10/14/2026
A message from Vern Peterson-Cassin:
Charles Matheson passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 85. Charles was the architect for the original Prince’s Court of Washington, the previous court tennis club in the Washington area, and was a member of Prince’s Court for more than twenty years. Although he was past his tennis-playing years by the time we built the new court, he was supportive of our efforts and excited to see court tennis find its permanent home at Westwood. Charles’s work is still on display at Westwood; his watercolor of the first Prince’s court can be found hanging on the wall between the dedans and the pro shop. Charles was also involved in the effort to restore the court at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, where he had taken up the game.
In addition to playing court tennis, Charles was an accomplished horseman and four-in-hand Whip. He was President of the Coaching Club, often traveling to England to race, and enjoyed participating in cross-country coach races. He was an avid fox-hunter, serving for a time as the President of the Orange County Hunt, and painted a book of watercolors inspired by the experience. He bred and raised horses, which he trained for fox hunting, carriage-driving, and coaching.
Charles is survived by Julie Martin Matheson and his first wife, Bonnie (Buchanan) Matheson; his five children and their spouses: Charles Tompkins Matheson Jr. and wife, Andrea; Helen (Matheson) Hilliard and husband David; Lilla (Matheson) Ohrstrom and husband Chris; Robert Redd Matheson; and John Murdoch Buchanan Matheson and wife, Susie; his 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Charles’ full obituary can be found at
View Charles Tompkins Matheson, Sr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.
