Edward "Ted" Gates

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Edward Ted Gates was a man who knew what it meant to truly live. He made the most of the days he was given while deeply loving family and friends. With the love of his life by his side for 50 years, Ted played an active role in raising the children who later brought the grandchildren into his life who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Although life was not always easy for him, Ted carried himself with strength, honor, and integrity that provides us all with much to aspire for. Our lives will never be the same without him here, but Teds legacy will be proudly carried on by the generations who follow him. With the end of WWI in 1919 America was poised for greatness as world leader. Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh were pioneers in the world of flight while more Americans were able to afford cars than ever before. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound while legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb commanded baseball fields from coast to coast. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1923 that brought great joy to one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they proudly introduced their son, Edward, into the world on September 28th. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, Fay and Florence (Berkema) Gates, and was raised in the family home on Giles Road in Laketon Township on the north side of Muskegon alongside his older brother, Bill, and his sister, Ann. For the most part Ted, as he was usually known, experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. His father worked at Continental Motors while his mother was a homemaker. Ted attended North Muskegon Schools where he played baseball and basketball in high school. He also played the trumpet in the band. After his high school education was complete Ted enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was sent all around the country to attend flight school, eventually becoming a B-25 pilot. These were the days of WWII, and Ted courageously flew his aircraft from the United States to South America and over to Africa on what would be over 60 missions as part of the Mediterranean Theater. In recognition of his service Ted was awarded with two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and a Distinguished Flying Cross. With his duty to his country fulfilled, Ted returned to Muskegon where he worked at Continental Motors. He eventually found work at Naph-Sol Refining Company in North Muskegon where he started out cleaning the big fuel tanks. Over the years Ted climbed the ladder there, eventually becoming a manager. He remained there for 25 years until the company closed at which time Ted began working for the Admiral Oil Company where he stayed for 10 years before retiring. Not to be forgotten while he was busy establishing his career was Teds introduction to the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Elizabeth Betsey Baker, and they were introduced by his friends, Vera and Al Young. After dating for a time Ted married his sweetheart on January 2, 1947. The newlyweds initially settled into an apartment in North Muskegon where they welcomed their daughter, Susan, into their hearts and home in 1948. With a growing family they found a house on Memorial Drive overlooking Muskegon Lake whereTed and Betsey lived for the rest of their lives. Their family later grew to include their sons, Jeff in 1956 and Jon in 1958. Ted was active in the lives of their children and was there for whatever they needed. There were fun-filled family trips to Florida and Washington, D. C. and dinners often spent together. Ted and Betsey were very social with dinner parties and other functions as well. He had numerous friends from work, and as an active member of Lincoln Golf Club Ted also spent many hours there with his buddies. Together he and Betsey were charter members of St. Albans Episcopal Church where they also established several close friendships. There were fun trips to University of Michigan and Michigan State football games with Joe and Marcia Eyler, and Fred and Mimi Jacks became close friends who were like grandparents to Susan, Jeff, and Jon. Through the years Teds life was enriched in so many ways. As a young husband Ted enjoyed annual hunting trips to a deer camp in the Upper Peninsula. In addition to being a member of the golf club he was a charter member of the VFW Don Rea Post 8846. A man of faith, Ted was also a lifelong member of the church he was an integral part of establishing. During their retirement years he and Betsey wintered in Panama City, Florida, for several years, and Ted also enjoyed relaxing with a good book. Both Ted and Betsey were delighted to become grandparents, and although his children moved away from the Muskegon area they visited their children often and were as active in the lives of their grandchildren as they could be. Ted was especially proud when his granddaughter, Elizabeth, became a helicopter pilot and he got to pin his pilots wings on her during her ceremony. More challenging days were in store for Ted when Betsey suffered a stroke in 1997. He lovingly cared for her during the six months that followed until her death. He continued to live on his own for a time and kept active with friends. Ted was a regular during the afternoons at Mr. Quicks Restaurant where he and his buddies solved the worlds problems. He became close friends with Dave and Joann Petroski with whom he had great times traveling to sporting events and other functions as well. Life was not without times of physical struggle for Ted either. Several years ago he fell and injured himself, which required him to move into a senior living residence for a time. He did this in the Detroit area, which allowed him to be closer to his sons. But he missed the Muskegon and was later able to move back to the home he loved on Muskegon Lake while enjoying the companionship of his friends. Through the life he lived each day, Edward Ted Gates reminds us that happiness is not found in what we have, but in what we share with others. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Edward "Ted" Gates died Tuesday, October 16, 2012. Teds family includes his daughter, Susan (Vincent) Arena of MA; sons, Jeff Gates of Plymouth and Jon (Patti) Gates of Novi; grandchildren, Edward Laquidara, Captain Elizabeth Laquidara, USMC, Ashley, Jim & Wesley Gates, Jordan & Hannah Gates; cousin, Joannie Nellis; extended family, David (Joann) Petroski, Carmel Eitniear. Ted was preceded in death by wife, Betsey, in 1997; brother, Bill; and sister, Ann. Services will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Visit with Teds family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to St. Alban's Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.