George Raymond Tate

George Raymond Tate passed away on August 27, 2018 in the early evening with almost all his family present with him. With mom at his side, his passing was peaceful and serene. Tears followed and then gave way to chuckles and teary laughter as we began to look back with cherished memories of dad.



Dad was a kind, gentle, quiet, low key guy. Dad enjoyed music and was in two dance bands, playing trumpet and bass fiddle. Being very shy, he used comedy to disarm people he met, mom among them. His dancing with mom was legendary. His humor with mom and all the kids will always put a smile on our faces when he is thought of. Kids, grandkids, great and great-great grandkids, brother, nieces, nephews, all. Dad can be seen in everyone! Dad, you were a class act, one of God’s gifts to us all. Thank you, Lord, for giving him to us.



Born December 20, 1932 in Denver, Colorado, George’s family moved to Bozeman when he was in grade school. He met mom at Gallatin County High School, when Margaret Marie Davis moved to Bozeman from Townsend in their junior year. In his senior year, he enlisted in, the Marine Corps, shipping out to Korea in July of 1951. Seriously wounded in a mortar attack, he came back to the states in November 1951, was medically retired and married mom November 16, 1951. From 1952 to 1965, he attended Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, and worked at Montana State Engineering Water Resources division as a Surveyor from May of 1957 to 1959, Montana State Veterans Welfare Commission from 1959 to 1965, and the Bozeman Police Department from March of 1965 to March of 1990, starting as a patrol officer, promoted to Sergeant in July of 1970, and promoted to Captain in March 1974. In May of 1976, dad was promoted to Assistant Chief and in March of 1979, dad had the honor of becoming Chief of Police, retiring March 31, 1990.



Dad was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Aaker and one grandchild, Christopher. Dad is survived by his beloved wife Peggy, brother Don Aaker (Diane), son John (Pamela) of Bozeman, son Jerry (Shelley) of Tennessee, son Chuck (Laurie) of Bozeman, daughter Robin of Bozeman, son Rob (Shari) of Helena, daughter Gail Huls (Dale) of Bozeman and son George of Bozeman, 20 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.