Lee Mather Celebrates 95th With Friends And Family (Coronado Common Sense)

Friends and family of Lee Mather gather for his 95th birthday. Many of the Realtors in Coronado today got their start with Lee. Numerous of those were also in attendance. Photos courtesy of Brent Haywood Photography.

The patriarch of the Mather clan turned 95 Tuesday, April 9th. A birthday party was held at the offices of Lee Mather Co., Realtors – a business Lee started in 1953 (the business turns 60 on May 1st).

“The office filled with friends, family and well wishers,” said Debbie Riddle, Lee’s daughter, but no one was certain Lee was physically up to making the trip across town from his home.

“We hired a technician to hook Lee up with a computer and Skype,” said Riddle, “and we set up his birthday cake in front of the big screen TV in our offices.”

A computer technician was brought in to allow Lee Mather to Skype his own birthday party from home. But, when he saw how much fun everyone was having, he insisted in joining the party.

What happened then was something no one expected. As 30 or so employees and family members paraded past the TV screen and camera, Lee called out their names and shared brief memories. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” Suddenly the guest of honor turned to his care provider and said, “I want to go down there and join them.”

A short time later, Lee Mather, one of Coronado’s most beloved and elder businessmen, drove his electric chair into the offices he once led with a strong and loving hand, and the party started all over again. Everyone surrounded him, the birthday cake was re-lit, and once again song filled the air at LMCo.

Phyllis Mather watches on as husband Lee cuts into his birthday cake.

“He has touched so many lives, in his family and community,” said the Rev. Steve Mather, Lee’s son. “Customers over the years remember him eagerly putting their interests first, and a prospective sale, second. It’s really wonderful to see him here, in his old office, surrounded by friends and family.”

The party, which was planned by LMCo partners Debbie Riddle, Tom Riddle and Mike Herlihy (they purchased the practice in 1998), continued for a couple more hours, and Lee Mather seemed to grow stronger as the day grew long.

Towards the end of the day someone raised a glass and said, “Long life to you Mr. Mather.” To which, he replied, “It’s been too long already,” and then broke out in that infectious Lee Mather smile that has endeared him to so many for nearly a century. Lee Mather continues to enjoy every day to the fullest, and is never far from loving friends and family.

Lee Mather Co., Realtors partner, Mike Herlihy, tries to tease Lee Mather out of retirement with, "I may need you to help me close a big deal on Monday." Photos courtesy of Brent Haywood Photography.