Captain Robert Lloyd Gates US Navy (Ret.)

Mrs. Gates, Michael & family

On behalf of the USS Bennington Association, please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all family members at this most difficult time.

We thank you for Captain Gates' service to God & Country and wanted to let you know that he may be gone from us, but as long as his memory remains in just one of us, he shall be remembered always.

At our Annual Memorial Wreath Laying...

My wife, Sandye and I send our deep sympathies to Michael and Lynn Gates in the loss of Mike's father, a gentleman I had met years ago. We are indebted to Bob for his lifelong effort in helping preserve our freedom.
We salute him in our thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace.
Paul Bousquet

I was a pilot in VS-30 in 1955/56 when Bob was the XO. You meet very few really special people in you tours of duty in the Navy. Bob was at the top of my list.

Dear Aunt Midge,

I love you dearly. I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Bob. It was a peaceful ending to a magnificient life. You should feel proud for being a star in such an amazing lifetime lived by him. I will hold close the memories, the lessons, the ethics and truth both you and Uncle Bob gifted me with. I am here for you and love you always. Love, Kimberly Ayne

Dear Aunt Midge, Mike, Scott and families,

I will always treasure my memories of Uncle Bob, and am surely going to miss him. My thoughts are with you all.

Love,

As long ago neighbors when you lived on the river, we have fond memories of listening to fascinating stories of Bob's career, and your life and travels together. Such a kind and gentle man, with a great sense of humor. What a life. What a legacy. We have always felt proud and blessed to say we have known you both. Midge, we send heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Mrs. Gates:
I fondly remember the fascinating stories of your travels with your husband and amazing artifacts you brought in to share with us at Sequoia Middle School back in the mid-70's in our M.G.M. class. I always thought how fortunate you were to have enjoyed such a rich and full life with the wonderful man your husband was as you described him to us. I'm so very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and take immeasurable comfort from those lovely memories.

Midge,Iver and myself are sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bob was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who knew him. You have so many wonderful memories. Fondly, Sharon and Iver