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Eric Gates Obituary
Eric Lowell Gates
Eric was an avid fisherman, hunter and soccer coach. He enjoyed snowmobiling and watching NASCAR with his family and friends. He was also a proud member of the Brien Motors family.
Eric will be sorely missed by his wife, Michelle, and his two children, Travis and Brittany. He leaves behind his parents, Marlene and Max Forsgren, Terry Gates and Rita Sweeney; his loving sister, Monica Gates; brother and best friend, Darrell (Heather) Forsgren; brother, Dan Forsgren; parents-in-law, Peggy Grabow, and Roger and Sonya Bridges; sister-in-law, Barbra Keil, and her family; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Services to be held at 3 p.m., on September 24, 2006, at First United Methodist Church, 3530 Colby Everett WA 98201.
A trust for Eric's children, Travis and Brittany Gates, has been set up at Mountain Pacific Bank, 3732 Broadway, Everett WA 98201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Gates
Monica Gates
September 14, 2007
Eric, you have been apart from us for 1 year now. Life is just not the same with out you. We all love and miss you so much. I hope you enjoyed your day with me today, and I am sorry that I had to put you in my little pink purse, it was the only thing that I could find to carry you in!!! So, you got to see the exciting life I live! And please do me a favor, can you tell the Big Man upstairs not to take my boyfriend Warren, it's not his time yet. Maybe he'll listen to you. Anyway, you are still alive in our hearts and our memories. Maybe you can send some of your strength my way, God knows I am going to be needing it real soon.
Love and miss you so much. Life is just not fair. Maybe one of these day's i'll have figured it out.
see you again someday,
Love your little sister
Monica
Marlene Forsgren
September 13, 2007
Eric, there are no words that express our sadness today. I can find no words to write........we think of you constantly, and ask that God and Grandma keep you in their arms.
Love,
Mom,Max and Moni
Dad and Rita
Love,
Barbra Keil
September 13, 2007
It's been a year and I think of you all the time. Brandon and Kayla miss their Uncle, Me and Brian miss our "friend". We had to get a new truck because nobody at Brien could fix the trany on the Expedition.... I know it was you causing those problems! :) Please leave this new truck alone! haha.
We love you Eric and think of you all the time. I miss you!
Barb, Brian, Kayla and Brandon
Peggy Grabow
September 13, 2007
Eric, You have been gone a year today and I will be thinking of you more today than I usually do everyday. You are missed and loved so much.
Marlene Forsgren
September 1, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY..........you were in our thoughts all day! Love you and miss you so much......no words can express.
Mom, Dad & Moni
Peggy Grabow
August 27, 2007
Hi Eric,
I know you always went to the fair on your birthday and we were going to go then, but I think it would have been SO hard on everyone. Michelle, Bitty, Samie and I went yesterday. We talked about you as we ate your favorite foods. You would have proud of Bitty, she ate a hamburger smothered in grilled onions and had corn on cob. By the end of the day we were as "stuffed" as the stuffed animals Bitty and Samie won. Eric, I know you were there with us making sure everyone had a good time and we did! Thank you for still taking care of us from above. It was a "good" day.
You and Art are in my thoughts daily and I miss you both.
Marlene Forsgren
August 26, 2007
Hi, well it is almost your birthday (9-1), then 9-13...We miss you so much, talk about you always, laugh at the memories, and cry daily, just wishing we could understand, and that we had more time with you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Monica Gates
July 13, 2007
Hi Eric,
Wow, I cannot believe it's been 10 months since you left us. Still miss you the same and I wish that I could say that it's getting easier, but it's not. It comes in waves I guess. And it usually seems to hit me right around the 12th - 13th of every month. Just for no reason at all I begin to cry. Well, guess what? You know what's always been one of my dreams? Was to go to Vegas and shoot pool, well, it's going to happen. On September 13th 2007, (your day) I will be in Vegas for the 9-Ball Southwest Challenge. So, since that is the day of the tournament and since that is your day, I feel that luck will be on my side and my team and I will win. It's a 3 man team, and the other 2 agreed to go with me, in memory of you. I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you how much I love you and how much i miss you. I think of you every day, and I am still trying to get used to the idea that you have passed on.
Tell Grandma hi for me and give her a big hug and kiss.
I love you,
Love Your little sister,
Monica
Corey & Raegan Bundy
May 21, 2007
well buddy, it is that time of year AGIAN.. YES THATS RIGHT CAMPING TIME!!!!! and we are making shell and the kids pack up and go! We sure miss you!! All of us do~ camping for michelle has been hard to think about ,even harder for her to do! but i have faith she is a strong lady.. you will be in our hearts!
I will be having a drink around the fire juz for you~ Buddy
MISS YOU BUNCHES.....
Kayla Keil
February 9, 2007
Hey Uncle Eric,
Its not been the sme without you. Its still hard on me. I had just started high school then I lost you. I knew that christmas and stuff would be rough but we all made it through. But now you can't make fun of me and tell everyone to stay off the roads since I will be driving soon. I miss you. I love you uncle eric.
monica gates
January 11, 2007
hi brother,
I just wanted to say that I was at hone for the holidays and it sure wasn't the same w/out you. Travey got a new guitar and I think he only knows one cord on it and that is the one that he made up!!! I sure have been missing you alot lately and have been thinking about you alot as well. The strangest thing happened last weekend and I know that you were the one that helped us out when we ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. And I wanted to say thank you so much for being there and for looking over me. I love you so much and i miss you so much. Life just isn't the same without you here. I will see you again someday, and I am still waiting for you to visit me in my dreams.
I love you,
love you lil sis
Monica
Raegan Bundy
December 12, 2006
well Eric... Christmas is soon to be here. Your lights are hung and the tree was cut. (Thanks Deral) AND the kids seem to be hanging in there. They have been very strong!I Can't say enough about how Travis has stepped up to the plate and helping out, and lil bit you know how she is ... such a good lil helper too!! Michelle is really getting in the grove of things to.. (she is DRIVING all over..) you would be so proud of her!! Well... I was just thinking about you and the family had to write to tell you we all miss you and MERRY CHRISTMAS ERIC!
Marlene Forsgren
December 12, 2006
Eric....three months tomorrow, I still can't believe it, I/We miss you so much.
Love ya' Mom & Dad
Monty Johnson
November 30, 2006
Hi Eric. It's me Monty Johnson, I have recently heard about your passing. I am sorry I wasn't aroung sooner. However, I would like to say there has been alot of lifetime of good mermoreis by knowing you and your wonderful family and friends. Im saddened of your passing I have been thinking of you on a daily basis. I know now you are in a place of all good things. I miss you eric and will see you again someday.
Monty Johnson
monica gates
November 9, 2006
i miss you brother! i think of you every day.
Monica Gates
October 14, 2006
Hi Eric, it has been 1 month since you left us, and life has just not been the same. I carry you with me every day, in my tear shaped locket that i wear around my neck.
I sincerely believe that you have been watching over me, cuz life the last few weeks, have been pretty hard on me and i was not doing well. And then all of a sudden something or someone was put in my path, that made me wake up and begin to pull myself out of the trenches. What is really ironic, is that they posess alot of the same simularities as you.
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and i do know that you had something to do with that. You have been watching over me, and are my angel. Make sure to give grandma a hug and kiss for me and tell her i love her and miss her just as much.
I love you brother, and i think i am beginning to figure out why there is a reason for everything.
All though i may not agree with some of the things, but in the end, its for the good of all of us.
Travey is hunting w/Darrell and Dad and Joe, and I am sure they will bring home a couple of 5pts, (is that what u call the big dears that you kill?) Please keep an eye on Michelle, she needs you now more than anything.
I love you and miss you terribly, and I will be seeing you again someday. Save a spot for me, to make sure i get in! (you know me...) I love you.
Love your little sis
KaKa (Monica)
Monique Baker
October 3, 2006
Eric - My longtime friend - It has taken this long to be able to try and put my feelings into words without tearing up :)
You are loved and missed by so many. You were a remarkable Husband, Father, Brother and Friend.
I THINK OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DAILY.
Thank you for all our wonderful memories growing up with you and Shell.
Our school days at Cascade, Cruising, Moses Lake trips and Camping, Apple Blossom, and just hanging out with our crowd of close friends being silly at Peggy and Art's. Thanks for always being there when I needed a car mechanic - you were the best!!!
I want you to know I'm here for Shell and the Kids forever and ever and your family.
