Rupert Eldridge Pate, Jr.
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With courage and grace, Rupert Eldridge Pate, Jr. took the next step on his spiritual journey by welcoming death like an old friend on the afternoon of March 2, 2024. Rupert lived as a gentle and beautiful soul. He understood that we are all truly connected, and that our relationships with all things are sacred, even with beings that might appear to be our enemies. He also loved music and appreciated it as a universal language, and his deep sense of humility and curiosity meant that he never stopped learning or growing. When asked about his favorite kind of music, he would often echo the words of Louis Armstrong, declaring that there were only two kinds: good and bad.
Rupert was born in Augusta, Georgia, on October 2, 1936, to Dorothy “Dot” (née Young) Pate and Rupert E. Pate, Sr. He graduated college from The Citadel, joined the Army, served two tours in the Vietnam War (as well as two years in South Korea), and taught at the Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth before working at Benedictine College, where he was a beloved history professor. He also made his acting debut on the silver screen when he appeared in the 2004 independent film CSA: The Confederate States of America (directed by film professor Kevin Willmott of the University of Kansas). After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering to lead a spiritual study group at the Lansing Correctional Facility as well as meeting with his Lawrence-based veteran friends who had likewise served during the Vietnam War.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Hugh, and nephew Michael. He is survived by his wife, Deb, sister Bernie, brother from our mother Earth Orv, cousins Evelyn, Jim, Lori, and Ken, son Colin, children Rachel, Julia, and Jude and their mother Suzanne, grandchildren Joe, Will, and Evan, niece Elizabeth, and nephews Jared “Rip”, Robert, and John.
The family will host a celebration of life in memory of Rupert at the Cider Gallery in Lawrence Kansas on September 29, 2024.
We are so sad to read of Rupert’s passing. What a huge loss for all of us.
We have such fond memories seeing Rupert running in the neighborhood with his beloved dog.
Rupert always made you feel special, greeting you like a long-lost friend each time he saw you. He was so interested in whatever our family was doing.
Deb and Colin, our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
Love,
Steve and Marcia Riley
I was a history major at BC from ‘98- ‘02. To say Professor Pate was a one of a kind is an understatement. I cried upon learning of his passing. Not for him but for the world that lost another father, of which many a grateful people stand atop the foundation of his legacy. It was a privilege to know you.
Deb and other family,
So sorry to read this. Wishing peace and good memories.
George Pisani
Lawrence
Dear Rupert, I cannot thank you enough for your example of gentleness, desire for learning, and love of history. Whether it was your Southern gentility or just who you were, I always knew you were listening and had a genuine concern.
I remember well the very first class I had with you at Benedictine College. You began by telling the story of how, while stationed at Fort Leavenworth, you met an elderly woman who had been a young girl at the time of the Civil War. You made it clear to us the gift in this, as in sharing her story, we, as your students, were just two generations removed from the pivotal point in our country’s history. It was then I learned the gift and importance of sharing one’s story.
To your family, I offer my prayers. May they continue sharing the incredible beauty of your story.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Rupert was an unforgettable colleague and I cherished each of our conversations. His presence at a gathering changed it into an event, without his even saying a word. He was graciousness personified.