Friends and Family Remember Malcolm Matheson III

Written by Kaitlin Hil

Malcolm Matheson III passed away on February 7 surrounded by family at his home, The Tannery, in The Plains, Virginia. A pillar of the community and impactful to so many, Matheson’s nearest and dearest describe him as kind, funny, generous, charismatic, and a true gentleman in the many tributes that poured in over email, Facebook, and Instagram. His passing leaves a meaningful hole in the foxhunting community, members of which will remember him for his larger-than-life personality and distinctive smile. He will be sorely missed. 

“To my father, the kindest, most generous, and handsomest dad, who embraced us with so much love and support. I know you are dancing in heaven with Mom. ‘Luvs you!’” – Heather Matheson Ryus, daughter

“Dad taught us to be fair, honest, loving, and hardworking. He taught us to cherish those around us and to be stewards of our surroundings. Foxhunting and land conservation were deeply woven into the fabric of who he was. The art of fun was too. Dad was the charming raconteur that drew friendships around him with his signature twinkle of the eye and smile. He was full of hijinks, mischief, and storytelling, and he possessed an amazingly creative vocabulary — especially on the golf course. He lived life to the fullest and he went out on his own terms, galloping to heaven to find his Gail. What more can a son ask for in finding peace with his departure.” – Colvin Matheson, son 

“My favorite time hunting was riding side by side with him. Some childhood memories for sure, but getting to hunt from The Tannery, I will never forget.” – Jeannette Lussi, daughter  

“My grandfather was not only the head of our family, but the heart of it. He carried himself with quiet strength, wisdom, and a deep love for those around him, leaving behind an incredible legacy that will continue to guide us for generations. I was fortunate to share a special bond with him. We shared a passion for riding, and some of my most treasured memories are of the days he took me foxhunting with the Orange County Hounds. Those moments weren’t just about the sport; they were about stories, lessons, and the unspoken understanding between us. Out on the hunt field, he passed down not only skills, but confidence, tradition, and a deep appreciation for the life we shared. His sudden passing has left a space that can never truly be filled. He will be missed more than words can say, but his spirit lives on in the values he instilled, the traditions he upheld, and the love he gave so freely. I will carry him with me always.” – Cyrena Penta, granddaughter 

“My grandad taught me the true meaning of horsemanship and foxhunting, shaping my love and respect for horses from an early age. The day I was old enough to foxhunt alongside him remains one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I cried every time I left The Tannery, and I will miss my grandad dearly.” – Gaylan Matheson Ryus, granddaughter 

“His legacy talks about him as a ‘builder’ and the impact he has had on Middleburg and the surrounding communities throughout his career. But to us — his grandchildren — he was just ‘Grandad.’ He was a builder in a different sense to us… the builder of our family, of tradition, the foundation we have all grown from. His staunch love for all of us, the traditions he steadfastly instilled, and the joy of life he manifested daily were all core to that. He will be missed daily by all, but I am comforted most when I see his enduring love, leadership, and grace reflected in each of his children; his joy, sense of adventure, and passions emulated in us, his grandchildren; and in the cheeky grins and infectious laughter of his great-grandchildren.” – Olivia Shouvlin, granddaughter

“Seven and a half great years with the love of my life. It was his mission to make sure that everyone in the hunt field had fun. And wasn’t he the most fun ever?” – Nancy West, companion

“Airport departures always seem to choke me up as I write this at 40,000 feet. Grandad left the world on Saturday to rejoin Bama [Gail]. He was surrounded by family, the community, and an outpouring of love and admiration. Grandad was a father to my brother and me, as he raised us alongside Mom and Dad on the farm. He’s the man we all aspire to be: kind, charitable, charismatic, and with a gleaming smile given to everyone around. Yet firm with a temper and extremely colorful vocabulary when necessary. He will leave an immense void in our physical world but will light up the room in the next one. They will be lucky to hear his laugh. Rest easy old man, Godspeed, and we’ll all see you in the next one. Malcolm Matheson III, August 15, 1937 – February 7, 2026.” – Duncan Matheson, grandson 

“Grandad passed away Saturday evening. We were there to see him and comfort him on his journey to the other side. He was a hell of a man. I’m going to miss his roaring laugh and rough-and-tumble attitude … but also his more gentle side, his mischievous grin, and the glimmer in his eyes that let you know he loved you deeply. He took pride in being our grandad and taking us under his wing to lead by example. He was one of the most respected and generous people around. He is a hero of mine. As I get older and better understand the amount of work it took to do the things he did … I continue to be amazed by what he accomplished in his lifetime. … Rest easy, Grandad. See you on the other side, old man.” – Angus Matheson, grandson

