Gary P. Gates

Gary P. Gates June 25, 1941 - July 14, 2010 Putnam - Gary P. "The Baron" Gates, 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Gary was born June 25, 1941 in Putnam, Connecticut to Denton and Helen (Kimball) Gates. Until recently, he was a lifelong resident of Putnam. In his youth, he was associated with 4-H Camp for many years. Gary attended Putnam High School and was a member of the Putnam Clippers Football Team. He remained a devoted fan, very proud of never missing a Thanksgiving Day game. After graduating from high school, he joined the Connecticut Army National Guard. After his term in the Guard, he returned to Putnam full of ideas and ambition. Gary's return began the whirlwind of his very active life. The "car business" was blessed with him at a very early age. His handsome smiling face became well known at Beausoleil Buick, Delaney Ford, Lester's Garage and many other used car headquarters. His grasp of selling was unmatched; his magnetic personality incomparable, his love of a good time infectious. All these winning attributes allowed him to effortlessly achieve numerous awards for sales at Cargill Chevrolet in Putnam under the reign of Dick Perrin, including induction into the Legion of Leaders for Top Sales for Chevrolet on the East Coast. But he did not stop there; his zest for excitement took him to yet another venture…livestock. He attended all the livestock auctions, anything that would provide the thrill of wheeling and dealing. He would buy cattle, horses, even goats in the south and ship them back to Connecticut for meat packing and export overseas. His export meat business won him an appearance on the popular Mike Douglas Show. It was at that time "The Baron" was crowned. Gary was no average man, quick to laugh and even quicker to smile, no one could stay mad at him for long. At times, he may have bit off more than he could chew, but always came out smelling like a rose. In later years he bought and sold property, equipment and the ever present used cars; continuing his skillful sales techniques at Deals On Wheels, RPM Enterprises, Danny's Auction Barn, Wilson's Auto, Gates GMC Nissan and numerous other locations and businesses. The Wheeler and Dealer was happiest in the heart of a frenzied auction of any type, easily recognizable in his pressed jeans and cowboy boots. He loved his new Cadillac and went riding in it just days before his passing. The Baron was a fighter, continuing to wheel and deal on his cell phone and fought to the end. The fighting is over now; he is at peace with the friends who went before him, and his beloved dog Max. He faced it all, Stood Tall, and did it his Way. Gary is survived and will be sadly missed by his Mother, Helen Gates of Danielson; Soul mate and best friend Louise Law of Putnam; Children: Craig Gates and his wife, Cindy of Columbia; Brian Gates and his wife Ulrika of Mystic; Natalie (Gates) Frettoloso and her husband Richie of Parkland, FL; Angela (Gates) Hutchens and her husband Thayne of Hampton, CT and Nicole Law of Oxford, MA; Grandchildren: Gina, Denny, Eric, Emma, Tomas, Madeleine, Dente, Vincent and Thayne; Brothers: Lance Gates of South Killingly and Douglas Gates of Aurora, CO; Numerous nieces and nephews; Longtime friends Geoff Wheaton, Jimmy Cross, Bob Marion, Bob Tindall, Tommy Collins and many more, too many to mention but they know who they are; Last but certainly not least Great Grand Dogs: Champ and Lex. He was predeceased by his father, Denton Gates; his brother, Dennis Gates; and his sister, Sandra Gates-Galetti. There will be no calling hours. As per Gary's wishes, a Celebration of his life will be held at Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep Kia, 157 Providence Pike, Putnam, CT, Sunday, July 25, 2010. Gary and his family invite friends to join them. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony as well as special tributes to The Baron will be held promptly at 3:00 pm. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Smart Casual Attire. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 4H Camp & Outdoor Center in Abington. Donations can be mailed c/o Craig Gates, P.O. Box 130, North Windham, CT 06256