This is the only pic I have of Ted. (I recently found 2 more Here)   I met him in Zihuatanejo on one of my sojourns south of the Border. He had retired from the Military and decided to move to Mexico and write. I was painting and he came over to see what I was up to, and paid me one of the nicest complements I've had as an artist. Basically, he told me that he had seen a lot of "wanna-be" artists hit the beach but I was the only one that "had it". Needless to say I became his friend and visited with him every year I made it to Zia. As it turned out, he was quite accomplished himself. He wrote a weekly column for the English speaking Mexico City Newpaper and honored me by doing an article about my watercolors and included 3 I had painted in Zia in the article. This was the first time my colors had been published, so I shall be forever indebted to Ted for that.

Ted was a great story teller. He amused me and my sweethearts on numerous occasions with tales of local events and stories from his test pilot days. He was the local "Americano" that greeted dignitaries, etc. when they flew into Ixtapa, or made their way to Zihuatenjo. He also published a local favorite: "Wash Gently, Dry Slowly". According to Rick Jacobson, this is out of print and efforts are being made to get it back into circulation.

Unfortunately, Grover "Ted" Tate passed away in May of 1996. I spoke to him shortly before this, after he had moved back to Texas. He was forced to make the move back to the states after his back started giving him major problems. It apparently was injured during his test pilot days. He related that my friend Brenda had dropped by and stayed a few weeks before moving to Hawaii. What a nice present for Ted!

I am not qualified to comment on his Test Pilot Days. One of Ted's published books is "The Lady Who Tamed Pegasus : The Story of Pancho Barnes". You can get it from Amazon or e-Adventure. This is the story of the famous Aviatrix who, during the 40's founded the notorious "Pancho's Happy Bottom Riding Club" based at what is now known as Edwards Airforce Base. This is the bar and restaurant where aviation greats such as Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, and Scott Crossfield would frequent after their legendary flights.
As I watch the movie Hollywood filmed about Poncho, my thoughts often turn toward Ted.   He definitely had the "Right Stuff".
           Click on the pic or Here to view Ted's book cover.

This from the log of the Lone Star Aero Club:
  "He was an old and close friend to many in the group. His work in the aircraft industry goes back to the Martin B-26 and he served as a flight test engineer on everything from B-24s and B-36s all the way through the B-58 and F-111 programs.
  May you always fly with the eagles, Ted."

Ted has slipped the surley bounds and now has seen the face of God. Bless you my friend. I will always remember your friendship and the fine times we had together....