Celebrating the life of
Richard H. Gates
August 25, 1928 - August 25, 2007
SAVANNAH – Dr. Richard H. Gates, Sr. died August 25, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
Richard was born August 25, 1928 to Dr. Howard B. Gates and Dorothy Hiteman Gates in West Winfield, New York. He attended local schools in Utica and New Hartford, graduated from Colgate University and received his DDS from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry in 1953.
He entered the US Navy, served as Assistant Dental Officer on the USS Bennington CVA 20. His tour of duty ended in 1955 with the rank of Lieutenant. He entered dental practice with his father, Howard, and had a very enjoyable and successful practice until he retired in 1997 and moved to Savannah, GA.
He married Nancy Ann Dee in 1954 and they had a wonderful marriage for fifty three years. Dick was active in dental society affairs, serving as president of the Oneida-Herkimer County Dental Society, president of the 5th District Dental Society, a component of the New York State Dental Society and served many years as chairman of the insurance committee of the district. He was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He was active in Colgate Alumni affairs, serving on the Alumni Board of Directors, starting two Colgate Alumni clubs including the Low Country Alumni Club of Savannah and was the Colgate class of 1950 Gift Chairman.
In Utica Dick served as a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church as was a member of the Yahnundasis Gold Club, the Sadaquada Golf Club and the Fort Schuyler Club. He was a member of the Utica Rotary Club and was honored by them when he was made a Paul Harris Fellow.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Skidaway Island. He joined the Skidaway Island Rotary Club shortly after moving to The Landings and served for many years as chairman of the program committee.
Dick was an avid golfer, loved gardening and was an avid fitness advocate and runner. He leaves his beloved wife Nancy, his son Rick and daughter-in-law Meg of Salt Lake City, his son Dr. Bill Gates and Judy Chang of Durham, NC and daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Jim Adams of Murrell’s Inlet, SC, three grandchildren, Henry Gates, Kennedy and Gates Adams, a sister Barbara and her husband Grant Johnson of New Hartford, NY, a brother-in-law Watson Dee and sister-in-law Betty Dee of Old Lyme, Connecticut, nieces and nephews and of course his wonderful dog Harley.
Dr. Richard H. Gates, Sr. took pride in establishing the Richard and Nancy Gates Endowed Scholarship at Colgate University. He asked that the recipients of this financial support come from the Upstate New York area. His parents gave the gift of education to him. He is grateful to be fortunate enough to provide this gift to other young men and women.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Giddens officiating. The family will receive friends following the service with a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Richard Gates by sending a donation to the Richard and Nancy Gates Endowed Scholarship c/o Don Martin, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York 13346 or to the American Cancer Society, 6600 Abercorn St., Suite 206, Savannah, GA 31405.
Dear Nancy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Dr.Richard's passing. I have so many good memories of the many years we worked together. My love and prayers go to you and your family. May you all find comfort in our Lord. Love, Shirley
- Shirley A.Swanson-Moore, Ivins, UT
Dearest Nancy, What a wonderful man your precious husband was. After I met Kimberly so many years ago, I knew her parents were going to be just as wonderful. How I love her and loved being with you and Dick whenever I could. You treated me as one of the family and I do plan on seeing you, Nancy, very soon whether in Murrell's Inlet or in Savannah. Please call on me if you ever need anything. May God Bless You and Your Family, Jeannie
- Jeannie Hagood, Charleston, SC
Nancy and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly Betty and Bob Norman
- Bob and Betty Norman, Savannah, GA
We were shocked to hear about Dick as we were traveling. What fond memories of Dick organizing and enjoying the Wednesday golf group. What a leader and all around great guy. Sorry we can't be there for the service!!!
- Sandy and Willie Phillips, Savannah, GA
We give thanks for the life of God's good servant.
- The Rev Dr and Mrs. Dean B. Jeanblanc, Savannah, GA
Very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He has been missed from Woodberry Road What a wonderful guy. He has been missed from the membership of the Utica Rotary Club. Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a true gentleman. Jim Turnbull & family.
- James B. Turnbull IV, Clinton, NY
Our deepest sympathy.
