Tate James Begger, known better to family and friends as Taterbug, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May of 2008.  He earned his wings on July 8, 2009, following complications from cancer treatment. He lived in Glendive, Montana, and was born 7 years ago on April 23, 2002.
 
Tate’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His brimming smile could melt the hearts of those around him and his wit created rooms full of laughter. Although chemotherapy made Taterbug appear frail, he possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With his courage, he led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
 
Tate enjoyed being outdoors where he played with friends, rode his bike, dug in the sandbox, and enjoyed a game of baseball. When the weather was chilly, Tate could be found inside enjoying his toy tractors and trucks, playing with his Transformers and Legos, or playing board games, including his favorite game, Sorry. He was blessed with a gifted mind, teaching himself to read and challenging his brain with various puzzles. Tate, or his self-labeled magician persona of “Tate the Great,” enjoyed impressing friends and family members with his tricks.
 
Tate was also an avid sports fan. His favorite teams included the Boston Red Sox, the Denver Nuggets, and his favorite sports team, the Dallas Cowboys. He also attended numerous Wibaux Longhorns sporting events and could be described as the Longhorn’s biggest fan.
 
Tate was blessed with a very special family who provided unending support and love. With his dad, Tate loved to spend weekends having a campfire, fishing, watching football, and playing pool. Tate treasured numerous hours with his mom, sharing knock-knock jokes, reading books with her, and making his favorite no-bake cookies. Tate’s sisters, Makenna and Abby, were his best friends, but that never stopped him from bugging them.
 
Tate also dearly loved two very special sets of grandparents. Whether it was visiting Grandpa and Grandma Begger on their Wibaux Ranch or staying overnight and making pancakes with Grandpa and Grandma Peterson in Glendive, Tate cherished the time he spent with each of them.
 
There is a special place in our hearts for Tate’s nurses and doctors for their continual dedication, love and support. He will be dearly missed by all his special caregivers at both the Glendive Medical Center and the Denver Children’s Hospital. They will smile when remembering Tate and his creepy crawlers and rubber snakes, silly string, and whoopee cushion that awaited any whom dare enter his room.
 
Tate was an inspiration to the better parts and perspectives of those around him.  A gift really – serving a great purpose simply through the mix of his innocence and misfortune.  At the end of anyone’s life, are they most happy for what they got for themselves, or what they meant to the world.  Looking at it that way, Tate lived a beautiful life…and all of us are receiving inspiration along with our sadness, therefore giving even more meaning and impact to Tate’s life.

Written by Amy Peterson, Tate’s Aunt
07/09