William S. Gates

GATES, William S. Kalamazoo Mr. Gates passed away peacefully Sunday evening, April 22, 2007 at his home. He was born October 24, 1923 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late George and Alice Diettra Gates. Bill grew up in Recreation Park in Kalamazoo, and ran a fishing bait business for a couple of years. He was a veteran of the Untied States Marine Corp. serving during World War II and stationed in the South Pacific. Following his military service, Bill was employed by Georgia Pacific Paper Co. for 39 years until his retirement in 1985. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, reading and outdoor life. On November 26, 1945, Bill was united in marriage to Helen L. Peake in Kalamazoo, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Dawn Gates, Ted Gates, and Janet Jones; three grandchildren, Terry, Guy, and Tracy; and six great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his parents; and one sister, Betty Laubenscheimer. The family will receive friends and family at an Open House from 1-3 PM on Saturday, April 28, at the home of Bill?s grandson, Terry Kingsbury, 59423 Whitewood Drive, Mattawan. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one?s choice.