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Ronald Lloyd Nate lived 88 rich, full years for a life marked by hard work, deep love, and joyful adventure. Born on July 28, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lloyd Arthur Nate and Della Marie Peery, Ron grew up on Harvard Avenue, with his sister Lynda Nate Staker, in Salt Lake City with a strong sense of duty, resilience, and family loyalty that shaped everything he did.
A proud graduate of South High School’s class of 1955, Ron served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1955 to 1962. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Carolyn “Carrie” Renee Garrett. Together they raised four children: Lezlie T. Fitts (Roland), Shauna Nate Johnson (Joel), Ronald M. Nate (Maria), and Darren M. Nate (Amy). He was a devoted husband, a steady father, and a playful, deeply loved grandfather to ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Ron had a remarkable work ethic and wore many hats throughout his life. He started at Union Pacific Railroad in 1956, eventually becoming Electrician Foreman. In the evenings, he worked as a taxicab driver and even served part-time as a police officer in the late 1960s. In 1979, Ron and Carrie took a leap of faith and opened a Big O Tires store in Ontario, Oregon. They later returned to Utah, where Ron owned the Provo Big O Tires store for over a decade, where Ron loved and supported BYU football. Ron and Carrie built and sold a series of successful businesses.
In 1998, Ron, Carrie, and their children were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ron served as Assistant Ward Clerk, Ward Missionary, and alongside Carrie in the Church’s Conference Center Security Service, it was service they both treasured.
Ron loved the outdoors and the open road. He and Carrie made memories on road trips, cruises, and excursions to Southern Utah. They camped with their kids, boated on Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell, and even owned houseboats for a time. Weekend drives to Tibble Fork were a favorite.
An early riser with a ready smile and sparkling blue eyes, Ron was steady, cheerful, and always willing to help. He rarely complained, loved a good project, and found deep satisfaction in the simple things—family dinners, a clean garage, a well-fought boxing match, or a Saturday spent tinkering with tools.
Ron’s legacy is one of grit, faith, love, and laughter. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered; everyone who knew him, loved him. The family would like to thank Crescent Senior Living Memory Care and Canyons Hospice for their incredible care.
Guestbook/Condolences
Kelly and I met while working at the Big O Tire store in Provo. Ron was our boss. He never felt like a boss to us. He was a jokester and always teasing others. He treated us fairly and became like a father figure to us. He would tease me about Kelly and giggle as he walked away. I wish I could give him one more big hug and tell him thank you for all the advice, talks and fun times. He will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff and Lynn
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It was such an honor to care for Ronald and his beautiful wife, Carrie. I’ll never forget the kindness and love they shared. I feel lucky to have known them both.
When I was a student at BYU, perhaps as many as 50 years ago, I had car trouble near the BigO tire store in Provo. I was stranded and remember walking into the shop and being greeted by a jovial man who immediately offered assistance and, after helping me, would not accept payment. I'm sure at the time I had very little to give him but a smile. His kindness and obvious good nature left such an impression on me that over 30 years later, after my wife and I moved into his ward, I was talking with Ron when I recognized that same jovial, good-natured kindness and remembered him. His example of kindness to me and to his sweet wife Carrie will always be treasured memories!
We have a lot of great memories with Ron and Cari. We enjoyed being neighbors in Highland when we lived across the street. Ronnie was always up for a good time. We have great memories of a Viking cruise from Budapest to Germany. We also had great times eating out and going to the Hale Theater together. Steve and Ron were home teaching companions and the Bishops daughter couldn't get over Ronnie's big blue eyes. We will always remember our good times together.
So sorry.