Richard (Rick) Matthew left this world early Thanksgiving morning, on Nov. 22, 2018. He fought a three-year battle with cancer before his passing at Grays Harbor Community Hospital. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born in Seattle, Wash., on April 29, 1944, to Ruth and Frank Matthew. He attended the University of Washington before moving to Aberdeen, Wash. in 1969. Rick gained employment with Earley Tire, where he remained a constant for his customers for 43 years before his retirement.
Rick’s joy in life was spending time with his grandkids. He was a faithful presence at all of their activities and they were spoiled with his love. He enjoyed attending local sporting events, garage sales and could always be found taking his afternoon nap. His dry sense of humor was second to none and those who knew him appreciated his unique wisecracks. Rick was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend. He was old-fashioned, hard working, selfless and hilarious. He was one of a kind and one of the good ones.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth, and his father, Frank.
He is survived by his wife Sandy, who resides at the family home, his daughter Kara (Richard) Matthew/Kyle, his son Ricky Matthew, as well as his other adult children; Tracy (Tom) Brown, Tammy (Dave) Pejsa, Jim (Beth) Troseth and Terri (Chuck) Watters; his brother Bob (Claudia) Matthew; sister Susan (Norm) Gipe and sister Jean (Roger) Metzger. “Grandpa,” was his favorite title. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who will forever remember the best grandpa there ever was.
Rick was an avid supporter of Skills USA. In Rick’s memory, the family would request that you donate in his memory to Aberdeen High School Skills USA, 410 N. G St., Aberdeen, Wash.
A celebration of his life is planned for Sunday, Dec. 23, at the Aberdeen Elks beginning at 1 p.m.
A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.
