Dale Gates

Dale Gates

Dale Gates, 58, ended his more than sixteen month battle with highly aggressive brain cancer on January 25, 2008 at his home in Rootstown; his wife Paulla and dear friend Shirley at his side.

Dale was born in Cambridge, Ohio on September 16, 1949, the son of the late Earl and Mona Gates. He was a lifelong resident of Portage County living in Kent and Rootstown

He attended Kent Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1967. He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971; holding the rank Sergeant E-5, touring in Germany. He was employed in the greater Portage and Summit County area by car dealers including Dave Towell, Chic Schrader and finally with Tom McNeill.

Dale was a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for; and fixing up “muscle cars”. Dale loved anything that had a motor and went fast including snow mobiles, boats and motorcycles. He enjoyed long car rides in his convertibles, the annual Auburn car show and his last trip to Jamaica with good friends, Tim Long and Peg Tyrakowski. But above all else, Dale loved his family and friends. His most fulfilling and loving job was that of husband, father, grandfather, and mentor in Dale’s Boot Camp. Anyone who knew Dale knew the Boot Camp Kids were utterly devoted to one another and to Dale. His legacy is that he taught them how to be devoted, to love people unconditionally, be good listeners, and how to have fun!

Dale is survived by his wife of almost twenty-five years, Paulla Gates; daughter, Jennifer Lehane and husband, Michael and their two beautiful children; Hannah and Patrick of Bay Village, along with Billy Pettry and Vanessa Ruggles and baby, Cora of Cuyahoga Falls; mother, Mona Gates of Kent; brother, John Gates and wife, Bev and their son, Kevin of Stow; sister, Darlene Hubisak and husband, John and sons, Jacob and Jared of Stow. Mother in law, Connie McCartney of Doylestown, Ohio, brother in-law, Sam McCartney and wife, Michelle and daughter, Kellie of Davie, Florida, sister in-law, Martha Rambo and husband, Richard of Gambier, Ohio and sons, Josh Bowman of Columbus, Ohio and Thad and his son, Ethan Bowman of Seattle, Washington. He also leaves behind his unwavering and always-present companion on this journey, Shirley Katzenmeyer of Kent and the boot camp graduates: Paul Vernon of Cleveland, Jeremy Long of Akron, nephews Thad and Josh Bowman and like a son, Billy Pettry.

True to the way he lived his life, Dale fought this battle with dignity, courage, and an amazing sense of humor. He continually defied and redefined life’s odds; and inspired everyone who knew and loved him personally, and from afar to live life to the fullest.

The family will receive guests at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, 628 West Main Street, Kent from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening, February 1, 2008. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am at the First Christian Church, 335 W. Main Street, Kent, with visitation one hour preceding the service on February 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions please be made in Dales memory to Coleman Foundation, 5982 Rhodes Road, Kent OH 44240.