JOHN WILLIAM GATES

John William Gates January 8, 1945 - December 6, 2010 John was called home by the Lord on December 6, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He passed away peacefully at the age of 65 and was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in San Francisco and moved to Novato in 1971. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 44 years Donna, his adored children Lisa Gates Poksay and Scott Gates, daughter-in-law Chrissy, grandchildren Michael and Andy Gates and Andrew and Alex Poksay, all of Novato. He is also survived by his sister Gigi Gates Zavagno, brothers-in-law Jerry Zavagno and Steven Scarpa and niece Ashley Zavagno. He also leaves behind a step-brother Richard Scarpa (Edie) and step-sisters Carol Tarantino (Pat), Jean Lombardi (Dave) and Sue Della Cella. John is preceded in death by his mother Phyllis Gates Scarpa and his father John Edward Gates (USCG) and stepfather Sergio "Skip" Scarpa. He was a 1962 graduate of Redwood High School and attended San Francisco State University and then became co-owner of Pinelli's Flowerland in San Francisco. Later he decided to move into outside sales and joined Vick Chemical Company, earning numerous awards as well as Salesman of the Year. His greatest sales achievement came after he joined Tonka Toys. He surpassed all company sales goals and had an action figure from the "Fall Guy" created in his likeness that was incorporated into their toy line. Following ten years in the toy business, John wanted to stay closer to home and bought Grant Avenue Florist in Novato, which he enjoyed for seven years. After he sold the business, he became an Inventory Specialist for Pool Covers Inc. until the onset of his illness. All who knew John will remember him for his happy, humorous and outgoing personality. He never hesitated to make anyone around him laugh. He enjoyed swimming, reading and freelance writing, as he published numerous articles. He loved his many travels with his family and friends and was greatly loved by his wife, children and grandchildren. His spirit will live on by everyone who knew him. Family and friends are invited to attend a Vigil Service on Friday December 10, 2010 at 7:00pm at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato. Interment to follow at Valley Memorial Park, Novato, Ca. A special thank you to the staff at Kaiser Hospital for all the support and care given to John over the past four and a half years. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.