He was 93 years old.

In 1965, Mathews, along with his wife Jan, purchased Vashon Thriftway, with the help of his lifelong best friend Tom Barwick and Tom’s wife, Ann. The store is still family-owned and operated now, more than half a century later. His long and accomplished life, his devotion to his large family, his award-winning career in the grocery industry and his generous philanthropy — particularly directed to local organizations supporting youth — are detailed in a full obituary written by his family members.

Mathews served as the Grand Marshal of Vashon’s 2019 Strawberry Festival, an honor that caused him to express his delight in one of the Festival parade’s most treasured traditions — the Thriftway Shopping Cart Drill Team — and reflect on his support for so many worthy causes on Vashon.

“Being able to give back to our island community, especially to its youth, has been a tremendous source of satisfaction for my family and me,” he told The Beachcomber, in a 2019 article about his appointment as Grand Marshal. “We have so many tremendous organizations doing great work in our community, and having the opportunity to support many of them over the years is a great honor that we don’t take for granted.”

The family asks islanders to honor Mathews’ memory by donating to the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation in his name. A private service for immediate family members will take place at Mountain View Cemetery, in Auburn.