Tributes have been paid to a ‘much loved’ RNLI crew member, who has sadly died. Matt Gration was remembered as and “extremely thoughtful and a great person to have a one-to-one conversation with.”

A tribute released by RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station yesterday (Thursday) said: “As a station, we are extremely sad to tell you that we lost one of our much loved crew members last Friday

“Matt Gration, who was a dedicated member of our shore crew, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, March 27th.

“Matt had been with us since 2024, and in those two years he had rooted himself firmly in our crew family.” Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now

“He was extremely dedicated, keen, and would turn up for training sessions and shouts with an eagerness to learn, and this showed when he passed out as shore crew and as a volunteer RNLI tractor driver, and then as Head Launcher, back in November last year.

“As well as his own training, he was always ready to help others with their training too – a team player in every way. He was extremely thoughtful and a great person to have a one-to-one conversation with, whether it was talking about his passion for motorbikes, his love of the outdoors, his fiancé Susie, his dogs, or pretty much anything else – it was always a pleasure spending time with him.

“Matt also threw himself into fundraising activities, and was always keen to get involved in whatever was happening. He was one of the dozen or so crew members who climbed Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon last May to raise funds for the RNLI. He even brought his beloved dogs Daisy and Dora with him!

“And only a few weeks ago, we were all out on a bowling night at RAF Valley, and Matt had a great time with us all.

“Matt’s team spirit and kindness shone through, and we can’t quite comprehend his loss. We are sending all our love to Susie, and all of his family, friends and work colleagues at this sad time. Our station flag is flying at half mast as a mark of respect.

“Sadly, a total of four RNLI volunteers passed away within a few days, and so all RNLI stations in the region have their flags at half mast, in tribute.”

Coxswain, Mark Wade, speaking on behalf of the lifeboat station, summed up Matt perfectly. He said: “Since his first day walking into the station, with his desire to volunteer and be part of the crew, Matt was always committed – achieving everything along his shore crew path, supporting events and visits, and making every call and training exercise he possibly could.

“An absolute gentle soul. Fair winds and following seas, Matt. You will be unbelievably missed, our friend.”

Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox