WebWalker's Blog

Memorial Day has always held special meaning for me, and this year it means even more, with my father now buried in a National Memorial Cemetery honoring veterans. Loni and David joined Jimmy and me in attending the early morning service at the Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery after we visited our father's gravesite there. It was a very moving service, punctuated by WWII vintage airplanes flying overhead and then performing the "missing man" formation, presentations of wreaths of flowers by many to honor our national heroes, and it concluded with a rifle volley by the Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard. The sharp sound of the shots once again rang through my heart like red-hot fire. The view of the cemetery was amazing; volunteers had placed an American flag at every single headstone. At one point the wind picked up and it seemed every one of those little flags was flying at attention. To every veteran who has served this great country, I say "Thank you." And reg...

Several have asked for highlights from the Celebration of Dad's life, especially since the video did not turn out well. Here is the speech that Robin gave at Allen Funeral Home in honor of our father, Thomas Tate, on April 26, 2006: Each of us here today has had some kind of relationship with Tom Tate. I would like to offer the collective views of my father from the perspective of his children and grandchildren. Our father was an extraordinary man. He was a principled, gentle man of intelligence and dignity. He was also a man of many talents, abilities, and interests. At his core, there seemed to be a strong sense of curiosity. People who knew him almost always describe him as a studious man—quiet, learned, reflective, thoughtful. He believed there was nothing in the world that couldn’t be learned by consulting a library. If you wanted to know how to ride a horse, start with the library. If you wanted to know how to build a printing press, you could probably find it in the library....

Auntie, I know nothing I say can take the pain from your heart right now. But I do want you to know some things. Whenever I think of relationships, I compare them to you and Uncle Tommy. You had the kind of marriage the rest of us can only hope for. The last time I saw you both, you still looked like young kids in love. Most people will never find the "one" or great love of their life. You both did -- I have such fond memories of you both. You are in my prayers. Love from a nephew who still thinks you are grand, Rick

We buried Daddy on the 26th of April, nearly three weeks ago. I apologize for not keeping the extended family up to date during this time, but I simply could not write. I sat here day after day trying, and could not, possibly because writing about it confirms that it really happened, and that is still difficult for me to accept. I will try again now, because of the many phone calls and emails giving such beautiful tribute to a long and well-lived Life journey. These stories deserve to be shared. But first I must tell of that day, the 26th of April: The gathering to celebrate Dad's life was moving and beautiful. Robin and Sherry choreographed most of it, and the tributes reminisced upon a life full of adventure and honor. David (Tate) put together a wonderful photographic scrapbook showing some of the highlights of Dad's life, with some of his favorite music - Dixieland jazz - playing in the background. Letters from loved ones in Israel who could not be here in person were read....