Donald Robert Pate
It is with heavy hearts that the Pate Family announces the passing of our husband, Father and Grandfather, Donald Robert Pate, on January 28th, 2024 after a brief illness.
One word to describe Don is “unforgettable.”
Don was born to loving parents, Walter and Nell Pate in Omaha, Nebraska on March 24, 1924. Don was a gentleman of the Greatest Generation. He was a true original. Blessed with a great sense of humor, Don was a self-made business entrepreneur who had innumerable friends, acquaintances and business colleagues throughout his 99 years. He grew up in Turlock, California. He was a fine athlete, excelling in basketball, track, tennis and baseball.
On December 7, 1941, he and a friend were at the local movie house when the movie was stopped and the announcement was made that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. Don joined the United States Navy after high school and went to Officer’s Candidate School at Colorado College, then Oberlin, The University of Pennsylvania. He was a pitcher for the Penn baseball team until he was called to active duty. He served on a PT boat in the North Sea. He enjoyed the USO in Atlantic City and New York. He loved big band performances like Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Count Basie. His favorite performer was Lena Horne.
After the war, jobs were scarce. He took a job at a funeral home and went through Mortuary College, and also got his insurance license. He worked in the insurance industry and invested in real estate, building and fixing properties and selling.
It was his move to Santa Barbara, California where Don learned to play golf, which would become a favorite pastime. He joined Montecito Country Club in 1963 and served as President of the club for several years. He purchased a home in Montecito just behind the club and that’s where his sons, John and Steve, learned the game and have each played competitive golf at a high level ever since. John is an accomplished amateur, playing in 21 USGA tournaments. Steve played on the PGA Tour and is a two-time Ryder Cup participant representing the United States. Steve now plays on the Champions Tour and enjoys the golf course design business. Don’s eldest son, Michael, is a retired businessman who owned a tile and hardwood floor business, whose greatest joy is from giving back to his community through service in the home building industry, and Don’s daughter, Patricia, is an accomplished professional singer with the voice of an angel.
Don found his place when he and his wife, Noreen (Allin) Pate, the love of his life, moved to the Santa Ynez Valley. They had a great life and enjoyed owning their ranch for over 40 years. There was always a dog in their lives and several cats along with their beloved Donkeys, horses, goats and sheep. Don also joined The Alisal early on as one of the first members. Don was a lifelong Detroit Tiger’s fan. He even let his sons stay home from school in 1968 to watch the World Series Tigers and Cardinals games.
Don had so many really good friends, more friends than most people have in a lifetime. His best friend was Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. Efrem spoke eloquently about their true and steadfast friendship at Don’s 90th birthday celebration at The Alisal. Efrem’s daughter, Stephanie Zimbalist, has been a supportive and loving friend for many years. We appreciate the love she has always shown our family.
Don was predeceased by his parents. Brother in law, Buddy Allin, sister in law, Janet Allin.
Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Noreen (Allin) Pate. His sons Michael Pate, John Pate (Susan), Steve Pate (Sheri) and daughter Patricia Pate. Grandchildren Christopher Pate, Gregory Pate, Debbie Pate, Steven Pate, Nicole (Morgan) Roth, Sarah Pate, Matthew Pate, and Taylor Pate. And, many Great Grandchildren. His brother-in-law Kelly (Kelly) Allin, nieces Katie, Elise, Marissa and Rachel Allin, and nephew David Rucker. Nephew, Aaron and wife Ericka, with daughter Ivy Allin have made the last many years so very special, in so many ways, and our family is eternally grateful for your love and constant care.
Of all the accomplishments in Don’s long life, he was most proud of the family he and Noreen built together. A testament to a life well lived.
We look forward to the day when we meet again, can play another round of golf, a game of Cribbage and smoke a fine cigar. Our love is everlasting.
A grateful “thank you” to Dr. Gus Dascanio for Don’s fine medical care and for giving our family loving support.
Loper Funeral Chapel Directors