- Norman and Carol Benton, Sauquoit, NY, NY
Dear Nancy, We send our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Our very pleasant memories of you and Dick extend back even to those exciting teenage years when your love was in 'bloom' Dick was always a great person and we join so many who are feeling your loss at this time.God Bless You and Yours. Joe and Dottie Ratcliffe
- Joe and Dottie Ratcliffe, New Hartford, New York, NY
Nancy and Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We enjoyed every minute we spent with Dick and will think back on those times with great fondness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lora and Gary Stern
- Lora Stern, Rockville, MD
Gates Family, A very sad day. Read about Dick's passing. He was my dentist, as well as my friend. I think of you all often. I lost my wife, Jane, last Sept from a stroke. I know how bad it feels to lose someone you love. May God Bless you at this difficult time. Take care. Robert 'Pops' Coleman and family
- Ric Coleman, Newport, NY
Nancy and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Dick was a wonderful family dentist and you were always wonderful neighbors - we have missed you and the dogs walking by! We also remember fondly all the help and support that Dick provided for Corey when she applied to Colgate. He was certainly a very positive influence on her. Nancy, you and Dick were always such great examples of caring, friendly and community minded individuals. You always made us feel welcome here and both of you set a high standard for the rest of us. We are so sorry - Cara and Keith and Corey
- Cara and Keith Fenstemacher, New Hartford, NY
Nancy; We are so sorry and are thinking of you and your chilren at this difficult time. Clearly, Dick will be missed by many. Fondly, Jim and Gretchen
- Jim and Gretchen Balch, Clinton, NY
Dear Mrs. Gates, Rick, Bill and Kimmy- Scott called and told me of Dr. Gates' passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I am so glad we were able to visit you all on Skidway and laugh at the NH slides. What fabulous memories. Our love to all of you.
- Molly & Will Ward, Mooresville, NC
Nanacy and Family, Sorry to learn of Richard's passing. He was always active and vibrant. Laurance
- Laurance C. Lee, Ilion, NY
Dear Mrs. Gates, Rick, Bill and Kim, It was with great sadness that I read of Dr. Gates' passing. He was our family dentist for many years and I had the pleasure of having Bill and Kim in my second grade class at Oxford Road School. He was such a fine gentleman, wonderful dentist and community minded citizen. Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Ann Wynne
- Ann Wynne, Utica, NY
Dear Nancy and Children, We are saddened to learn of Dick's passing. May God grant him an eternity of peace and joy. Sincerely, Jerry and Pat
- Jerry and Pat Brophy, Troy, NY
Dear Nancy, Rick, Bill, Kim & families, I wanted to extend my sincere sympathy at your loss.. As you may know, Dr. Gates had a great impact on my life, he was truly a mentor of mine. He was the one person who encouraged me to go back to school and earn my hygiene degree. He always treated me with respect, had confidence in my abilities and openly appreciated my efforts in making his day run smoothly. He was an excellant dentist and I was proud to work for him. I had the pleasure of working with him until he retired. I not only was an employee, but felt like we had become friends too. My kids still remember coming to your house and getting Duncan & Charlie so tired that they would not chase a ball any more. It was an honor and pleasure knowing Dr. Gates and I feel my life is truly better for it. He made a difference that will not be forgotten. I will miss him, as I am sure many will. Sincerely, Jeanette M. Brennan
- Jeanette M. Brennan, Cassville, NY
Nancy and Family, We are so saddened by Dick's passing. He was a gentle man of compassion, humor and integrity. He will be missed by many, many people, and we are among them. Our deepest sympathy, Alison & Mark
- Alison Altman & Mark Piven, Savannah, GA
Dear Nancy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Dr.Richard's passing. I have so many good memories of the many years we worked together. My love and prayers go to you and your family. May you all find comfort in our Lord. Love, Shirley
- Shirley A.Swanson-Moore, Ivins, UT
Dearest Nancy, What a wonderful man your precious husband was. After I met Kimberly so many years ago, I knew her parents were going to be just as wonderful. How I love her and loved being with you and Dick whenever I could. You treated me as one of the family and I do plan on seeing you, Nancy, very soon whether in Murrell's Inlet or in Savannah. Please call on me if you ever need anything. May God Bless You and Your Family, Jeannie
- Jeannie Hagood, Charleston, SC
Nancy and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly Betty and Bob Norman
- Bob and Betty Norman, Savannah, GA
We were shocked to hear about Dick as we were traveling. What fond memories of Dick organizing and enjoying the Wednesday golf group. What a leader and all around great guy. Sorry we can't be there for the service!!!
