David L Tate

Hey Dave, I'll see you soon in Paradise! I met Dave in 1969 when my Dad retired from the Army. We met in late summer of 1969 at the Tillicum youth club and instantly bonded with our love of sports and adventure. Over the next 2 years me, Dave and Tom Schaler grew very close playing in baseball and football leagues, and riding our bikes from Tillicum to Point Defiance and back.

These 2 years are forever tattooed in my memory and heart. In 1971 I went into the Army and lost touch with Dave but never forgot our great times. RIP Dave.

This man, Mr. Tate, left a legacy and impacted generations. As my older brother, Michael McAlister, and I both had him as an English teacher at Rogers High school, 5 years separate we both beam when we talk about Mr. Tate. As an English teacher myself, I see myself doing similar things that he once did and impacted me with as a student. He is a man that saw each person for who they are, challenged everyone, and made time to help. Many prayers upon his family as they navigate this world without his presence but always remember his smile, comfort, many ties, and words of advice. His legacy will remain 💙

Mr. Tate was my favorite teacher at Kalles Jr. High. He was so kind and accepting. When I entered high school, I made it a point to take his class. I still have my composition of my philosophy of life. Heis comments were caring ang inspirational to me. R.I.P. Mr. Tate.

Dave and I knew each other since Tyee Park days. In high school, he and I were double-play teammates - he at 2nd base and I at shortstop. We shared comedic routines to pass the time, because it was funny...and it was! Dave knew my wife, Cynthia, as a flower and created a greeting toward her, "Hyacynth"...then, he'd laugh at this. He was such a crackup, yet deep down...he was very passionate and caring of life. He always wanted the best for others. I will miss him.

Mr. Tate was such a positive influence in my life during my time at Rogers. He was able to grasp and accept people for who they were. I was dealing with ADHD in High School with out knowing why I could not sit and be calm like my fellow students. The tools and education were limited for teachers in the 80s on how to deal with ADHD, we had no meds to speak up. You just fought through and hoped for the best.

Mr.Tate could see I was trying and took the time to ask me what’s up. I said I want to sit still and focus but it was hard.

The next day in class he gave me a racquetball. He said whenever I started to feel anxious, just pull the racquetball out, squeeze it in my hands roll between my hands. Roll it on the desk just don’t bounce it.. Unknowingly he was so ahead of his time and I was able to succeed.

Bless him for being so compassionate, so wise for only being in his third year of teaching.

Many blessings and my condolences to his family

Richard Dessin Class of 89.