Dr. Richard H. Gates Sr.

Richard H. Gates - SAVANNAH -Dr. Richard H. Gates, Sr. died August 25, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Richard was born August 25, 1928 to Dr. Howard B. Gates and Dorothy Hiteman Gates in West Winfield, New York. He attended local schools in Utica and New Hartford, graduated from Colgate University and received his DDS from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry in 1953. He entered the US Navy, served as Assistant Dental Officer on the USS Bennington (CVA 20). His tour of duty ended in 1955 with the rank of Lieutenant. He entered dental practice with his father, Howard, and had a very enjoyable and successful practice until he retired in 1997 and moved to Savannah, GA. He married Nancy Ann Dee in 1954 and they had a wonderful marriage for fifty three years. Dick was active in dental society affairs, serving as president of the Oneida-Herkimer County Dental Society, president of the 5th District Dental Society, a component of the New York State Dental Society and served many years as chairman of the insurance committee of the district. He was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He was active in Colgate Alumni affairs, serving on the Alumni Board of Directors, starting two Colgate Alumni clubs including the Low Country Alumni Club of Savannah and was the Colgate class of 1950 Gift Chairman. In Utica Dick served as a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church as was a member of the Yahnundasis Gold Club, the Sadaquada Golf Club and the Fort Schuyler Club. He was a member of the Utica Rotary Club and was honored by them when he was made a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Skidaway Island. He joined the Skidaway Island Rotary Club shortly after moving to The Landings and served for many years as chairman of the program committee. Dick was an avid golfer, loved gardening and was an avid fitness advocate and runner. He leaves his beloved wife Nancy, his son Rick and daughter -in-law Meg of Salt Lake City, his son Dr. Bill Gates and Judy Chang of Durham, NC and daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Jim Adams of Murrell's Inlet, SC, three grandchildren, Henry Gates, Kennedy and Gates Adams, a sister Barbara and her husband Grant Johnson of New Hartford, NY, a brother-in-law Watson Dee and sister-in-law Betty Dee of Old Lyme, Connecticut, nieces and nephews and of course his wonderful dog Harley. Dr. Richard H. Gates, Sr. took pride in establishing the Richard and Nancy Gates Endowed Scholarship at Colgate University. He asked that the recipients of this financial support come from the Upstate New York area. His parents gave the gift of education to him. He is grateful to be fortunate enough to provide this gift to other young men and women. A Memorial Service to celebrate Richard's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Giddens officiating. The family will receive friends following the service with a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Richard Gates by sending a donation to the Richard and Nancy Gates Endowed Scholarship c/o Don Martin, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York 13346 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 13117, Savannah, GA 31416. Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com . Savannah Morning News August 27, 2007 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com