Terry Wayne Cates

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Redwood High School

Terry Cates Obituary

Terry Wayne

CATES

Terry was born June 14, 1959 to Ben and Betty Cates in Visalia, CA. He passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 13, 2009 in Reno from a year and a half year battle with cancer. It was the day before his 50th birthday.

He grew up in Visalia, CA where in high school he was named the basketball MVP. He graduated from College of the Sequoias. Terry was married to his high school sweetheart, Adrienne O'Canto for 29 years. They had three children, Joshua, Joey and Marissa and two grand daughters, Juliana and Julissa.

For more than 25 years, he worked as a truck driver, making many runs between Reno and the bay area.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, all of Reno; his mother, Betty; brother, Mike Cates and sisters, Nancy Moorman, Colleen Walther of Visalia, CA and Brenda Dahlstedt of Santa Barbara, CA.

He was a gentle giant that loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, sports and his family and granddaughters. He will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel, 220 Edison Way, Reno, NV. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. at Double R Ranch, 17032 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA. Email messages may be sent to the family at [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Jun. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Cates

11 Entries

Michael Jarvis

June 25, 2009

My deepest condolences to Adrienne, his children, and his mom and sisters. I remember the Cates family filling the stands at Redwood gym to see big Terry. Every time I saw Terry he was full of life and smiling. He had a huge heart and was a nice guy. I knew him many years ago. I can tell from what I read here that he stayed true to himself throughout his life. That is all we can hope or ask for; that we stay true to ourselves and family. It is true that the good die young. Terry will live on in spirit.
God Bless Adrienne and all
Michael Jarvis

Laurie Jenik-Smith

June 23, 2009

Dear Agie, kids, and family:
I know Terry fought hard these last few months and I'm saddened that we had to say goodbye. I feel blessed that I was able to share a brief moment in this life knowing him, you and his family.
I will never forget that strong spirit that twinkled behind his blue eyes. That spirit that made him so unique. Your lives were truly blessed with so many wonderful memories, family and friends.
When you guys helped me move in a moments notice and him saying he couldn't say no to his little sisters good friend after years of not seeing each other, it was like family helping family.
I pray that your memories will comfort you in the days ahead. Love you and remember I'm a phone call away if you need anything. Laurie

Monica Gomez

June 22, 2009

Age, Josh, Joey and Missy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, cousin. We love you all so much and are here for you. I only have good memories of Terry, from when I was little til now. He was an awesome man. I just think...He's fishing with Uncle Willie now! Take care. We'll see you this week!
Cousin Monica (Gomez), Samantha, Susan and Robert Neff

Amanda Pace

June 18, 2009

Dear Age,Josh,Joey and Missy,

We were very sad to hear the news of Terry. We were all blessed to have him in our lives. He was a wonderful man and very caring father. We have so many fond memories hanging out with friends and family for barbeques laughing and just enjoying each others company. He will be terribly missed. But,we know Uncle Willie Gomez will look out after him. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
All of you are in our prayers. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief.

Love,Kelly,Amanda,Toni,and Theresa Pace

Kim Smith

June 18, 2009

Dear Adrienne, kids, and Cates family:

Our family is so sad about the passing of Terry. We have such great memories of our families. Neighbors and life long friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Carleen, Kim, Kevin, Kelly, Kirsten, Ryan and Ruthie

Kelly Robinson

June 17, 2009

Terry was a great husband,father,loving person. Always cared more for others than himself. We had some great times. Mostly seem to always go back to the outdoors.I loved his sense of humor and his ability to make me laugh even when I did not want to.He always said he wanted to be as good a man as me and I always laughed, whom am I? I told him a real friend sticks with you thru thick and thin. In the end it is I who hopes to be as good a man as Terry. I love you my friend and I will see you on the other side.Tell your dad hi look up Lauries grandma to. If it is not to much trouble take care of Kikko till I see you. Age,Missy, Josh, Joey take care of each other and those kids. I will be checking in often. Love you guys see you Friday.

June 17, 2009

Cates family,

I was a class mate of Terry's. I believe we attended elementary school together as well as Redwood. I have many fond memories of him. My heart goes out to his family. He was way too young to leave us.
Jeannie Mayberry-Kava

Sherry Buenafe

June 17, 2009

Dear Age, Josh, Joey & kids, Missy, the Cates and O'Canto families,

The Buenafe family sends their deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful Terry. We have many fond memories of him from growing up going to the same church as the Cates family to also attending the same schools. You and Terry have been blessed to have shared many wonderful years together and I hope your memories will comfort you. Our prayers are with you all.

Love,

Kathi Bruce

June 17, 2009

Adrienne and kids,
We're so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. He was a very special person. He left his mark on many lives and he will be remembered. Our prayers are with you.

Sharol McDade

June 17, 2009

Age, Missy, Josh, Joey, & Babies:

I will always treasure our time with "Big T" on the softball field, watching our daughters and having a good time playing as a team. You have been a special part of our lives and I am so grateful for the friendship we have had over the years! Big T will be truly missed by all those who knew him. We love you and are thinking of you at this time.

Rich,Sharol,Ayden,Eryce,Tkani,& Twins

Pamela Edde

June 16, 2009

To the Cates Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea that Terry was sick. The last time I saw Terry was at Evergreen Assited Living when he was visiting his mom Betty. We had a good conversation about life and his kids! Wow! I hope Terry didn't suffer, and if he did he's now in a better place. It's never easy losing a loved one. I know, I just lost my parents in the last 6 months. Just know that my prayers are with you and I'll see you when you come to Visalia. Terry was a good man!

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