Spring 2007

Geoff Mathay and Annie Sting at the Deaf-Blind 30th Anniversary Celebration

“One word that described Geoff is generous,” says Government Affairs Specialist Mark Landreneau. “If you needed something, he would help you no matter how busy he was.”

An American Sign Language Instructor at Seattle Central Community College (SCCC), Geoff was a long-time participant in Deaf-Blind Community Class. “For a time, he was the only [SCCC] staff person who could commit to coming to Community Class,” says Program Manager Tami Berk. “He came to support his students and to support the community. He fought hard for the Lighthouse to be able to have class at Seattle Central free of charge because it such a benefit to the community and to his students.”

Geoff was involved in the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities from the time he first studied American Sign Language and interpreting under renowned ASL Interpreter Theresa Smith. After working as a job-placement specialist at Gallaudet University, he moved to Seattle and began working at SCCC in 1989. He married his wife, Vicki Moseley, the same year.

Friends and community members remember a compassionate and gentle man who loved teaching American Sign Language. He was a devoted advocate for the Deaf-Blind community throughout his life.

“Geoff was instrumental in getting the Deaf-Blind interpreting class added to the Interpreting program at SCCC. He did a lot of behind the scenes work to make that happen,” Mark remembers. “He understood the community and the needs of Deaf-Blind people.”

“He was always thinking about the community. Even when other projects kept him from being involved,” Tami adds. “When [Deaf Linguist and Anthropologist] Carol Padden came to Seattle she had a very tight schedule.  Geoff gave up his time reserved with her for SCCC students so she could participate fully in Deaf-Blind Community Class."

Geoff attended the Seattle Lighthouse Deaf-Blind Program’s 30^th Anniversary as an interpreter shortly before he passed away. Annie Sting remembers her time with him fondly that evening.  “One of my interpreters was Geoff Mathay, so it was an extra special evening for me in particular spending time with him.”

Geoff’s spirit and generosity had a huge impact in the community and will be remembered. “It’s a huge loss,” says Employee & Community Services Director Paula Hoffman. “So many people’s lives were touched by Geoff. He is deeply missed.”

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