Willard Richards Tate's Earthly Graduation Celebration - Funeral Services

Willard Richards Tate & his sweetheart Nadine
24 June 1925 - 28 Sept. 2010

Guest Book created by our mortuary: Independent Funeral of Bountiful - Frank Coons.
They did a marvelous and professional job of taking care of things. We thank them and recommend them to others.


Richard and Janice Tate: Janice writes about dad’s passing(italicized throughout the blog): This week we had a hands on lesson about the Plan of Happiness Heavenly Father has for all of his children. We we at the institute when Richard received word that his 85 year old Father had passed away at the Legacy Alzheimer's Home. We knew his time was near.



His wife, Nadine; son,Steven; and daughter, Linda, were with him when he peacefully passed. His daughter said the Holy Spirit was very strong and one moment he was Willard Tate and the next moment his remains were like a Mannequin. His Spirit was gone.

Mom always by dad's side. She looks on but knows that Dad isn't in that earthly shell that once housed his spirit. Willard has graduated and his spirit is free from disease and old age.


Rebecca's daughter's Jessica and Christie look at the display of memories of their grandpa.
We arrived at the Fairway Ward in Farmington, Utah about 11:00 and found there were a few things we could help with.



Richard's brothers and sisters had done most of the work and everything was beautiful.


Mom was sitting by the casket and so I sat by her and listened to all her memories.


I understand the purpose of a viewing a little more now.


and we had a great time visiting, hugging with a few tears and catching up.


The last two "Tates" (in laws) from the children of Alice & George Tate.




I was so happy to see our children walk in.




Everyone was happy the California Cousins could attend.

1975 born cousins: Michelle, Amy, & Susan.





Nieces and Nephews and





friends of mom & dad from their missions came to honor dad and give loving support to mom.



Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren wearing red came to Grandpa's grand reunion and celebration.










Every one wearing something red, Dad's favorite color.



7 children, 7 spouses, 75 children and their spouses, 65 great grandchildren.





You can imagine the Chapel was packed with Tates. Dad certainly multiplied and replenished the earth.














Grand children and Great Grandchildren sang.


The program was done completely by his children. Son in laws prayed.




His daughter, Linda gave the Eulogy. We learned a few things about Willard that we didn't know.
(Older blog: Willard Richards Tate)


All seven of the children got up and gave a brief memory of their father. What a tribute to his goodness. (Blog "Lessons from Dad" still in the making.)


His Son, Steven, gave the Gospel message and directed it to the Great Grandchildren.
Why following Jesus in this life is so important.



Mom prepared Dad for his final resting prior to the program in the Chapel



All of the Grandsons had on a red carnation
and the eldest grandson from every family was a Pall Bearer and the rest were honorary Pall Bearers.


As the eldest Son, Richard was his Mom's escort and walked with her behind the Casket and led the procession of their posterity.


We traveled to the Salt Lake Cemetery


(Older Blog: Graveside Tribute)

Graveside Tribute & Ceremony

Continuing the words from Janice (italicized) : We traveled to the Salt Lake Cemetery




17 Grandsons served as Pallbearers in honor of their Grandpa Tate.


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Great Grandchildren check out the other family plots. Great Grandma Alice Minerva Tate Robinson and Great Grandpa George Lawrence Tate buried just east of their Grandpa Tate.

Great Granddaughters comfort Grandma.



Cousins gather to honor Grandpa.
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Family Gather for the dedicatory prayer.









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Richard dedicated his Father's Grave



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Presentation of the American Flag because Dad was a World War II Veteran.


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Each of the Daughters and Granddaughters put a long stemmed red rose on their Grandpa's casket.



The sun shined warm and bright on this special day for dad and so it is for Mom with her daughters.


The Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Plan of Happiness makes days like this shine bright with hope and love for the future eternal reunion and life to come.




Family that's what it's all about. Her mom is surrounded by her 7 children, her great Tates.



When we went back to the church the Relief Society was in full swing. They had a luncheon for 100 people. The Elders set up tables and chairs.








The Bishop and Home Teacher were there with plans on how the ward is going to take care of Grandma.



I love being a member of this church. (And this family!)

(Older Blog: Willard Richards Tate's Life Sketch)