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Tates, Donald W.
Fairport, NY. Cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, born to Roy and Bessie (Dawson) Tates in Lancaster, NY on July 12, 1933, passed away peacefully February 13, 2020 with his wife of 63 years by his side.
He will be greatly missed by all but especially by his wife Violet (Helwig) Tates, their children; Kathleen (Christopher) Chambers, James (Kelly) Tates, Lisa (James) Unkel, Lynn (Daniel) Harrington, David (Michelle) Tates; their nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Don proudly served our country in Korea, where he road shotgun on the train and honed his cooking skills working in the mess hall. Don returned from Korea and married the love of his life, Violet, in 1956. They moved to Rochester, NY in 1962 when Don accepted a mechanical engineering position at a new upstart company named Xerox. After 30+ years, several successful patents and the creation of several lifelong friendships, Don decided it was time to retire and enjoy more time with his wife, his family, friends, designing and building in his workshop, traveling and nurture his rose bushes.
Family and friends were always foremost in Don’s mind and if someone needed him he was there without question. His dedication and love was apparent in all he did. He enjoyed the Sunday drives to Lancaster to visit his and Vi’s parents; joking around with his brother in-laws; family trips down south to the visit his brother; visiting each of his children and figuring out what they needed to have built or fixed at their respective houses; babysitting and playing with the grandchildren; family vacations to the Outer Banks; Snow-birding with friends in Sarasota, FL; Bed and Breakfast trips around the state; his Three Putts Xerox Retiree Golf Group and spending time with his “Circle” family.
Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 70’s and faced the disease with the same determination he always did in life. He fought with dignity, perseverance and above all that quirky, sometimes funny, that you have to be an insider to understand humor, but we all got it…..that’s why you would commonly hear “it’s ok, you wouldn’t understand, its Tates humor.”
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org/nynj or by mail at: Parkinsons Foundation, Attn: Papa D’s Squad, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620 or honoring his memory by planting a rose bush. The celebration of Don’s life will be held on Monday, February 24th at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. Calling hours will held from 9:30AM – 11AM, with a Mass beginning at 11AM.
Comments
6 responses to “Tates, Donald W.”
Growing up as a child in the “Circle” family with annual turkey bowl football games, picnics, pool parties, and numerous additional parental eyes that today I so appreciate, I am humbled to have been so influenced by such a wonderful man.
My deepest condolences to the Tates family, and wish I could be there to celebrate a life lived to its fullest. Rest In Peace Mr. Tates.
Don was a wonderfull guy, peaceful, pleasant and with a great sense of humor. He was a pleasure to socialize with and appreciative of the ordinary things of everyday life. We will all miss him greatly. Rest in peace Don!
Dear Vi an Family, we are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending prayers and love and thinking of the many years of Gentian Way and St. John of Rochester memories. It was so nice that we met up at the Fairport Landing a few years ago for a mini neighborhood reunion. You are all in our prayers.
Thirty three years next.door neighbors Many more times golf buddies. Happy memories of our three day golf outings at Byrncliff with our wives, even caught in a torrential downpour. We will do it again one day and we will all hit the ball straight just like you always did, Don. I love you,man
It is with great sorrow hearing of Uncle Don’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Dear Vi and family, Don is finally at peace but will be sorely missed. Wonderful memories will help to sustain all those who knew and loved him. We were blessed to have him in our lives.