David Mark Gates

It is with deep sorrow and endless love that we announce the passing of our beloved David Mark Gates a cherished son, brother, and uncle, who left this world far too soon on September 22, 2025 at the age of 61.

David was born on June 4, 1964, to Dave and Ellen Gates in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in East Detroit and graduated from East Detroit High School. David studied at Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Advertising, and Sales Promotion, and a Master's degree in Information Systems Management, respectively. While at Eastern, David became a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, where he made lifelong connections. He dedicated his professional life working in the fields of business and finance, including a decade of service to Comcast as the Senior Divisional Director of Customer Loyalty and Retention, and most recently, as Director of Call Center Operations at Hansons, LLC.

Outside of work, David enjoyed bowling with his friends at Hartland Lanes on the City of Southfield League, and the occasional golf game. David was also a treasured member at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). David was an officer at the Kirk, serving as Elder, Deacon and was currently serving his final year as Trustee. As an Elder, he served as the Chair of the Communications committee. His experience from his work life enabled him to offer excellent advice to the committee during a changing communications environment. He worked on the committee which put together the first ever digital presentation for the Senior Pastor search which took place after Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard retired. David loved the Kirk in many ways, especially the beautiful building. As a Trustee, he served on the Facilities Committee and was chair of the committee in 2023. He enjoyed taking his fellow trustees on tours of the building, including the "secret" spaces not everyone knew about. David served as an usher (retired Usher Co-Captain), was on the Kirk Tartan Corps, and involved in many Men of the Kirk activities.

David was a gift to his family and to all who knew him. He was a devoted son who gave his parents endless pride and whose love and kindness never wavered. As a brother, he was steady, protective and always ready with a smile or a word of encouragement. And as an uncle, he was a mentor, a role model, and a Friend. To his nephews, he wasn't just Uncle Dave, he was someone they could turn to for advice and a laugh - he understood them and believed in them.

David lived with a generous heart, always ready to help, to listen, and to love unconditionally. His laughter filled our homes, his wisdom guided us through challenges, and his presence made every gathering brighter. He leaves behind countless memories that we will carry in our hearts forever.

Though his time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will remain eternal. His legacy is one of compassion, devotion to family, and an unwavering ability to make others feel valued and loved.

David will be profoundly missed by his parents, Ellen Gates and Dave Gates (deceased); his sister Donna (Tom) Myers; his nephews Logan and Sloan Myers; and all who were blessed to know him.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 3rd, 3-8 PM, at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.

Funeral Service Saturday, October 4th, 11 AM at Kirk in the Hills, 1340 West Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.