Brian Pate

Brian Arthur Pate passed from this life September 30, 2026, peacefully at his Happy Place Home on Big Bass Lake, Crown Point, Indiana.

Born in Elgin, Illinois on March 24, 1947, to the late Bonnielee A. Pate and David F. Pate Sr., Brian attended St. Walters Grade School, Lake Park High School, and Northern Illinois University while serving the Air National Guard from 1969 through his retirement in 2006 as Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in the service with the 217th Division of the National Guard, his unit was instrumental in setting up communication towers and structures in Greenland, Iceland, Croatia, Germany and England, as well as all across the Nation.

On May 20, 2026, Brian was chosen to attend The Honor Flight to Washington DC. He flew with his daughter Kim, along with fellow veterans for a day commemorating their service to our country. As former Post Commander at American Legion Post 57 Bartlett, Illinois, Brian was instrumental in coordinating the building and completion of the Bartlett Veterans Memorial.

Brian was a principal in Dave Pate and Sons Construction Co. for decades, working alongside family, earning the respect of co-workers and clients alike. Dave Pate and Sons provided the foundation repair for the Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project in the city of Chicago, shoring and installing a new basement at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park Illinois and was a highly regarded contractor in the Northern Illinois and Indiana region since 1946.

A lover of red meat, salt, grilling, reading newspapers (yes, the actual paper), his yellow Corvette, being captain of his Pontoon Boat and Golf Cart (Wear the seat belts, guys!), steam shows, car shows, flea markets, camping, collecting antique tools, car parts. enjoyed sweet corn, family gatherings, taking a dip after a hot workday in construction and making sure everyone felt comfortable and at ease at his home.

Brian also loved the Cubs and Bears, always hoping each would go all the way!

Brian was a devoted Papa to his grandchildren and now great grands, following all the volleyball games and church events at Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church, as well as Purdue Basketball in the winter, Kim's Alma Mater.

Brian lived unconditionally dedicated to his family, to his partner, Laura and was steadfastly true to his friends. He led by example, loved getting up early and hitting the road - to say he was one in a million would not be an exaggeration.

We would be remiss if we did not mention his closest friend, Peaches the Cat, ever devoted, she and Brian enjoyed sunsets, birdwatching at the lake, historical documentaries and a good long nap.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Peter) Hermann and Kimberly (Nicholas) Godden. His grandchildren; Macy (Mitchell) Buehler, Alexis (Tristen) Richards, Hannah and Amelia Godden and his great grandchildren, Wrenlee, Opal, Arnold and Revan, as well as the love of his life, Laura Rodriguez. His siblings, Adrienne Varvil, April Pate (Mike Judy) and Lowell Pate (Tracey Hoy) along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death, his parents, his brothers David Lee and Lauren Pate, and his sister Michelle Lusader.

In lieu of flowers, please considering donating to

Honor Flight Chicago

9701 W. Higgins Ste 310

Rosemont, IL 60018

www.honorflightchicago.org