Dr. Alan Adams Matheson, Sr., attended the University of Utah. As an undergraduate, he served as student-body treasurer and president of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, receiving the prestigious Balfour Award as the national member of the year. In his later years, the fraternity honored him as a Significant Sig for his contributions to the community. 

Following military service during the Korean War, Alan returned to the University where he received his Masters and Law Degrees, graduating first in his class and serving as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.  

Alan accepted an invitation to be an Associate-in-Law at the Columbia University Law School. Alan found great fulfillment in learning and teaching, mentoring students with kind wisdom, and helping to launch their legal careers. 

After a stint as Assistant to the President at Utah State University, he was appointed as a founding faculty member at the now Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he taught constitutional law for 47 years and served as Dean. 

Honored by students and faculty, he received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching, was elected President of the Arizona State University Faculty Senate and earned the Arizona State University Distinguished Service Award. 

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alan was a beloved Bishop of an Arizona State University Student Ward, where, consistent with his life's focus, he provided caring spiritual direction and support to hundreds of young people.

He is survived by Mimi, his beloved wife of 64 years; three sons and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

A service was held on December 12, 2024. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alan A. Matheson Scholarship at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law; the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Scott M. Matheson Leadership Forum at the University of Utah; or the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center at the Hogle Zoo.