The small, lakeside community of Lake Stevens gathered to remember Cindy Tate, well-known and much loved resident of Lake Stevens.

Hundreds of people gathered at Wyatt Park, also known as Davies Beach, last Tuesday, July 14, to honor the memory of their family member, friend and co-worker.

Luminaries were filled with memories and thoughts and placed on a makeshift raft then carried out into the lake where Tate’s boat capsized only days before.

Tate’s family has been in awe of the support the community has given them in the last week and a half.

“We just don’t know how to survive without the support of the community,” her niece Rachel Baunsgard said. “The outpouring of love from the community is pushing us from one breath to the next. We are so lucky and blessed to have the support of everyone here.”

The raft also carried numerous flowers and Seattle Seahawks balloons, a team which Tate and her husband Brian, were devoted to for over 20 years.

“She was a huge Seahawks fan. They (she and her husband) had season tickets,” Baunsgard said. “When I was young, Aunt Cindy would make us go to their training camps and get autographs. How could they turn down a little kid?”
Tate’s friends remembered her for her passion and drive and her zest for life.

“I had the honor of not only working with Cindy for the past 14 years but being one of her very close friends.  She was passionate about everything she did whether it was her family, friends, work or play,” Julie Lowry said. “Her drive was contagious and she would motivate you to do things you never imagined you could.  If you weren’t her friend you just hadn’t met her yet.”

Tate’s Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 1:30 p.m at the Lake Stevens High School gym.
Tate’s 20-foot Tiger Trax ski boat was pulled from the lake last Wednesday. Lake Stevens Police assisted the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department in the boat recovery. Pierce County Metro Dive Team’s equipment was used in lifting the boat from the lake and carrying it into Davies Beach.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the accident.

Tate’s boat capsized and sank last Saturday night after a wake washed over the boat.

The other nine passengers on the boat were thrown into the lake and picked up by other boaters. Tate’s body was recovered Sunday afternoon after sonar found the boat 50 feet under the water. 

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