‘A civil servant’: Remembering WABE legal analyst Page Pate
Page Pate, a celebrated Atlanta attorney whose cool, direct demeanor shaped countless stories as WABE’s longtime legal analyst, died this week. He was 55.
On this special edition of “Closer Look,” guests reflect on Pate’s invaluable contributions toward helping the public understand the complexities of legal stories for nearly 15 years on WABE’s airwaves.
“I’m going to miss him,” said Atlanta attorney Gerald Griggs. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to lift him up as an example to lawyers who come behind us that this was what the definition of a civil servant was.”
Pate’s skill as a legal analyst quickly drew the attention of media outlets across Atlanta, leading him to become a regular fixture on area TV and radio, and on national broadcasters like CNN.
“It’s that generosity of spirit that just came across, whatever the medium was,” said Denis O’Hayer, a veteran journalist and WABE host emeritus. “We felt it anytime we were dealing with him in person. It was just fun to be with him.”
Former WABE assistant news director Charles Edwards and All Things Considered host Jim Burress also joined “Closer Look” to share their reflections alongside host Rose Scott.
A memorial service for Page Pate will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick.