Obituary of Richard Russell Rattie’

Richard Russell “Rick” Rattie’ Richard Russell “Rick” Rattie’ passed away on January 23, 2012 following a courageous eight-month battle with cancer. He left this world surrounded by so many of his loved ones, his partner and family. Throughout his battle, Rick remained hopeful and determined; he fought this battle with dignity and strength, never complaining. For his bravery and sweet nature, he soon became a favorite of the nurses and staff at Providence St. Peter Hospital, many of whom also came to his side in his final hours. Rick was born at Mark Reed Hospital in McCleary, Washington on September 16, 1964 to Russell E. and Marcella M. Rattie’. Rick was active in 4-H and FFA. Following graduation in 1983, Rick joined the Job Corps and later worked at various agencies in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties. He was most proud, however, of his work with Grays Harbor and Thurston County Aids Task Force. Rick loved nature and all of God’s animals, but was especially fond of his Keeshonds and Jack Russell Terriers. He volunteered for years for both breeds’ rescue groups locally and nationally. Rick was a huge fan of Star Trek and was considered a master of Trek Trivia. He was co-host to an online radio show, “Among Friends,” and was Vice President of Guest and Media Relations at NDB Media. Rick loved Facebook and had 644 friends, many of whom came to him through his volunteer work and through his work with NDB and Among Friends. Rick and his partner, Wes, traveled extensively throughout the Northwest where they were particularly interested in visiting all the coastal lighthouses. They were quite fond of the Oregon Coast and had special memories of time spent there. Rick and Wes lived in Olympia with their “boys,” four Jack Russell Terriers, until May when his illness caused Rick to move home to be cared for by family. In addition to his parents, Rick is survived by his partner, Wesley Moore of Olympia; brother, Frank Rattie’ of Elma; sisters, Linda Fitzgerald of Elma and Loni Fitzgerald of Olympia; his aunts and uncles, David (Virginia) Pearsall of Olympia and Joan (Larry) Stevens of McCleary; his nieces, Shannon Schneider (Bryan) and Jessica Hawthorne, both of Elma, and Hannah Fitzgerald of Olympia; nephews, Jaime Curl of Geneva, Switzerland, Adam Catterlin of Tumwater, and Connor Hawthorne of Olympia. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity: Relay for Life East Grays Harbor, c/o Pam Ator, 114 Fir St., McCleary, WA 98557. Please leave memories of Rick or condolences for his loved ones in the Guestbook below.