Walter Cates Sr.

Walter may have run out of time, but he never ran out of energy. Every time I drive along East Main Street, I think of what he was striving to accomplish. I know that some of the changes would make him smile and some would cause a different reaction. Walter taught me that, in some situations, being silent is not a virtue. His smile, his laugh, his passion for fairness and his perspective still live on.

Walter and I worked together on several projects that attempted to stir the pot of economic opportunities. On one challenging day, he looked at me, smiled and said, "The Lord loves little children and fools. So, I know he loves me." Walter was always seeking to build the best of outcomes in many of the worst circumstances. Our city is better because of him; and I am, too.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mr Cates will be missef in the old town east community , especially the Blackburn Rec area. Rest in heaven Mr. Cates.

Peace and blessing to the Cates family

He was a good man., and will be sorely missed. Condolences from the Browder family.

Our condolences and deepest sympathies to the entire Cates family

I worked with Walter a lot in the 1990s when he ran the Main Street Business Association and I ran the Short North Business Association. Few if any people in Columbus have done more than Walter to fight discrimination and injustice. He deserves to be in the City's Hall of Fame. In addition to being a fierce advocate, Walter was a kind and affirming person and a joy to know.