Robert B. "Bob" Gates
March 19, 1920 - March 13, 2003
Robert B. "Bob" Gates, age 82, of Upper Arlington, died Thursday, March 13, 2003 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
He was born March 19, 1920 to Nellie B. and Philip P. Gates of Piqua, Oh. Bob was a gentle man and a gentleman who knew how to live life. Bob earned his B.S. in Education at The Ohio State University and his Masters in Education at Bowling Green State University. He began his career as an industrial arts teacher in Maumee, Oh. in 1947, fresh out of OSU and five years in the Army Air Corps. Bob taught in Maumee for 20 years. Subsequently, he and his wife, Betty Dickerson Gates, relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he became the State Supervisor of Vocational Education. He retired in 1981 and began (and completed) a long string of projects and working with Scouts and the Upper Arlington Senior Center.
He was a member of Community Lodge #684 F.&A.M., Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, Community Chapter #227 R.A.M., and Aladdin Temple Shrine. Bob was a talented musician who cherished his participation in the OSU Alumni Band. One of his proudest moments was his direction of the National Anthem in the Ohio Stadium.
To continue celebrating his life, he has his wife of 60+ years, Betty; daughter, Cindy of Columbus; son, Robb and his wife, Nancy of Perrysburg; 2 grandsons, Matthew and Travis; and his extended family which includes many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, friends and caregivers. Friends will be received from 1 - 3 pm at Schoedinger Northwest CCapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, where a Masonic Service will be held at 3 pm, to be immediately followed by a Memorial Service. Donations may be made in his name payable to The Ohio State University, TBDBITL Endowment Fund, c/o 3821 Rushmore Drive, Columbus, Oh. 43220.
Bob played alto horn as a member of the marching band from 1939 through 1941. He was an active participant in alumni activities and received the Elvin Donaldson Most Inspirational Alumni Bandmember award in 1984 and the Script Ohio award in 1989.