“‘Grandad’… is how [he] was affectionately known in the hunt field among the ‘younger crowd.’ I lived and worked on his ‘Tannery’ for many years caring for his horses as his daughter-in-law. He and Gail were greatly involved in helping to raise their grandsons, taking them on trips, supporting an extensive education, and just overall being there for them at all times. A very kind, generous, and genuine man whom I could speak freely with. Always a leader, whether it was at the head of the table of a family gathering, USA leader of the Clan Matheson, or masterfully directing the non-jumping field of the Orange County Hounds, always knowing exactly where the action was. A big, toothy, mustachioed smile greeted everyone, be it newcomer or old friend. Hunting has been his passion and such a huge part of his life, with total dedication to the OCH. He has been most influential in my rise to status at OCH. Riding in his pocket for so many years made it inevitable! His and Gail’s love for family and friends was second to none… If there was dancing involved, he never hesitated in escorting a pretty lady onto the dance floor. … He will be greatly missed, such a huge personality.” – Mary-Alice L. Matheson-Thomas, daughter-in-law 

“When you saw him, Malcolm always made you feel better. His lovely smile will be greatly missed.” – Jacquie Mars

“I will miss hearing his voice on the radio announcing that he had just viewed a fox — usually one nobody else had seen. His voice, his enthusiasm, and his kindness will leave a large hole in our hearts and lives.” – Bundles Murdock

“Malcolm has been a pillar of this community for the last 50 years — literally the support of so many different parts. His times as a foxhunter, steward of the OCH, and then master are well known. His rendition of ‘drink puppy drink’ brought down the house at hunt dinners. But his reach was far wider — a trustee of Little Georgetown Cemetery in The Plains, and of Grace Church, as treasurer for many years. His nationwide leadership of Clan Matheson. The twinkle in his eye, his kind smile, his gentle word. All will be missed.” – Trevor Potter

“Dear Malcolm, I regret not recording the many stories you told me. You are the best storyteller I’ve ever met. Personally, my favorite is you telling me about riding a camel in Egypt that, according to you, was faster than any horse you’d ridden when it really galloped! You were a huge asset to me when I started road whipping at OCH. I know you’ll continue to be with us. Thank you!” – Vanessa Keal

“Though not biological, I was lucky to call Malcolm ‘Grandad.’ He coaxed me and my skeptical siblings to the field with a Snickers bar, but quickly won us over as sportsmen with his keen foresight. With Grandad, the hunt unfolded before you, and I was lucky to ride in his pocket as a junior while he made me feel like a buttoned member.” – Griffin Keffer 

“So sad to learn of the great Malcolm Matheson’s passing — such great memories of his big smile, great laugh, and ability to say hello to you while keeping count of the riders as you rode past when hounds left the meet. None of these, however, top him driving up next to you while you were sitting on your horse, desperately listening for hounds in the distance… His engine always loudly running, he’d ask, ‘Do you hear ’em?!’ Well no, not then and certainly not now! He always, though, knew which way we should go, so you both laughed it off and caught back up with the hounds. He was one of a kind.” – Alexandra Arabek 

“Malcolm was the ultimate gentleman, witty, and always the best-dressed silver fox out there! We will miss him so much.” – Luc DeJager

“Malcolm was the epitome of a country gentleman! Impeccably dressed, with a big smile on his face and kind words to all. He will be sorely missed.” – Geraldine Peace

“Second to his family, I’d have to say that Malcolm’s love and enthusiasm for foxhunting predominated his life. He came to every meet and loved to car follow and road whip. His cheerful smile and greeting each hunting day will be sorely missed by everyone.” – John Coles 

“Malcolm was a true Virginia gentleman, cut from the cloth of the old world. We have not only lost a sincere friend, but a leading symbol of a more thoughtful time. He was one of the last ties to Hunt Country’s prime, when tweed- and tie-clad gentlemen followed hounds in droves. His enthusiasm for hunting was infectious, and he always had a welcoming word for new riders to the sport. Master Matheson will be deeply missed and the Orange County Hounds will never be the same without him at his post.” – Eleanor Morison

“With his winning smile, Malcolm greeted me warmly when I first became an MFH. He shook my hand and gave me his ‘condolences,’ a fond memory I will cherish. I will always be grateful for his untiring support of our sport, his land conservation efforts, and his love of this community. I join the many who will miss him and honor his memory.” – Penny Denegre

“He lived an incredible life and was a hell of a boss and a friend.” – Reg Spreadborough 

“I moved to Middleburg almost 20 years ago having no knowledge of foxhunting. My wife, Jane, got me on a horse and out into the hunt field. Malcolm was the second field fieldmaster, and despite me being a newbie and barely able to ride, he took me under his wing and taught me the ropes. He would have me hunt right up front with him so he could keep a watchful eye on me. I did not realize at the time, but now I do, what a privilege that was. Malcolm was superb at anticipating where the fox would run and positioning the second field for spectacular viewings. For those unfamiliar with the sport, that is much harder to do than you might think. I also loved his naughty side, when he would ‘lark’ a small jump instead of going through a gate, which terrified me at first but is something I learned to love. Except for his family, I believe Malcolm loved the hunt and the community it inspired more than anything. His passing leaves a big void in the lives of everyone involved with hounds and hunting. He was one of a kind!” – Andrew Bishop 

Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church (6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA 20198) on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. There will be a reception to follow in The Plains. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Matheson’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church or the OCH Conservation Foundation at ochcf.org. ML

Featured photo by Joanne Maisano.

Published in the March 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.