Vic Mathias was captivated by Austin when he came here to attend the University of Texas (BBA ' 50) and never lost that enthusiasm. Born in Copperas Cove, Texas March 5, 1926, his parents gave him Christian guidance during his youth. He volunteered for the military in 1944 while attending Texas Tech. He served as a combat infantryman in Europe. Vic married Helen Thoresen of Austin in January, 1950. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed teaching them about God, life and nature.
Vic was CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce from 1956-83. He helped to form and operate the Austin Aqua Festival, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Austin Economic Development Council, Highland Lakes Tourist Association, and Leadership Austin. The Chamber also operated the Austin/Travis County Livestock Show. The initial efforts and successes in attracting high-tech companies came during his tenure. He is also remembered by many for his "Thoughts While Thinking," which he authored for more than twenty-five years.
After leaving the Chamber, Vic served the statewide Texas Travel Industry Association as its CEO for four years - an organization he had helped organize in 1969 and served as its founding Chairman.
Other volunteer activities included serving as President of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Rotary Club of Austin, the Austin USO, and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. He also served on the board or governing body of The Austin Symphony, Boy Scouts, Town Lake Study Committee, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Beautify Texas Council, and others. Vic is a twenty-one gallon blood donor and prominent organizer of Honor Flight Austin.
He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Mona and husband Larry Humphreys, their daughter Britney Gilbert and husband John, son Mark and wife Kathy, son Matt and wife Deborah, their children Mason, Alexa and Jenna of Austin, brother, Arnold Mathias and wife Marge of Waco.
Memorial services will be held at 1p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River, Austin, TX.
Private burial services were held at Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville with family members attending.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River, Austin, Texas 78705, the Rotary Club of Austin Foundation, 305 East 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, Honor Flight Austin, www.honorflightaustin.com, or any other good tax deductible cause…
