George Lawrence Poate

George Lawrence Poate, 67, passed away on May 23, 2019, in Salt Lake City, UT, from COPD, complicated by a recent fall.

He was born November 17, 1951, to Lawrence C. Poate and Effie A. Gunderson Poate. Graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1970. Following graduation from high school, he served his Country, in the Utah National Guard 625th MP Company. On June 1, 1974, he married Shirley Coon in Salt Lake City, UT and passed just eight days short of their 45th anniversary.

He began his almost 50-year career in construction in 1969 while still in high school and became a Licensed General Contractor in 1973. He worked as a Superintendent for Weyher/Weyher Brothers Construction Company for 23 years before starting his own company. He owned and operated George L. Poate Construction Inc. from 1997 until his health declined. George was regarded as a highly skilled craftsman, known for his quality and reliability and was well respected by his many loyal clients. He worked consistently with a small and dedicated group of sub-contractors and suppliers and was especially proud to work side by side with his son for many of those years.

George was a Life Member and Past Master of Salt Lake Lodge No.17 (formally Acacia Lodge No.17), Past Illustrious Master, Daly Council No. 5, Cryptic Masons, Past High Priest, Ontario Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons, Past Commander, Malta Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar, and was a recipient of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor (KYCH) from the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States of America. He was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of El Kalah Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters. George was a Past Patron of Mizpah Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star and belonged to Gyro International. Through these various organizations and groups, he enjoyed many wonderful associations and lifelong friendships.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Poate, daughter Alicia Bryie (Adam), son G. Daniel Poate (Metra), grandsons Jack and Andrew, granddaughter Persephone, sister Rolayne Fairclough (John), brother Chris Poate (Carole), niece Tanya (Allan) and nephew Chad (Amanda). He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Arthur Fairclough.

Memorial and Masonic services will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple, 650 East South Temple, followed by a light meal at noon; all are invited to attend. There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends from 3:00 pm – 5:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice.