Mati Mesikep passed away on October 16 after being involved in a single-vehicle accident in Amarillo, Texas. Mati was doing one of the things he loved most, traveling to visit family and friends with his beloved wife.

Mati was born in Tallinn, Estonia to parents Edgar Mesikep and Johanna (Juka) Mesikep Beattie. Mati was an only child. He came to the United States at age 18 and attended Lompoc High School graduating in 1961. Mati attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science in 1965. He served in the United States Army between 1965 and 1970, serving in Germany and Vietnam as airborne and also was an MP and worked in intelligence. He completed his tour of duty with the rank of Captain. He worked in Lompoc as a probation officer from 1970 until his retirement from the County of Santa Barbara in 1991.

Mati was preceded in death by his father Edgar Mesikep and his step-father Frances (Mutt) H. Beattie. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Sandra (Sandi) Mesikep, mother Johanna (Juka) Beattie of Lompoc, California, and his two sons Mark Mesikep, D.D.S. of Yukon, Oklahoma married to Gwen Mesikep, and Michael Mesikep of Los Olivos, California married to Maggie Mesikep. Mati is also survived by his grandchildren Logan, Hannah, McKenzie, Calvin and Britainy.

Mati will always be remembered for his giving heart and his willingness to help others.

There will be a graveside service for Mati at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10:30 am with Pastor Darren Hunt of New Hope Christian Church officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of Mati's life at Schuyler River Bottom Ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 88 Lompoc, CA 93438-0088. Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.