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Charles GATES Obituary
Fly fisherman, backpacker, duck hunter, golfer, runner, scuba diver, and traveler, Charlie Gates was an outdoorsman and adventurer.
He was born in Bellevue Hospital, New York City, where his father, who would later start the Spokane Eye Clinic, was in residency. He grew up on Spokane's South Hill, not far from his future wife's home. Having mutual friends and much in common, Charlie and Sarah married in 1968. After graduating from the University of Iowa Medical School and completing a residency at the University of Utah, they moved to Coeur d'Alene with 3 small children and started North Idaho Urology. Expanding his services to Kellogg and Sandpoint, he practiced Urology until he was seventy years old, missing only one day in his entire career for a personal medical emergency.
Charlie was humorous, ambitious, generous, and supportive. He encouraged those around him that they could accomplish anything and assisted others to pursue their dreams. He served his community well and was an active member of The Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club for almost forty years. Charlie will be remembered for his boundless energy, sense of humor, enthusiasm, and love of family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Sarah Schnug Gates; three children, Benjamin Lee Gates, Kimberly Shannon Gates, and Wendy Taylor Gates; three grandchildren, Penelope Gates, Scarlet Harris, and Annika Travis; his brother, Ken Gates and his niece, Shannon Gates.
A memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Lake City Church in Coeur d'Alene. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made in Dr. Charles L. Gates' name to The Coeur d'Alene Rotary Foundation, PO Box 444, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.JDRF.org. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Charlie's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles GATES
Karen Ireland, MD
March 12, 2024
Just found out that Charley died over a year ago. He will be so missed. I had the great pleasure of working with him at Kootenai hospital. He was always so cheerful, so enthusiastic. A fine physician, respected by all. He loved the outdoors. Rest in peace.
Richard Gerhard
December 10, 2022
Such a great physician and friend. I will miss him.
Bruce Roberts
December 6, 2022
Charlie was my brother in law. It pains me to say that in the past tense. I looked up to him in many ways. We had some common interests; love of the outdoors... the lakes, woods, mountains, flora and fauna; love and loyalty of family and friends, and others. I'll miss his sense of humor, generosity, and boundless enthusiasm.
Mike and Gretchen Coats
December 6, 2022
Charlie, you were an amazing person, and a talented physician! I have so many fond memories, helping you with patients who needed your expertise in the middle of the night, never hesitating to come in, and always with a kind and generous attitude! You were a great comfort to your patients, and to those of us who had the honor of working with you! I´m glad we were able to chat this past summer, and for all the times you just stopped in to say, "Hi" to us when you drove by. You deserved all the goodness you gave, back ten-fold! I´m sorry your last years weren´t what you deserved! We love and miss you! Mike and Gretchen
Betsy Swanson
December 5, 2022
The Tom Swanson family sends their love and condolences to the Gates family. Charlie was the "best" in everything he did and accomplished. He will be greatly missed.
William R Bartell
December 4, 2022
Went to high school with Charlie and we were both Eagle Scouts in Dr. Smith's amazing Explorer Scout Post in Spokane. I believe that Scouting was a beginning for Charlie's love of the outdoors. RIP and Soar with the Eagles . .Rob Bartell, Bend, Oregon
Michael Herion
December 4, 2022
Charlie was my "second father" and was pivotal in my growth. He showed me the beauty of medicine and how giving back was much more important than receiving. He was always ready with his sage advice or encouragement. He shaped me tremendously and I will be forever grateful for time I spent with him and his family.
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Yates Funeral Homes & Cremation Coeur d'Alene Chapel744 N 4th St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
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