Mr. Richard "Dick" Gates

Richard “Dick” Gates, age 78, of St. Clair Shores and Harrison, passed away on June 29, 2016, with his family by his side. He was born on March 29, 1938, in Shadyside, Ohio, to the late Gilbert and Stella Gates. Dick retired after 30 years with the South Lake Public Schools. Dick was awarded into the Evans Scholars program at the University of Michigan, (a beloved institution) whose scholarship, members and the camaraderie, gave him a chance to turn his life around, to become a teacher and administrator. While attending University of Michigan, he admired many classmates, teachers and athletes. He married Sharon LeTourneau on August 30, 1958, while in school, the best thing he ever did. Dick and Sharon started out in his St. Clair Shores home, raising his sister, his three brothers and their three daughters. After retirement, Dick and Sharon moved to Harrison, Michigan. There they lived on ten acres of land, on a hill, overlooking a lake. It was an Eden. He enjoyed the Tamaracks Golf Course, where he played for twenty years, winning three Moose League Championships and five Senior League Championships. He enjoyed the staff there and his best friend, Rod. He is survived by his cherished wife, Sharon, beloved daughters, whom he loved to hug; Megan Gates, Lyssa (Kevin) Koresky and Marcy (Paul) Lape, grandchildren; Michelle (Dave), Gary (Kristin), Cole, Ren, Paul, Anthony, Rachel and Heather (Eric), great grandchildren; Claire, Henry, Sylvia, Andrew, Isla, Wren and Julian, brothers; Raymond (Carol) Gates, Bob (Debbie) Gates, sister, Nancy (Jim) Seipp, sister-in-law, Lois Gates, nieces and nephews; Caleb, Sam, Ransom, Ben, Josh, Jessica, Heather, Corey, Craig, Jay and Jeff, and great nieces and nephews; Kayla, Katie, Ethan, Avery, Noah, Sophie, Cory, Cristina, Elias, Judah and Jaylene. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Gates, grandson, Shane Keillor, mother-in-law, Sylvia LeTourneau and his beloved golden retriever, Casey, who loved the land, the water and Dick and Sharon. A celebration of life will be held on July 22, 2016 in the Lakeland Banquet and Event Center, located at 21801 E. Nine Mile Road, (across from South Lake High School), St. Clair Shores, from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Memorial tributes can be made to the Evans Scholars Program- University of Michigan. Arrangements in care of – Jowett Funeral Home – 57737 Gratiot, New Haven. View obituary and share memories at www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

Mr. Richard "Dick" Gates

March 29, 1938 - June 29, 2016