PATE, CHRISTOPHER TODD 1977-2006. Christopher Todd Pate, 29, died Friday, July 21, 2006 of wounds sustained during combat in Iraq earlier that day. A Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Chris was assigned to the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Command Element, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. It was Chris's third deployment to Iraq. Chris was born February 9, 1977 in Orlando, Florida, relocated with his parents to California, and settled in Beaverton, Oregon while attending elementary school. Chris graduated from Oregon Episcopal School in 1995 and from the University of Puget Sound in 1999 with a degree in international business. Following college graduation, Chris joined the Marines in December 1999. Chris was promoted to Captain in 2004. An avid outdoorsman, competitive athlete, and insatiable adventurer, Chris enjoyed rock climbing, SCUBA diving, mountaineering, camping, skydiving, marathons, triathlons, crew, and innumerable other creative physical challenges. His adventuresome nature was always tempered by preparation, deliberateness, and rational calculation - traits common to both his physical pursuits and his intellectual endeavors. An intense observer, Chris absorbed his environment with immense voracity. Chris was always able to adapt - be it at the top of a mountain, during freefall, underwater, in a classroom, or among his peers - with poise, confidence, and comfort. Chris will be remembered by his family and friends for his energy, passion for diverse life experiences, loyalty, and ability to maintain a positive attitude regardless of situation. He truly lived deep and sucked the marrow from life. Chris is survived by his mother Kathy, his father Jerry, his fiancée Margaret Stearns, and a nationwide network of friends. A visitation will be conducted at the Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home from 9am until 8pm on Thursday, July 27 with an opportunity to share memories of Chris from 6pm until 8pm. Graveside military honors will be performed at 10 AM on Friday, July 28 at the Willamette National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be offered to the Mercy Corps, Department W, P.O. Box 2669, Portland, Oregon 97208-2669. Semper Fi! Published in The Oregonian on July 28, 2006 Picture available at http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=christopher-todd-pate&pid=18694006#fbLoggedOut.