Bruce Tate has deep roots in Whitefish. The son of Ralph and Helen Tate, he professes to be publicity shy and suggests this article should be about them.

His dad will be remembered as the highly respected principal of the Whitefish school system from 1930 to 1953, and who during that time coached basketball for five years and won five state championships.

His mother, an early volunteer par excellence, was born in Whitefish, the daughter of Casey Jones, a veteran of 49 years as a railroad engineer. She founded the Whitefish Hospital Guild and took part in many community activities.

But, back to Bruce. In 1964, as a sophomore at the University in Missoula, Bruce was seated next to a cute freshman girl named Susan. In 1968, they were married. They now have two children and are excited about the prospect of becoming "double" grandparents this summer.

He and Susan enjoy the amenities of the area — golf, skiing boating, hiking in the park and travel. He hastily adds that when they travel, they don't stay long because they miss Whitefish.

He is active in the community, participating as co-chair of Whitefish Shines, spending many hours on refurbishing and hanging Christmas decorations, volunteering at the Whitefish Credit Union, serving on the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection Committee, and working with the Montana Residents for Fair Taxation committee.

Bruce is best known for, and enjoys most, his role as "a good neighbor." He is acclaimed for his assistance, not only to the aged or infirm, but to anyone else who needs a helping hand. He says, "I have an old pickup, and if a job is too tough for me, I simply call my son, Casey."

Bruce, you are ably carrying on in the Tate tradition. Your helping hand has brought comfort to many and your community appreciates it.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].