Dannie Dan Jay Tate

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Dannie Jay Tate who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Dan was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Dan knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.      Dan was born on February 2, 1939 at Long Beach Community Hospital in Long Beach, California. His parents were Jake and Grace (Jane) Tate. Dan was raised in Bellflower, California. Even as a youngster, Dan learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.      As a young boy, Dan was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Dan was raised with one sibling. He had a twin brother, Don. Dan had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Dan, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.      In school, Dan was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Dan was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Dan’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Bellflower High School in 1957. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Leather Class. Car Club and Leather Work.      Dan was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Dan was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Dan came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Richard Spencer and David Spencer. Later in life, he became friends with David Tucker, Julian Sommer, Mark Walker, Ron Wells, Don Tate, Howard Phillips and David K.      An objective and conscientious individual, Dan reveled in the security of his family. On April 3, 1962 Dan exchanged wedding vows with Florence Nightingale Randall at the Church of Christ of Bellflower, California. One of Dan’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.      Dan was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Dan would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Dan was blessed with three children, son - Donald Tate, daughters - Sherie and Terri. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Brittany Olivieri, Jake O'Reilly, Alan O'Reilly, Michael O'Brien, Matthew O'Brien and Christopher O'Brien.      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Dan was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Dan was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Dan upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Machine Operator. He was employed for 39 years with Adohr Farms Dairy. Dan was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”      Dan was an Army Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Army, drafted 1962-1964 France and Germany. Dan saw action for the Berlin Crisis. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of PFC/SP4.      Dan approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Leather Work and collected Model Cars. Dan was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Dan to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Baseball ~ Angels.      Being generous with his time and energy, Dan liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Dan was a member of the Car Club - Esquires.      A civic-minded person, Dan was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Dan was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Lakewood Community. Politically, Dan was Democrat Party. During these years, Dan applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.      Faith was important to Dan. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member Church of Christ for 70 years.      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Dan could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Dan; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included Lakewood Beautification Award.      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Dan used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Dan had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Alaska, Tennesse and Idaho.      Dan was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Dan’s favorites was Kayleen a Boxer. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his birds, rabbits, chicken, goose, ducks and hamsters.      When Dan’s retirement finally arrived in 1997, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Lakewood, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Lakewood City. In many ways, Dan loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.      Dan passed away on November 30, 2009 at Woodruff Convalescent Hospital. CHF and Diabetes. He is survived by his loving wife Gale, his children - Donald, Sherie and Terri, his grandchildren - Brittany, Jake, Alan, Michael, Mathew and Christopher, his great grandchild - Chanelle. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home Chapel. Dan was laid to rest in Sunnyside Cemetery in Long Beach, California.      All who knew him would agree that Dan was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Dannie Jay Tate did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.