Gotta go for now - I Miss and Love you like a brother Eric.
Love Monique
XOXOXO
Heidi Fisher
October 3, 2006
Hi Eric... just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. You were such a wonderful person. I am proud to have known you. You and all of your family mean so much to me. Thank you for all the good times and lots of laughs. Moni did a wonderful job on the slide show for your service and I was lucky enough to get a copy so I can see that smile of yours anytime. Love you and miss you. Heidi
Max
October 2, 2006
Well Eric its your favorite time of year. The hunting season is just 2 weeks away. You would have had everthing planed long before now. I will bring Joe with me this year so if we get one of your famous long shots at least we will have a horse to help get the deer out.
It's just not going to be the same without you.
Watch out for us and keep us safe.
I think of you everyday!!!!
Peggy Grabow (Michelle's Mom)
October 1, 2006
Eric,
It's been a week since your service and I wanted you to know that it was a beautiful celebration of your life. The music and picture boards told a story of you that will never be forgotten. You were loved by more people than you will ever know. Michelle was incrediable strong. Travis and Brittany did very well. I know you were watching from above that day. They will be ok because of the love and strength you have given them.
Marlene Forsgren
September 27, 2006
Eric,
What can I say...I miss you terribly, as we all do. I seem to reach for my cell every morning to have our morning talk, only to remember you aren't there to receive it. You need to know how proud I am of you, and the man you became. I doubt the pain of you being gone will ever go away, but at least you are no longer in pain. Tell Grandma Hi, and we miss her too... "Hey Eric...Mommy Loves you"!
Monica Gates
September 26, 2006
Hi Eric,
I just wanted to say how much i miss you. I must say you touched ALOT of people's lives. You will be missed by all, especially me, your kid sister.
I love you and life is just not fair.
Love,
Monica
JoAnn Forrest
September 26, 2006
Marlene, Max, Terry, and Monica,
We were sadden to read of Eric's death. We didn't know him as an adult or even as a teenager. We were his next door neighbors when he was first born and knew him only as an adorable brown eyed baby, a busy toddler and such a sweet little boy. We have fond memories of those years and can't help but smile when we think of him and Monica playing in the back yard. We offer all of you our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Forrest, Kim Pontrello, Karen Miller, Mark Forrest
Ogre
September 24, 2006
Eric took me on a hunt in the Lake Wenatchee area. He was a fine Hunter and told me of the terrain and how to approach an area. We split up and were about 100 yards apart hunting an ravine. Eric went out of sight for a while but every now and again you would see him and he would make eye contact to let you know he saw you and you were on mark and continue the hunt.
He will always be there for his family , about 100 yards out watching for signs and every now and again making contact with you to let you know he sees you and to continue on your journey. If you see something be sure to point it out to him because he will always be right there. My Deepest Condolences and God Bless You.
Sharon and Ed Deiner
September 24, 2006
Terry and Rita, So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Our
thoughts are with you.
Sammy Wallace
September 24, 2006
To the Gates,
Sorry for our loss. I thought he was cool.Hey Britt if you ever need a sholder to lean on im hear for you. I love you guys!! Hope you feel better.-Sammy
Paul Wenzloff
September 23, 2006
It has been many years since we played, cruised and had many classes together, I will always remember Eric as a good friend and classmate, carpentry class and cruising HERFY"S in the old days.He always had a smile, and I wish I had seen him more in the recent years.My thoughts go out for his family.
monica gates
September 23, 2006
Hi brother,
Ok, I guess my letters are just to long. i love you and i miss you terribly. life will never be the same with out you in it. you are a great man, brother, father, cousin, son, just a great person in general.
I will miss you so much, and tell grandma hi, and please tell god you want to be my angel.
love,
your lil sis
Kaka
Michelle Schireman
September 22, 2006
Copius, Rita and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had not seen Eric in many years but remember his love of life, family and friends. He will live on in the fond memories of so many. Copious always beamed whenever his name came up at events! His name will always bring a smile.
Schelly Schireman
Shelby Thorsen
September 21, 2006
Max and Marlene,
We just wanted to say we are so sorry for your loss and that you are all in our thoughts and prayers every day!
