Matthew R. Fine, 67, passed away Sunday, April 8, surrounded by his family, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, after an accident on his property.

Although Matt was born in Ontario in November 1950, his family lived in Harney County. He began school in Frenchglen, and attended grade schools in Ontario and Payette, Idaho, completing high school in 1969 in Burns. During school, he enjoyed playing basketball, football, and field sports.

He earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Blue Mountain Community College. Following college, he was hired by the Burns Police Department where he worked until transferring to the Bend Police Department in 1974. During his tenure in Bend, he rose through the ranks, retiring as captain in 2003.  Matt was instrumental in establishing Central Oregon’s first S.W.A.T. team and was an FBI National Academy graduate. Fellow officers and members of the law enforcement community often noted that Matt’s character and leadership were the cornerstone of each role he served in the department and the area. After retirement, he worked for Hood River and Lincoln City police departments as interim chief of police. He also consulted for the Prairie City Police Department.

In 2005, he returned to Harney County where he continued to enjoy hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed working cattle and branding calves for friends and neighbors. Matt enjoyed giving to the community by officiating grade school through high school football and basketball games. Above all, Matt was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He is deeply missed, and his family is looking forward to their reunion in heaven.

Matt is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Luke (Lisha), Wesley (Sarah), and Jack (Samantha); mother, Mildred; grandchildren, Mackenna, Esme, Samantha, Cora, Flynn, and Owen; and brother, Mike (Lynda).

He was preceded in death by father, Fred Fine; grandparents, Roe and Eleaner Davis, Joe and Ethel Fine, and Vera Fine.

A memorial service was held on April 13 at Faith Baptist Church in Hines, with interment in the Burns Cemetery. LaFollette’s Chapel was in charge of the services.

Contributions in Matt’s memory may be made to Burns High School Athletics Matt Fine Memorial Fund; Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers — USA (105 Lee Parkway Drive, Suite C, Chattanooga, TN 37421); or to a charity of your choice.