Dr. Willard Cates Jr.

I have waited awhile to send a message after learning of the passing of my dear friend and colleague. It just impacted me so much... I couldn't find the right words to express how much this very special colleague and human being meant to me.

He recruited me to CDC and changed my life! This was a bold and visionary move as there had never been a health psychologist at CDC before Ward recruited me into the CDC EIS program in 1987. I will be eternally grateful for his unwavering...

My first encounter with Ward was in the hallway of FHI...he welcomed me by using my name despite the fact we had never been introduced. As a new employee (my first real job after graduate school) I can't describe how welcomed that made me feel. He will truly be missed.

I worked closely with Ward and came to love and respect him very much. He will be greatly missed.

It's easy to see giants in fields like sports or politics. But in the world of people helping other people, it is harder to see them. The people who knew Ward, who worked with Ward, saw that he was a giant humanitarian, with a giant personality and a giant heart.

Dear Joan and family, Sincerest condolences for your loss. We know Ward is at peace. Will always remember his happy positive mood and how it affected all he knew. Thinking of you,

Throughout my professional career, it has always been refreshing and inspiring to meet a down-to-earth colleague who was an "out-of-the box" thinker and dedicated to improving the quality of public and community health especially in STD/HIV prevention and reproductive health. Therefore, I am deeply saddened by the news about the passing of Dr. Willard Cates, Jr.

Dr. Cates was indeed an "out-of-the box" thinker within the STD/HIV prevention and reproductive health communities as well...

My condolences to the family. What a fine man... a champion for me and women the world over. I have heard him speak many times at CT conferences. Thank you Ward Cates for your lifetime of work, dedication, and passion for women health and abortion rights!

On behalf of the entire American Airlines Admirals Club staff at Reagan National airport we offer our deepest
condolences. Over the many years he flew AA Dr. Cates became one of our very favorite passengers. He will be truly missed.

I intersected with Ward for only a brief time at CDC during the 1980s, but I will never forget his effervescent enthusiasm and commitment.