Matthew S. Augustine

Matthew S. Augustine, 63, a Moses Lake resident, formerly of Ritzville, passed away April 28, 2014. Born to one of the original pioneer families in Washington state, he lived his childhood years in Mountlake Terrace, WA. When he wasn't in school, he spent much of his time hunting, fishing and learning about real estate and acreage with his father, long time realtor Morton B. Augustine. Matt and his dad would spend days in the backcountry of Snohomish County scouting acreage up the far reaches of the Skykomish valley, surveying and platting. Matthew's real education took place in the foothills of the North Cascades.

At age 18, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Marines, and was honorably discharged due to vision limitations. Always an outdoorsman, he had an extensive career in logging that took him to Alaska, Hawaii, and Georgia. In Alaska he logged on the east side of Prince of Wales Island, in Hawaii he logged Eucalyptus trees on the Big Island outside of Hilo, and in Georgia he logged to assist in the removal of hundreds of trees fallen by Hurricane Andrew. He loved telling stories of his encounters and adventures in the wilderness.

After his logging career, Matthew followed his father's footsteps and became a licensed realtor, buying and selling single and multi-family homes. Over the years he accumulated several small lots scattered around the state, where he could go camping with his Econoline camper; its license plate read "Condo2!" Matthew was most at home in the out of doors, camping, with a good cup of coffee and a cigarette. One of the high points of his career was when he accumulated four adjoining houses in Lake Forest Park. He then sold them to move east of the mountains to Moses Lake and Ritzville. 

Matt's final years were spent happily in the town of Ritzville where he became a well-known character in the community. His best friend was his dog, Shea, who was a mighty 140 pound dog that looked like a large wolf. As a dedicated AA member, Matt had over 30 years in the program. He enjoyed the meetings and the friendships he developed in Lynnwood, Ritzville and Moses Lake.  

These last couple of years he got a little ornery but he was still loved and remained a true character right out of the early pioneer days. He will always be remembered for the genuine character that he was.

He is survived by his cousins, Deirdre Augustine Plunkett and Webster Augustine, both of Seattle. We are forever grateful for the community of Ritzville, who stood by him over the years, and for the wonderful staff at Moses Lake Senior Living. Your support, care and understanding are greatly appreciated.

The family invites you to a celebration of Matt's life on Thursday, May 22 at 2PM at Moses Lake Senior Living, 8425 Aspi Blvd NE, Moses Lake. Please sign the online guestbook at www.kayserschapel.com.