Oh My... I am very saddened at the news of Bob Matthews’ passing… I too missed seeing him as well as the rest of the Matthews’ at the convention this year…

My association with Mr. Matthews’ goes back to the early 80’s, where he got me interested in, and actually got me to join the Early American Coppers (EAC).

At a coin show in the mid 80's at the Sheraton here in Los Angeles, I recall seeing a few casino chips in one of the display cases that Mr. Matthews’ had. I can recall thinking that collecting casino chips is a passing fad, and that coins will continue to rein supreme. Now look at me, I’ve been collecting chips for almost 8 years, and have over 8600 different chips! Boy, was Mr. Matthews’ ahead of his time!!!

I always looked forward to seeing Mr. Matthews’ and his wife, Jean, at the various coin and subsequently, casino collectable shows in which they attended. Mr. Matthews always made the show for me, as he would take time to talk with me about coins &/or chips. When he was very busy, which was most of the time - it was my pleasure to talk with his wife. This couple is truly a match pair – both are very warm, caring and truly wonderful people. I was also very pleased that I was able to have breakfast with the Matthews’ at the last convention held at the Orlean’s. It is one that I will remember for a very long time.

As Greg Susong mentioned, he and I would get together before the convention would start, so that we could get over to the Matthews Money Tree tables before the other, as well as before the crowd around these tables would form. Greg and I would spend the first few hours looking through the material that was presented to us. We also would sit next to each other pulling chips like there was no tomorrow! Even flipping the occational chip to the other, as we knew what each other was looking for – usually the same chip. I always would come back to the tables that Matthews Money Tree had at the convention, as I would miss a few chips that I just had to have.

I am truly saddened at this news, and can only hope that Mrs. Matthews’ and the rest of the Matthews’ family are helped in knowing that Bob is no longer feeling any pain, and that he is in a peaceful place.

Our most profound sympathies to Jean and the rest of the Matthews’ – as we will miss him very much – yet rest assured, he is in our hearts…

Teresa, Dick & Dwight Covington