Ralph P. Gates, Jr.
Ralph Pillsbury Gates Jr. passed away on Monday May 7, 2018 at Mt. Olympus Rehabilitation Center in Salt Lake City, Utah after a battle with cancer. His son Nathan and dear friend Frances Alexander were with him when he passed peacefully. Ralph willed his body to the University of Utah. His ashes will later be interred in Nashville, TN.
Born January 24, 1925 in Chicago Illinois, Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers Daniel and Larry. Ralph is survived by his youngest brother Carl, and four children from his marriage to Thaniel Dozier Armistead: Ralph Pillsbury Gates, III (Randy), Elbert Armistead Gates, Nathan Colyar Gates and Thaniel Leigh Gates (Leigh).
Ralph graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in engineering and after receiving a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from M.I.T. after the war, went to work for Victor Chemical in Nashville and later Stauffer Chemical in Westport, Connecticut. After beginning their family in the Chicago area, Ralph and Thaniel moved to Riverside Connecticut where they raised their four children. The family enjoyed sailing and tennis as members of the Riverside Yacht Club, camping and hiking with the Appalachian Mountain Club, and canoe trips throughout Maine. Ralph particularly enjoyed skiing with family and friends virtually every winter weekend for years in nearby Vermont.
Moving to Park City, Utah in 1990 with who was to become his long-time partner, Frances (Fran) Kennedy, Ralph fell in love with all things Utah, and continued his passions for camping, fly-fishing, hiking, golf and skiing. Ralph was a particularly avid skier, first skiing Alta in the 1950's and later making his last trip with friends to the top of Alta in 2015 at the age of 90. His good friend Lyn told Ralph he'd never seen him ski so well as he did those last days, to which Ralph responded, "It's downhill. It's easier than walking".
Ralph was proud of his participation in the Manhattan Project and his contributions as a young man to that top-secret effort building the atomic bomb that finally ended the war in the Pacific. He tried to enlist in the Army (Ralph Sr. was an Army man) on his 18th birthday but was told to stay in school until they contacted him, which he did, later being sent to Los Alamos, NM to be part of the team that developed the bomb that helped bring an early end to WWII. In his later years Ralph would speak to groups all over the country, young and old alike, of his WWII experiences. A recording of one such event can be found on The Atomic Heritage Foundation website.
Ralph greatly enjoyed attending and singing in the choir at Park City Community Church. Ralph sang early on as part of a Barbershop Quartet in Connecticut and continued right up until three days before he passed when he quietly sang a touching military ballad from his bed for a group of friends and fellow Vets at Mt Olympus. Among other activities, Ralph was an active member of the local Park City Senior Center, the local ROMEO group (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and the Friday morning prayer group at the local Christian Center. He was honored to be welcomed as a good friend and honorary member of the Captain's Club in Salt Lake City as well. Ralph enjoyed his business, first recording interviews of WWII Vets for their families to remember them by, and later recording Life Stories for many in Park City. As he put it describing his "Voices of Park City" project, these are the people from all walks of life and many places around the world who moved here for a variety of reasons and have built and made this wonderful town what it is today. Ralph absolutely loved Park City and its people. A collection of these recorded life stories is anticipated to be made available at the Park City Library. Ralph's last project, finished just this past fall, was a recording of him singing old time favorite songs from as far back as the Civil War; this can be found via search on Youtube under "Ralph and Ethels Music Project". Ralph had many good friends in the Park City area, as well as elsewhere in Utah and around the country and world, and he will be missed dearly.
For those who wish to attend, you are invited to ""A Celebration of Life"" service in honor of Ralph, to be held at Park City Community Church on Bear Hollow Drive, Saturday June 2nd beginning at 10 am, a reception with refreshments to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by parkrecord.com.
May 13, 2020
The National Orchestral Association is pleased to remember our good friend, Ralph Gates, on the anniversary of his passing. He was a devoted member of the Board of the National Orchestral Association, and an inspiration to everyone he met. His tireless efforts on behalf of music and his devotion to keeping the memory of our veterans alive are efforts to which we should all aspire. He was always cheerful, always supportive, and respectful of the opinions of others. He believed in the essential goodness of people, abhorred conflict, and worked to bring people together. We miss him dearly, and will hold him in our hearts forever.
Matthew J. Trachtenberg
May 15, 2019
Sincere condolences to the family of Ralph, may gods loving kindness give comfort and peace. 1Cor.1:3,4
February 2, 2019
Bob Kaylor
I had the privilege of being Ralph's pastor at Park City Community Church from 2003-2010. It was a joy to know him and he is a testament to a life well-lived. I remember having many conversations with him, hearing his stories, and marveling at his ability to ski expertly even in his mid-80s. Jennifer and I pray God's peace on the whole family.
October 5, 2018
Tom Lohman
My condolences. I remember Mr. G fondly from my days in High School hanging out with Eggy. He was a real gentleman. Would love to reconnect with Elbert...it's been far too long!
May 28, 2018
Matthew Trachtenberg
The Board of Directors of the National Orchestral Association wishes to express its appreciation to Ralph for his incredible service to our organization, both as a member of the Board, and inspiration in his ongoing project to preserve the legacy of World War II veterans. Ralph's upbeat demeanor, his can-do attitude, and his wise advice to the Board will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind, a proud American, and generous in every endeavor. He always had a kind word for everyone, including those with whom he did not agree. Civility and a respect for others were the hallmarks of Ralph's personality. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. There is a hole in our hearts without Ralph.
Matthew J. Trachtenberg
President
National Orchestral Association
May 27, 2018
To Ralph's Family,
You do not know me, however, I wanted to send a note. I met Ralph at the Basin Recreation Center when he would come in to work out. We all loved seeing him, he was such a joy to talk with, an inspiring and amazing person. So sorry to hear of his passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Holley Hendrix
May 26, 2018
Shelley Vebber
Ralph cared deeply about Park City, he cared deeply about our immigrant community and the changing face of the Park City demographic. He was kind and graceful...and will be missed. Abrazos Y muchas bendiciones.
May 24, 2018
Seeing Ralph was the highlight
of attending worship at Park City Community Church. We were so happy to share pew 5 with
Ralph his last day at church, a finer patriot of the Greatest Generation would be hard to find.Rest peacefully our dear friend,
Anita & JJ Cummins
May 16, 2018
James Fowler
Nathan and All,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of you father. He was a great man and true patriot. He will be missed by all. Without good Sargents,none of us would ever get our stars.
Fair winds and following seas my friend on this your last voyage!
RADM Jim Fowler USN ret
May 16, 2018
James Fowler
May 13, 2018
Randy, Bert, Nathan and Leigh
Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
A real gentlemen, that gave so much to his family and country.
Your Dad lived life to the fullest.
Rest in Peace
Pete Catanzaro
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