Andre Tate

Our loved one and cherished friend, Andre Tate, was born November 6, 1958 in Los Angeles, California to Ruby Henry (neé Tate) and Robert "Bob" Tate, Jr. (deceased 1992). Born the middle child between Rene and Eric, this joyful, happy young man was raised in Pasadena, graduating from John Muir High School in 1976 where he was crowned homecoming king. After graduation, he decided to dedicate his life to service. He joined the United States Air Force for four years, and then moved on to a career in law enforcement that spanned 30 years. Andre began his service to the citizens of California with the California Highway Patrol in 1982 - 1988, continued with the Department of Justice in 1988 - 1997, and then became a member of the California Department of Corrections of Internal Affairs as a Supervising Special Agent. He also later furthered his education by completing his BA in Criminal Justice at the University of LaVerne.

Andre, known affectionately as Dre, enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid lover of sports. He was regularly involved in various athletic activities, including local and long distance cycling and running, and completed the Los Angeles Marathon three times. He especially loved his childhood sport of motocrossing, and until the age of 48 was racing, placing and even winning in the senior divisions of various competitions. He also loved music--especially Jazz--and was an accomplished bass guitar player.

Andre was a good man of honor, class and integrity that touched everyone he met with his infectious sense of humor and huge smile. He was cool, charming, smart and witty, with a big heart and warm spirit. He adored his family and was their protector, even extending that love to his co-workers, who became his extended family. His friends and family were so proud of Andre when he joined Internal Affairs, where he often worked undercover that he would have to often remind them to stop telling people! He didn't want them to "blow his cover," but those closest to him couldn't help but burst with joy and pride and constantly supported his numerous accomplishments.

In 2008, Andre reconnected with the love of his life, Lisa Mahler, forming a new wealth of family, friendship and love. The love that they shared could be felt by all that knew them and were married on September 8, 2012, in a loving, intimate ceremony, celebrating their special union.

Andre leaves behind his loving memory on earth through his loving, doting and devoted wife and best friend, Lisa Tate, mother Ruby Andrews, sister Rene (Tate) Richard and husband Billy Richard, Jr., and their children Remar, Alyssa, Lauren and Jordann, brother Eric Lewis, half brother Andre D. Tate and daughter Dominique, half sister Fondte' Tate-Kelley, in-laws Belton and Theda Hogue, Leon and Ada Mahler, sister in law, Andrea Lewin, and Dave Cavasino, brother in law Eric Mahler, and a multitude of extended family and friends who dearly loved and adored him.

Andre was preceded in death by his father in 1992 and older brother Mac Felix Tate in 1952.

His heroic life accomplishments and all that he shared with those fortunate enough to have known him, will live on in our hearts forever. You are and will always be a hero.