Dave Tate Memorial

 

Dave’s first at bat began in Lakewood, WA on July 30, 1955, when he was born to Adron and Faye Tate. Early education began at Tyee Park and Woodbrook, leading to his graduation from Clover Park High School in 1973. Dave would continue his higher education at Fort Steilacoom Community College, Washington State University, and finally Pacific Lutheran University for his MA in 1985. A gifted baseball player, Dave played throughout his educational years, starting in the second grade under the coaching of his father, and ultimately finishing his baseball career playing second base at Fort Steilacoom.

 

Dave’s passion for the sport of baseball continued into a successful coaching career, including a 20-year coaching stint at Rogers High school, leading the Tacoma / Pierce County All Star Baseball team with Tacoma’s sister city in Kitakyushu, Japan, and becoming his son’s little league coach for almost a decade.

 

 

Dave’s love for mentorship and coaching seamlessly transitioned into the classroom, where he was an educator for thousands of young minds during his 35+ year career in the Puyallup School District. Dave’s legendary stories (like bicycling from Washington State to South Dakota) often preceded his unique teaching style (like standing on desks during lectures). Always adorned in a button-up shirt and tie, Dave was known for his disdain of cell phones and his love for journaling, encouraging his students to put down technology and pick up writing, even if only for his one-hour class period.

 

Recognized both in the classroom and on the ball field, Dave’s awards include being selected as the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1992, Pierce County’s Coach of the Year in 1993, and Rogers High School’s Dick Halleen Sports Person of the Year in 2002. Besides his 4th grade championship baseball trophy for Tyee Park, Dave’s most cherished accomplishment by far was winning over the love of his life, Cindy Fabulich, and raising their son together. While Dave would say his irresistible dance moves while chaperoning the Rogers High School homecoming dance were what eventually won Cindy over, most everyone else (including Cindy) would say it was Dave’s compassion for others and love of adventure that truly captured her heart.

 

Dave is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Bradley (Andrea) Tate, brother Phil Tate, nephews Andrew Tate, Gavin Tate, and nieces Julie Tate and Jennifer Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his father, Adron Tate, his mother, Faye Tate, and his brother, Greg Tate.