Richard Crane Gates' Obituary
Richard (Dick) Crane Gates of Atlantis, Florida passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023
after a short illness.
Born May 9, 1932 in Burlington, VT, Dick grew up in Greenfield, MA with his parents Walter
Gates and Catherine Hamilton Gates as well as his brother Harry “Ham” Gates, all of whom
predeceased him. Dick was an accomplished football, hockey and lacrosse player, achieving All
American status in lacrosse while at Dartmouth College where he graduated with the Class of
1954. He was a proud member of Alpha Delta fraternity and Casque & Gauntlet Senior Society.
After receiving his MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School in 1955, Dick joined the Air Force,
eventually obtaining the rank of Captain during his 3 years of service as a fighter pilot flying F-86’s
from bases located in Big Spring, TX and Winter Haven, FL. After the military, Dick went
into banking and eventually received his CPA license, which launched a lifelong career in private
practice as an accountant to individuals as well as for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
In addition to Greenfield, Dick spent many summers at his ancestral cottage in Brooklin, Maine
where extended family members joined him in making long-lasting memories and traditions
that continue to this day. He often fondly recounted the journey from Greenfield to Maine,
beginning with a train ride to Boston, followed by a steamship to Brooklin, and then finally, a
horse drawn cart to get to the cottage. He would spend the summer with his brother and
cousins playing on the beloved shore of Blue Hill Bay and eating ice cream from Sylvester’s.
In addition to his parents and brother, Dick is predeceased by his wife, Susan Lenora Gates and
stepson Steve Douglas (Patti). He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Gates of Siler City, NC,
son William H. Gates (Helen) of Boston, MA, stepson Joey Douglas (Heather) of Wellington FL,
grandchildren Harry, Adrien, Thomas, Erica, Olivia, Diana, Justin, Hannah, Taylor and great
granddaughter Juniper Rose. William and Elizabeth survived their mother Virginia Greeley. Many
loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends also survive him.
Services are as follows:
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Visitation: 10.30-11.30 am
Funeral Service: 11.30-12.30
Place: Palm Beach Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3691 Seacrest Blvd., Lantana, FL 33462
Interment: 1:30 pm, South Florida National Cemetery
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?