Stephen A. Gates M.D.

Steve and the three collie kids on the golf course, 11th Fairway, Bellefonte County club

Deb, I know that you just recently would have celebrated your 33rd wedding anniversary. Your love and devotion to Steve will never be forgotten by anyone that was priviledged to see the two of you together. My prayer is that you laugh often at the funny times, smile at the special times and cry when you need to. Please know that GOD feels your loss and his comfort and care is always available to you.

GOD's Peace and Comfort to you today and always.

Jeff Sims

How much I miss you.

Love,

Deb

Deb,

Words can't express the profound sadness and distress I'm feeling tonight on discovering the news of Steve's death. I'm so sorry for your loss that words are simply inadequate.

Steve was one of the most interesting people I've had the privilege of knowing. He was one of the first people I knew with so many parallel interests: climbing, caving, bicycles, etc. He was one of the best and brightest people i knew growing up in Ashland.

Our world is so much poorer without his genuine and warm spirit to light it's way. Steve was selfless and thoughtful, loving of you and your beloved collies and a caring and decent man of extreme rarity. Of all the friends and acquaintances I've lost over the years it is Steve's death that hits home the hardest.

I too am a UVa alum and had Steve as a friend. Caving, camping and music were always fun with Steve along.

I remember his cave parties (in his apartment with one dim light in a corner) and 12 string rendition of Tennessee Stud.

I lost track of him after graduation. My condolences to his family.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrutkowski

I was a UVA undergraduate with Steve, and remember many caving trips with him. I fondly recall the way he combined his pre-med knowledge and personal skills to charm his way into the parlors and living rooms of rural West Virginia farms, extracting clues to unvisited caves. We'll never forget you, Steve.

Deb, I always looked forward to the challenge of an office visit with Stephen and the dogs! At first intimidated, I soon found Stephen to be a humble man with a thirst for knowledge and a sincere desire to share that knowledge with others. He was a man from another era!
There is sadness in the loss of such a man... but what a full life he lived! Jim Moore

November, 1, 2009. Deb, thanks for posting this wonderful memorial article in the Sun Newspaper sharing your wonderful memories of Steve and the love you shared with him. Although I never met him, I feel priveledged to share in his memory. Thank you.....Andrea Tryon (Poulsbo, Wa)

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I feel sad that I never got to meet this incredible man. I met Deb after Steve's death, and she has always spoken so highly of him. After reading her remembrance in the Kitsap Sun today, I can begin to understand her terrible loss. What a great guy!! Deb -- you were lucky to have had such a wonderful man for 27 years. I know this has left a huge sadness in your life. Thank you for writing this beautiful story. It made me cry.

Some people, through their talent and force of personality and by the eloquence of those who remember them well, live on after their deaths and continue to inspire us. Deb's remembrance in today's Kitsap Sun stirred my admiration for all Stephen did and for who he was. I will never learn six languages, but I am inspired to hear about someone who did that, and so much more.

Dear Steve,

I miss you more than anything in the world.

All my love,

Deb

What a priveledge to have been able to spend time with you both. He will be missed and not forgotten. He has gone to where the eagle soars, the wind blows strong and fresh and a smile knows no end. He left the world around him a much better place because he was here.

Our hearts are with you.

love,

My heartfelt sympathy to your family at this time. May you find peace and comfort in prayer and family and friends.

Sincerest sympathy and hope for good things to come.



LMS list member

What a compassionate doctor he was! I will always recall his offer of help.

-- Suzie from the LMS list

Please know that he will always be with you. You are all in my prayers.



LMS list member

Deborah,



With deepest sympathy we pray that you are well cared for and have many loved ones (including collies, of course) around you and that Steve is in no pain, though yours must be great. Please let us know about services and we will plan to be there for you. Or anything else you need brought over the puddle.



Scott Burke & Carole Morgan