In loving memory of
Donald Lamont Tate

• July 24, 1929
• -
• November 23, 2017

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Donald Lamont Tate, 88, of Fort Myers, FL and Annapolis, MD passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017. Don was born July 24, 1929 in Annapolis, MD to the late William James and Mary Lamont Tate, both from Ireland.

Don was the youngest of five children and grew up in Baltimore and Annapolis, MD.  After graduating from Johns Hopkins in 1952 with a BS in Engineering, Don joined the Army and served for two years in Germany.  A talented lacrosse player at Hopkins, Don was a proud member of the 1950 Lacrosse Team, The Greatest Team,” having gone undefeated all four years. Don joined his brother Robert in the family’s manufacturing businesses, Tate Industries, and served as CEO of Tate Architectural Products until 1984. Under Don’s leadership the company became very successful in the development of raised computer flooring systems for companies with recurring change. Tate access flooring systems have been installed all over the world including the Kennedy Space Center and the headquarters of Lloyd’s of London. From a young age in Annapolis Don developed a love of sailing.  Don became a recognized Chesapeake Bay and Ocean Racer.  He and his crew on Cayenne won the Southern Ocean Racing circuit and the Newport to Bermuda Race.  He was a life member of the Annapolis Yacht Club.In his retirement Don had his Concept 80 Yacht designed then built in Taiwan; where he lived for 3 years overseeing its construction.  He then sailed around the world returning Annapolis.

Don leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years, Ann L. Tate, three children; Dorian, Holly Schluederberg (Scott), D. Rogers (Lisa) and step-son Rob Schultz.  Don adored his grandchildren; Katie and Kelly Schluederberg and Tyler Tate. Don and Ann have been living in Gulf Harbour where they enjoyed boating, golf and their many friends.  Don was a founding golf member, a founding President of Shores I and II, a member of the President’s Council, a member of the Security Committee, and Chairman of the Lakes Committee, and a member of the Gulf Harbour Master Association Board.  Don will be remembered for his big heart, his generosity and his passion for life.

A memorial service will be held in Annapolis, MD, at a later time.  Happy Sails My Friend.

Affordable Cremations by Baldwin Brothers,Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.