Jodie,
What a beautifully written description of your dad’s never-ending go for it attitude!
How many legions of men, women, children and even the family dogs have perked up to Steve Gates’s call to action in the name of being together and making it all fun and exhilarating?
As I write this to you I feel a sad but joyful churning in my heart... for, only a handful of people in all of our lives have the magic ability to bring such meaning as your father has to so many — and also to your wonderful tightknit family.
You and your sister will always carry your father on your shoulders for the rest of your lives...
...and every day — at the grocery store or on a hike — you will catch yourself “doing a dad,” (one of those little Steve Gates-isms that you know you got directly from him!)
...and for that you will smile and be thankful...
... as so many hundreds of us are thankful to also carry Steve on our shoulders for the rest of our lives.
Sending hugs from Maine, we love you Steve!!!
Clay
Hi Steve, I'm in Anchorage for a week and then back to Rancho Mirage tomorrow. You really missed it....35 cloudy, rainy and blowing from every direction. Makes me sure why I go to the desert for the winter. I think back about the winters in Girdwood, you, Ralph and little Dave.
I know Jodie, Erin and Ginny are touching you lovingly now, giving you so much comfort and Aloha. Just letting you know I am still thinking of you and us. Kelly Dave hit the nail on the head brother!
Awesome picture. I’ll be on the roster for February 13th!!! I love skiing with Steve, great memories of Heather Canyon. I look forward to the opportunity to get out with the girl “Gates”. It makes me smile thinking about trying to keep up 😬. Seems like whatever the sport...... windsurfing, paddling, biking.... I was constantly getting dusted by Steve. I appreciated the pace regardless of how far I might have fallen behind. So many memories I am grateful for. Love to all of you. 💗💗💗.
Thank you Jodie, beautifully written. Thank you to the family for the recent visit with Steve. I will cherish it and all of my memories with him and the whole family. I feel truly honored to be part of his care team and blessed to have struck up an instant and beautiful friendship along the way. I'll never forget the day I met him, bright blue eyes, a big smile and friendly "Hi!" even though he felt horrible. It was just a couple of days after my new SUP had blown off of our trailer somewhere in the Gorge. In a matter of minutes he was on the phone to you and my new toy awaited my pick-up from you at the shop. He was so pleased to help me get paddling again right away! That was soon followed up by lessons to ensure the most efficient and proper technique. The recreational outings that followed over the years have been so fun and enthusiastic. While we've had some deep talks about living and coping with cancer, it seemed we always could count on lightening the mood by shifting to talk of skiing, paddling, family....
My heart is with you all. The love for Steve and your family runs deep and wide. We all look forward to Ski with Steve day. xoxo
Thank you Jodie, beautifully written. Thank you to the family for the recent visit with Steve. I will cherish it and all of my memories with him and the whole family. I feel truly honored to be part of his care team and blessed to have struck up an instant and beautiful friendship along the way. I'll never forget the day I met him, bright blue eyes, a big smile and friendly "Hi!" even though he felt horrible. It was just a couple of days after my new SUP had blown off of our trailer somewhere in the Gorge. In a matter of minutes he was on the phone to you and my new toy awaited my pick-up from you at the shop. He was so pleased to help me get paddling again right away! That was soon followed up by lessons to ensure the most efficient and proper technique. The recreational outings that followed over the years have been so fun and enthusiastic. While we've had some deep talks about living and coping with cancer, it seemed we always could count on lightening the mood by shifting to talk of skiing, paddling, family....
My heart is with you all. The love for Steve and your family runs deep and wide. We all look forward to Ski with Steve day. xoxo
Julie and I only wish that we were close so we could provide some our favorite meals and best of all, desert which is usually choc o chip cookies hot with vanilla bean ice cream. We also wish we could provide you with a big hug to warm your heart and soul. We keep you in our thoughts Steve and your family.
What a beautifully written description of your dad’s never-ending go for it attitude!
How many legions of men, women, children and even the family dogs have perked up to Steve Gates’s call to action in the name of being together and making it all fun and exhilarating?
As I write this to you I feel a sad but joyful churning in my heart... for, only a handful of people in all of our lives have the magic ability to bring such meaning as your father has to so many — and also to your wonderful tightknit family.
You and your sister will always carry your father on your shoulders for the rest of your lives...
...and every day — at the grocery store or on a hike — you will catch yourself “doing a dad,” (one of those little Steve Gates-isms that you know you got directly from him!)
...and for that you will smile and be thankful...
... as so many hundreds of us are thankful to also carry Steve on our shoulders for the rest of our lives.
Sending hugs from Maine, we love you Steve!!!
Clay