Richard Lee Gates , 73, a lifetime Aberdeen resident and longtime Longshoreman, died Saturday July 9, 2016 at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, WA.

Dick was born in Aberdeen on May 18, 1943 to Robert and Dorothy Marie (James) Gates. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1961 and then attended Grays Harbor College. He later joined the Army on January 29, 1962 and was stationed in Germany for three years. He was Honorably Discharged on January 28, 1965. It was during this time that he married Karen Lauck in Missouri in 1962, they later divorced.

Upon Dick's return to Aberdeen, he went to work for the ILWU Local 24 where he Longshored for 25 years, later retiring in the 90's.

In 1980 Dick married Rogene M. McGeatchy in Reno, NV. She now resides at the family home in Central Park.

An avid outdoorsman, Dick was a member of and volunteered for many different conservation groups throughout the Northwest. He served as the regional director for MDF, State and chapter chair for RMEF, founder of Citizens for WA Wildlife and Hunters Heritage Council, board member of NWSCI and the Pacific Rim chapter, and supporter of DU and NWTF, he was also a life member of the NRA, Montesano VFW and an FOE member. Among the time he spent supporting different conservation groups he also volunteered his time at Wynoochee Wildwood and 25 years on the ILWU Credit Union board.
Dick was a true family man. He loved attending his grandkids sporting events and spending time outdoors hunting with his family and friends.

Dick is survived by his wife of 35 years, Rogene Gates of Aberdeen; his brother Robert (Iris) Gates of Sun City, AZ; a son Rick (Cindy) Gates; daughters Lori (Wayne) Minzey of Montesano, WA, Carrie (Shawn) Johnson of Benton City, WA, Rebecca (Mike Rathke) Daniels of Olympia, WA, Candy (Kirk) Hollatz of Montesano, WA; grandchildren Matt Johnson, Zach Johnson, Kyle Campbell, Justine Minzey, Ryan Campbell, Brad Minzey, Gabby Johnson, Zoe Whorton, Emma Rathke, Conner Hollatz , one great grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins that will miss his smile and famous sense of humor.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at Montesano Presbyterian Church on Saturday July 30, 2016 at 2:00. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, WA. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you take a youth hunting in memory and honor of Dick.

A message of condolence or of memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell's Fern hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.

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