Leon Henry Tate

Leon Henry “Lee” Tate lived a life defined by humor, resilience, and a spirit many described as that of “one of Nature’s Noblemen.” A true gentleman and a scholar, his 93-year journey took him from the coast of California to the streets of Chicago. Lee passed away peacefully at home in Park Ridge, surrounded by the family he adored.

Lee’s early years were peripatetic, moving over 15 times before graduating from Salinas Union High School in 1950. He worked from age nine at jobs as varied as setting up bowling pins, fighting forest fires, working on the railroad, picking almonds and lettuce, and early entrepreneurial ventures. Despite a chaotic childhood he found escape through books, and connection through theater and radio; singing in a popular barbershop quartet; and sports, lettering in football.

After being crowned Harvest King, Lee crossed paths with the Harvest Queen, Mary Ann, on the steps of the Salinas Post Office. It was there he finally found the courage to ask her out, in a meeting that sparked a 73-year loving marriage that was the envy of so many. Lee would want everyone to know that he was the luckiest man on earth that Mary Ann agreed to marry him, and he sang her praises to all who would listen.

Lee served in the Navy during the Korean War before attending UC Berkeley on the GI Bill at the urging of Mary Ann. His professional career was as dynamic as his personality. During his tenure as a marketing and product manager with U.S. Gypsum (USG), Lee’s portfolio included iconic projects like the construction of the World Trade Center and the unique challenge of teaching rocket scientists at Cape Canaveral how to properly use screws (true stories!).

He eventually rose to become Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kinkead Industries before he and Mary Ann launched their own business, Lee Tate Sales, Inc. A natural connector, Lee was in his element on trade show floors, kibbitzing with reps and customers alike. To share his vast expertise, he authored a guide for his industry, How to be a Manufacturer’s Agent: Get as rich as you are good.

In 1964, following the loss of their son, Brad, a transfer to Chicago turned into a permanent home where Lee and Mary Ann raised their family. Lee took great pride in having roots in both California and the Midwest, frequently traveling back to Salinas and San Francisco to stay close to friends and family.

A lifelong learner of expansive interests and a world traveler, Lee was as comfortable in an art gallery as he was in a smoky blues club. He was an avid theatergoer and a voracious reader who loved visiting museums and painting his own works; yet, he was equally famous for taking his grandchildren 'trinken und tanzen' in the heart of Chicago. He delighted in reading poetry aloud, often using the grisly verses of The Cremation of Sam McGee to both entertain and playfully shock his grandchildren. Though not traditionally religious, Lee’s devotion to family led him to become a minister of Dudeism in his eighties (ordained by The Church of the Latter-Day Dude) simply so he could officiate the wedding of his granddaughter with his signature wit and style. Some of his many adventures are described in his memoir, Thoughts While Shaving, a wonderful chronicle of a life truly well-lived.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Sheila Theresa Burke Tate, and their three children: Kathy Tate-Bradish, Kim Warzecha, and Mike Tate. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren: Jessy, Tiffany, Julie, Matthew, Becky, Chris, Daniel, Ellyse, and Emily, and seven great-grandchildren: Logan, Erik, Evan, Violet, Ethan, Miguel, and Gael, as well as his beloved nieces and nephews.

A community-focused leader at heart, Lee stayed active after his retirement as an ESL tutor at the Des Plaines Library, and third-grade volunteer at North Elementary School. His business card offered a simple, enduring piece of advice to “Let someone in your lane today.” He will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him for his sharp humor, keen intelligence, and vibrant, engaged spirit. A life well lived by a man well loved.

The family would like to thank our Advocate Hospice team for their professionalism and loving care.

Celebrations of life will be held in Park Ridge, IL and Salinas, CA at later dates.