D. Eugene "Gene" Matthews

Aug 29, 1941 -

Feb 20, 2026

D. Eugene "Gene" Matthews, a pioneer in the early Alaska computer industry and devoted family man, passed away at home in St. George, Utah, on Feb. 20, 2026, at the age of 84, ending his 13-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Early Life and Education

Born on Aug. 29, 1941, in Sterling, Colo., to Darvon Everett Matthews and Josephine Mae Kelley, Gene was raised in Pueblo, Colo. 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 summer 1964, he was hired by IBM in Anchorage, Alaska, 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, Utah, 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 Aug. 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; son, Dan and wife Shannon; daughter, Deanna; and daughter, Sarah and husband Dustin. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Laci, Nate, Dean and Colin; and sister, Carol and 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.