Matthew Spates, 26, of Fort Collins CO. died Friday July 5 ^th as a result of a rafting accident. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 12, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service followed by a time of sharing beginning at 7:00 PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Born April 17 ^th 1993 to Pete and Liz Spates in Mitchell SD, he was the oldest of 3 children.  He started his education at John Paul II, continuing on to his graduation from Mitchell High School in 2011.  There he met some of his closest friends.  He continued his education at the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis where he graduated with a double major in English and Philosophy in 2016.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 12, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, SD.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a 7:00 prayer service followed by a time of sharing on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD

He moved to Colorado over two years ago and found the happiness he'd been looking for. He loved waking up near the mountains and near adventure. He worked at a restaurant called Tasty Harmony where he met his partner and best friend Rain. He loved living in Fort Collins and riding his bicycle every day.

Among so many other things he loved were: reading, writing, creating, hiking, camping, traveling, adventures, Petra(his cat), rain, Rain, befriending and talking to anyone, music, hip hop, playing board games, puzzles, playing guitar, riding his bike, cooking, looking for mushrooms and rocks.

He always said his love for his family and friends was shown through his cooking.

Matt is survived by his parents Pete and Liz of Mitchell; his sisters Hannah Spates (Robbie Miiller) of Ethan SD and Emily Spates (Levi Olson) of Mitchell SD; his partner Rain LeSage Fort Collins, CO.; Rain's parents Bill Bethurum and Grace LeSage and sisters Tess and Sage Faucette all of Fort Collins, CO;  maternal grandfather Stan Blasey Benson, many Aunts and Uncles and numerous cousins.  He was proceeded in death by his Paternal Grandfather and Grandmother Ken and Jean Spates and Paternal Grandmother Marianne Blasey all of Benson, MN.