The obit for Thomas Arthur Pate recently published in the San Jose (CA) Mercury News follows. The reference to the surname HARR in the Denver CO area cause me to think that his line in from Kinchen Pate out of Sussex-Southampton Co VA and Williamson Co TN Joel Tom Pate Feb. 26, 1931 - October 21, 2005 Thomas Arthur Pate was born in Denver, Colorado to Dr. Charles E. Pate and Isabelle M. (Cook) Pate. He was the only and youngest brother of Margaret, Doris and Anne. He graduated from South High School in 1949 and Denver University in 1955. Tom joined the Air Force National Guard in 1951 and served with the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. Tom completed his master's degree in education at San Jose State University. Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Dorene Gentzler, in 1953. Together they had five children. His career in education began at Smiley Jr. High School in Denver in 1955, on the day his daughter Laura was born. In 1961 Tom accepted a job in Cupertino, California with the Fremont Union High School District where he stayed for 39 years. During his tenure he was considered an excellent history teacher, counselor and an outstanding high school administrator. He was loved by the students, parents, and teachers. He was considered a new type of dean. He was interested in not being an adversary to students who were in trouble. His creative ability made it possible for him to be a fair disciplinarian with a focus on treating every student with respect. Known for his beautiful singing voice, Tom entertained numerous gatherings with his guitar and family folk songs. He sang with his family, The South High Choir, with a quartet in the service, and finally with the ORCA singers in Brookings, Oregon. Tom was leading his family in song the day before he died. After Tom's retirement in 1994, he relocated to Brookings, Oregon. Here he enjoyed walking his dogs on the beach, going on nature hikes with his dear friend Veva and taking family and friends on the jet boats that went up the Rogue River. Tom had an avid curiosity and loved to read extensively on a broad range of subjects. He especially enjoyed reading about local indigenous people and the history and mythology of world religions. Tom was a champion to his family. He is survived by his sister Ann Stonner of Tipton Missouri, his son and daughter-in-law Chuck and Sandy Pate of Portland, Oregon, daughter Laura Pate Feeter of Keene, New Hampshire, Lynda Pate and husband Mike Hamm, Lee Pate Robbins and husband Gary and Louisa Pate-Baum and husband Rich, all of Santa Cruz County, California. He is also survived by ten adoring grandchildren and twelve nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Stonner and Doris Harr and also by his beloved niece, Sally Harr Tague. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church 401 Fir Street Brookings, Oregon at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12. In lieu of flowers please donate to any SPCA, or Hopewell House Hospice of Portland, Or. 6171 SW Capitol Highway Portland, Oregon 97201 Phone: 503-244-7890. Published in the San Jose Mercury News on 10/30/2005.