David L Tate

Birth date: Jul 30, 1955 Death date: Mar 22, 2023

David Tate took his final trot around life’s bases on March 22, 2023. An inspirational coach, compassionate teacher, and dedicated husband and father, Dave passed at home after a year-long battle with cancer. Dave’s first at bat b Read Obituary

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Mountain View Memorial Park

4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood WA 98499

(253) 948-9895

Dead Space

1w ago

in honor of David.

Mr. Tate was my junior year English instructor and one of my two favorite teachers while at RHS. He was professional, he was friendly, and most importantly, he emphasized through action and feedback the importance of being able to write papers properly. While writing has always been something I excelled at, I have always marked Mr. Tate's instruction and feedback in the 2002-2003 school year as an accelerating force to the quality of my writing then on, through college, and now while working as a technical program manager at Amazon where we write constantly.

Now 41 and the father of a two year-old, I understand the importance of passing down lessons and teachings to make those who come after me better, and Mr. Tate did that for me in his own way. As such, he will always be remembered as a kind man and teacher to me.

Brett Dent,
Graduating class of 2004 at Gov. John R. Rogers High School

A lit white pillar candle with a soft glow beside a delicate white lily with green leaves on a pale beige background.

John Mayfield

159w ago

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.

Susie Farkas

161w ago

in honor of David.

Mr. Tate was my Senior Lit teacher during his first year at Rogers. He was easy to talk to and made the class fun. It was only for a semester but it's been in my memory all these years. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.

A large, lit white candle with a subtle wax drip on a beige background, accompanied by a white and pink paper flower on the right side.

Meghan May (Mcalister)

162w ago

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 💙

Brenda Craig

162w ago

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.

Kellie "Jensen" Mcalpine

162w ago

in honor of David.

Buddy Bear

162w ago

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.

Brenda Loomis

163w ago

Dave your love of baseball and education was a true calling from god your gifts blessed our world the best neighbor I could of had as well prayers to family let your light shine bright my friend
Brenda

Tina Glaspey

163w ago

Mr Tate inspired me to skydive but I was never able to thank him for it. I wish I had the words to convey what a fantastic teach he was, and how much he was a force of positive in this world.

Tina Sidorski, Rogers Class of '86

Richard Dessin

163w ago

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.

CARED FOR BY

Mountain View Memorial Park

4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood WA 98499

(253) 948-9895

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