Love Always,
John, Shelby, Tanner and Madelyn Thorsen
Corey, Raegan, Josh, Sammy and Cortney Bundy
September 21, 2006
Found a friend after many years of not being in touch. Then we bonded like we never difted apart! Eric you are a good friend and a good man!!!! we allllll miss you very much.
Mike Schireman
September 21, 2006
Terry, Rita, Monica and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I knew Eric many years ago, riding dirt bikes and floating the Yakima with our families. I will always remember him as a happy guy, quick with a smile...and man he could ride. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shirley Kukta
September 21, 2006
Dearest Eric...thank you for being the world's greatest son-in-law to my sister, Peggy Ann, and Art. When I came up for Art's funeral, I really was touched by how you took such tender care of her...and, me, too! You took care of ALL of your family, and now trust us to take care of your memory, and help your children remember, too. Keep the Pacifico's cool, and save a few for us! Always and Forever, Shirley
Amy Fairchild
September 21, 2006
My thoughts go out to Eric's entire family. I know how much he loved his family and what a loss this is for all of you. Eric was a loyal friend to everyone, especially his brother Darrell. I have lots of great memories of time spent with Eric and Michelle. He was a great guy.
Peggy Grabow (Michelle's Mom)
September 21, 2006
Eric,
Thank you for being such a great son-in-law. I enjoyed making you a pot of bean soup and watching you eat 3 bowls of it! I will miss you so much. Say hi to Art for me and tell him I love and miss him!!
John & Pat Hart
September 21, 2006
Terry, Rita and family,
Thinking of ya..
John
Bert Mecko
September 20, 2006
I hung w/Eric and his sis back in the mid/late eighties. I'll always have found memories of riding dirt bikes and listening to the Scorps and Iron Maiden @ our family camp outs along the Yakima river. We'd fallen out of touch over the years, but would run into each other from time to time. Most recently, I called him, just a few months ago, to get advice about programing the chip in my stang. He totally hooked me up. What a great, easy going guy. My thoughts and prayers are w/him and his family. I won't forget you bud, and I'll find solace in knowing I'll see you again, in another time. Peace. -Bert
Wade Erickson
September 20, 2006
Eric always had a smile on his face it seemed. Of course I only saw him while he was fishing or throwing a few back! I guess I did see him a bit now I think of it. I have always enjoyed having him out fishing for the little ol Sturgeons on the Columbia River. He enjoyed every second of being with his family and friends and a good fight.(With the fish) To his family my heart goes out to you! To Max and my Buddy Darrell you and I are very luck to have made the memories we did with Eric. No one is truley gone unless we forget them in our hearts!!!
Steve Lehtinen
September 20, 2006
Dear Eric,
I have known you since elementary school. I want to say the best memories of my youth are the hunting trips we took with our fathers and time spent at your grandparents’ lake side cabin. We traveled many miles together through the forests and hills. Remember the time we got lost near Leavenworth? Or the time Max nearly rolled his Chevy Blazer at Methow? I will forever cherish those memories.
Very sincerely yours,
Steve, Tomoko and Justin Lehtinen
Max
September 20, 2006
Hi Eric,
Where you are there are nothing but 5 x 5's. You will never miss and you will never run out of ammo.
We know that you will not be here to see Travis get his first deer, but we also know that you will be watching and you will see him get his first deer.
I'm proud of you Eric and you turned out to be a much better hunter than I ever was.
I love you.
September 20, 2006
We will miss you yelling at the boys from the sidelines. The team won't be the same without you!
Love from, The Predators Family
Sheri DiMaggio (Wells)
September 20, 2006
I knew Eric waaaaaaaaaaay back in our middle school and early high school days. Even though we went to different schools we found time to hang out. I have often wondered over the yeras where his life had taken him. I was sadened to read about his death this morning. I have such fond memories of him still and he will be greatly missed! He really was a great great person!!!
My condolences to his family.
Your sister-in-law Barbie
September 20, 2006
I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law. You were a pain in my side for so many years. I miss that pain. :) I love you very much and miss you terribly.
Brad & Val Johnson
September 20, 2006
Marlene, Max and Terry: Val & I are so sorry for your loss of Eric. We know that Eric is with Irma at this time. Remember, God loves you and your family and we Love you too.
Dan Hubbell
September 20, 2006
You are Greatly missed my Friend
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