Early Sunday morning I (Michele) got a call from my sister Tammy, she was calling me to tell me that my dad was gone. I'll never forget the sound of her voice when I picked up the phone. He died of a massive heart attack that Sunday morning and that Sunday my brother, sister and I lost a part of hearts. He was a great man.
He is survived by his four children, and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents Harry Gates and Jane Gates. More info about his family on the Legacy Page. 
My dad loved to cook! He was most famous for his guamanian chicken, he got the recipe while he was in the Navy. He also could make a mean chicken pot pie from scratch. Everything he cooked was delicious.
My dad loved to fish and camp. When we were little he took us camping every year. He was a very outdoorsy person. He loved to stand under the porch during a lightening storm, we used to just sit there and wait for the next bolt to strike.
Another fond memory of him is that he used to brush our hair after a bath and would try to put it into a pony tail. He also used to cuddle with us while watching tv.
 
Please feel free to add tributes and condolences or light a candle in memory of my dad. I would love everyone to tell a story about my dad, something that you remember about him. I look forward to reading everything added to the website. You can also add pictures to the website by emailing them to me at GOBEKIND2@VERIZON.NET

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!!






The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. 
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. 
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again

My dad joined the Navy in 1968. He served in the Vietnam war and was stationed in Guam. Hence, Guamanian chicken. You can see pics of him in Guam in the photo album. My dad was very proud of serving in the Navy. His father also served in the Navy.








Do not stand by my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine in the night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there , I did not die.

I changed the theme on my dad's page because all of a sudden I have been bombarded with Butterflies everytime I step outside, and I was recently reminded that Butterflies are a way for our loved ones to show us that they are still around us.