Victor B. Pate

Victor B. Pate, 75 of Danville, passed away at 10:45pm on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Provena USMC in Danville. Zic was preceded in death by his mother Vera, and his father, Victor. His wife of 52 years, Patricia survives, along with his daughter Vici Flesher (Greg) of Thomasville, North Carolina, his son Daniel (Crys) and grandson Ian of Orlando Florida, and his son Richard (Rena.) and granddaughter, Alex of Danville. Zic grew up in Danville, and was the "go to alter boy" at St. Patrick's church, since he lived only a few doors away. He also attended St. Patrick's school, and was still friends with the people he met and enjoyed there. Zic attended Schlarman High School, and truly loved playing football and basketball at the school. He was part of the famous 1953 basketball team which finished fourth in the state, and he played football at 145 pounds soaking wet. Zic served in the Army from 1957-59, and worked as a medic. From that point on, that family called him "Dr. Zic." He was on call for all scrapes and bruises, and was also way ahead of his time when it came to diapers and other matters. After the Army, he married the love of his life, Pat. She came to Danville via Winnipeg, Manitoba, in her high school years. They met and fell in love at Schlarman High School, and they lived in Danville their entire lives. Their partnership also included working together on Zic's painting contractor business. Zic ran the jobs and painted, and Pat was the company bookkeeper. Many people in the community know him as "Coach Pate." He volunteered his time at St. Patrick's and later St. Paul's grade schools for 15 years. He was known for his love of the game of basketball, and the countless hours he spent practicing his teams. He always had his trademark towel by his side, and back in the day his critiques of his players and a few referees were legendary. And at times, hilarious. His players still tell stories years later, and they are told with a mixture of humor and admiration for all he did for them. Zic was inducted into the Schlarman Hall of Fame in 1978. He was a tireless volunteer at countless basketball games, and he and his friends Chuck Ahrens, Jack Shea, and John McMillan painted some colorful pictures for referees who dared to mess with the Hilltoppers. He and his crew also worked the chains at Schlarman football games. His love of his school stayed with him his entire life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and had long tenure as Grand Knight. He had countless friends at the Columbus Club, and as a lifelong Cub fan there was a great deal of give and take with the guys at the Club over the Cubs and his beloved Illini basketball team. His hobbies included golf and painting bird houses, yard ornaments, and the like. He and Pat also enjoyed traveling, even taking a trip to England and France. They especially enjoyed visiting Florida and spending time with their grandson Ian. Zic was a doting grandfather, who enjoyed a special relationship with Ian and his granddaughter Alexandra. Alex lives in Danville and she spent many an evening at his side watching movies. They were big fans of the "Harry Potter" series, and they never missed a chance to watch "Christmas Vacation." Pat became his primary caregiver in his final two years. Her tireless work and affection kept him going through a very painful and difficult time. He was also very fond of the "Chemo Nurses" at Carle in Danville, who took wonderful care of him. Zic will be missed by his entire family and all of his friends. His good humor, even in the toughest of times, will live beyond him, along with all of the wonderful memories he created for all of us. He was a tough fighter to the end, and his spirit will always be with us. A Celebration of the Life of Victor B. "Zic" Pate has been scheduled for 11:00am on Monday, December 12, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville with burial to be held at Sunset Memorial Park following the service. Father Greg Nelson has been asked to officiate the service. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-4pm on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Pat and Zic Pate Scholarship Fund" at the DACC Foundation. It helps out students attending DACC, and C.AR.A (Citizens for Animal Rescue and Adoption). Please joins Zic's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life thru his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com