Richard “Rick” G. Mate Jr., age 50, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025 at 10 p.m. in Forks, Washington. He was born on September 27, 1974, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, to Richard “Rick Sr. and Mary (Reckus) Mate.

A 1993 graduate of Pocono Mountain High School, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained as a Military Police Officer (95B10). During his military career, he completed tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina (RSE-IFOR), Germany, Belgium, Hungary and Seoul, Korea. He was highly skilled and decorated in areas including combat medicine, mechanical operations, and expert-level weapons and explosives handling.Amongst his most cherished experiences was the month he spent in Belgium on his journey to Bosnia.

Rick met his soulmate, Misty, while both were stationed on active duty at Fort Stewart. They married on October 19, 1995, in Hinesville, Georgia.

In 2008, Rick and his family relocated to Forks, WA. He served as a Correctional Sergeant, Armorer, and First Aid Instructor at Olympic Corrections Center. In January 2019, he became the Roster Program Coordinator but continued to instruct in firearms training – something he was deeply passionate about.

Rick lived life to the fullest and loved his family with all his heart. He had a deep dedication to his role as an Armorer and found joy in teaching his friends and loved ones how to safely and skillfully handle and maintain firearms.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Misty; his parents, Richard Sr. and Mary Mate; his brothers, Joseph (Heather) and Christopher (Kerrianne) Mate; his children, Ravon (Jacey) Mate, and Alisha (Jonathan) Trainor; his favorites nephew, Logan Mate, and his cherished granddaughter, Leila Trainor.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support shown by the Forks and Quileute communities during this difficult time.