A prayer service for 86-year old retired long-time Chadron State College professor and administrator Thomas “Pat” Colgate will be held Sat, April 1, 2023 at 1:00 at Roney Funeral Home in Grafton MA.
All are welcome to gather with Pat’s family and friends.
The service will be followed by calling hours from 1:30-3:00, also at Roney Funeral Home.
Burial next to his son Gary in Naples, FL, will be held at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you honor Pat with a donation to the Thomas P Colgate Physical Education Scholarship, c/o Chadron State Foundation, 1000 Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337.
A Book of Memories to share a favorite story or memory is available online at roneyfuneralhome.com
Thomas P “Pat” Colgate was born March 9, 1937, in Canon City, CO, son of the late Mary (O’Hanlon) and Robert Colgate. He passed away March 19, 2023 at Advinia Care in Northbridge, MA, following an illness.
Pat obtained his PhD in Education and his students (and many friends) referred to him as “Doc”. His roots were in Colorado, but his long and distinguished career in higher education eventually led him to Nebraska, and more specifically, Chadron State College.
Doc was a Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Athletic Chair and eventually Dean at CSC, a career that spanned more than three decades from 1965 to 2002, when he retired after impacting the lives and paths of thousands of students, faculty, and colleagues for so many years.
Away from his work, Pat was easy to find on the golf course, at the card table with friends, spending time whittling as he was a skilled wood carver, and, of course, raising a glass of chardonnay with the people he loved.
Pat is survived by his children Ken Colgate and his wife Kristy of Grafton, MA; Bill Colgate of Sarasota, FL; and Bob Colgate and his fiancée Sarah Wong of Carmel, IN; grandchildren Samantha, Michael and Millie Colgate, Jamie Brichner, and Taylor and Morgan Colgate, and great-grandson Grayson Brichner
He also leaves behind his brothers John Colgate and wife Liz; Jerry Colgate and wife Carol; and Paul Colgate and wife Patty; sister Grace Williams; former wife Jodi (Lauer) Colgate; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Curtis, several nieces and nephews, and his dear friends Margaret Crouse and Jay Eliason.
Pat was predeceased by his son Gary Colgate and sister Susie Hill.
Roney Funeral Home of Grafton, MA, is in charge of arrangements for Pat “Doc” Colgate.
Great Man and a wonderful person.