- Sandy and Willie Phillips, Savannah, GA
We give thanks for the life of God's good servant.
- The Rev Dr and Mrs. Dean B. Jeanblanc, Savannah, GA
Very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He has been missed from Woodberry Road What a wonderful guy. He has been missed from the membership of the Utica Rotary Club. Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a true gentleman. Jim Turnbull & family.
- James B. Turnbull IV, Clinton, NY
Our deepest sympathy.
- Norman and Carol Benton, Sauquoit, NY, NY
Dear Nancy, We send our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Our very pleasant memories of you and Dick extend back even to those exciting teenage years when your love was in 'bloom' Dick was always a great person and we join so many who are feeling your loss at this time.God Bless You and Yours. Joe and Dottie Ratcliffe
- Joe and Dottie Ratcliffe, New Hartford, New York, NY
Nancy and Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We enjoyed every minute we spent with Dick and will think back on those times with great fondness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lora and Gary Stern
- Lora Stern, Rockville, MD
Gates Family, A very sad day. Read about Dick's passing. He was my dentist, as well as my friend. I think of you all often. I lost my wife, Jane, last Sept from a stroke. I know how bad it feels to lose someone you love. May God Bless you at this difficult time. Take care. Robert 'Pops' Coleman and family
- Ric Coleman, Newport, NY
Nancy and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Dick was a wonderful family dentist and you were always wonderful neighbors - we have missed you and the dogs walking by! We also remember fondly all the help and support that Dick provided for Corey when she applied to Colgate. He was certainly a very positive influence on her. Nancy, you and Dick were always such great examples of caring, friendly and community minded individuals. You always made us feel welcome here and both of you set a high standard for the rest of us. We are so sorry - Cara and Keith and Corey
- Cara and Keith Fenstemacher, New Hartford, NY
Nancy; We are so sorry and are thinking of you and your chilren at this difficult time. Clearly, Dick will be missed by many. Fondly, Jim and Gretchen
- Jim and Gretchen Balch, Clinton, NY
Dear Mrs. Gates, Rick, Bill and Kimmy- Scott called and told me of Dr. Gates' passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I am so glad we were able to visit you all on Skidway and laugh at the NH slides. What fabulous memories. Our love to all of you.
- Molly & Will Ward, Mooresville, NC
Nanacy and Family, Sorry to learn of Richard's passing. He was always active and vibrant. Laurance
- Laurance C. Lee, Ilion, NY
Dear Mrs. Gates, Rick, Bill and Kim, It was with great sadness that I read of Dr. Gates' passing. He was our family dentist for many years and I had the pleasure of having Bill and Kim in my second grade class at Oxford Road School. He was such a fine gentleman, wonderful dentist and community minded citizen. Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Ann Wynne
- Ann Wynne, Utica, NY
Dear Nancy and Children, We are saddened to learn of Dick's passing. May God grant him an eternity of peace and joy. Sincerely, Jerry and Pat
- Jerry and Pat Brophy, Troy, NY
Dear Nancy, Rick, Bill, Kim & families, I wanted to extend my sincere sympathy at your loss.. As you may know, Dr. Gates had a great impact on my life, he was truly a mentor of mine. He was the one person who encouraged me to go back to school and earn my hygiene degree. He always treated me with respect, had confidence in my abilities and openly appreciated my efforts in making his day run smoothly. He was an excellant dentist and I was proud to work for him. I had the pleasure of working with him until he retired. I not only was an employee, but felt like we had become friends too. My kids still remember coming to your house and getting Duncan & Charlie so tired that they would not chase a ball any more. It was an honor and pleasure knowing Dr. Gates and I feel my life is truly better for it. He made a difference that will not be forgotten. I will miss him, as I am sure many will. Sincerely, Jeanette M. Brennan
- Jeanette M. Brennan, Cassville, NY
Nancy and Family, We are so saddened by Dick's passing. He was a gentle man of compassion, humor and integrity. He will be missed by many, many people, and we are among them. Our deepest sympathy, Alison & Mark
- Alison Altman & Mark Piven, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
