"I was so sad to hear about Joe's passing, we worked together on the NMA and I always enjoyed talking to Joe because he was so passionate about airplanes and he always enjoyed sharing something he read about it. He was happy being a quiet person, but had really creative ideas whenever I would stop by his desk. It always impressed me how positive he was and that is how I will remember him. Michael Hinckley"
In loving memory of
Joseph Charles Gates
December 27, 1965 - August 27, 2021
Joseph "Joe" Charles Gates (55) of Marysville, WA, passed away on August 27, 2021 after a valiant 16 month battle with cancer.
Joe was born on December 27, 1965 to Howard and Peggy Gates in Valpariso, Indiana. After graduating from Piedmont High School in 1984, in Monroe, North Carolina he went on to study Aeronautical Engineering at North Carolina\Charlotte. He later received his Master's Degree from Embry Riddle.
Joe worked for IBM in North Carolina before moving to Washington to work for Boeing. He retired from Boeing on July 8, 2021 after a 23 year career in which he was lucky enough to work on several plane and system designs with many very talented co-workers.
Joe enjoyed traveling, watching his son play football, golf, riding his motorcycle and snowmobiling. He liked to go down roads he had never travelled before to see what he could see. He could fix anything or figure out how to install everything. He loved to fly and had a private pilot's license for helicopters and small airplanes.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Kathy; son Jr.; mom Peggy; brothers Mike and Tom; nieces Breanna and Felicia; nephews Dan, Andrew and AJ; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother Jimmy; dad Howard; sister-in-law Kim and nephew Jonathan.
Joe, you are the bestest and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joe's name to the American Cancer Society.
If you can not attend the Celebration of Life, you can watch from Zoom with the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2479189581?pwd=NXkvWTA4MVlpa0RjMFpvVjZpdTgrQT09
Tributes
"Joe worked on our 777X Propulsion team for a few years. I am so sorry to learn of his passing and express my sincere sympathy to you, his family. Joe was a gentle soul and I will miss him and always appreciate the time I was able to share with him."
"Please accept our deepest condolences. We all remember Joe-san since he diligently supported our new project for Boeing 777 back in 2014. He led the team right way with his professional knowledge and super friendly character . Our hearts and prayers go out to Joe-san?s family. "
"I have known the Gates family since we were little kids living near Glen Aubrey, NY. Although I was very close to Joe's older brother Mike, all of us boys would spend time doing what boys will do, playing sports, building forts, Boy Scouts and any other adventure we could muster up. Each member of this family is precious, past & present. Joe was a good friend with a great family. His parents were my second parents as it seemed I spent as much time at their house as I did my own. Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the entire family, his wife Kathy and son, Peggy, Tom & Mike. May you all feel the love and comfort of Jesus during this difficult time. In Christian Love, Scott & Kathy Costley"
"Joe and I have been friends since we were 13 years old. I spent a lot of time with the Gates Family and felt as though they were also my family. Joe was the best man in our wedding. When Joe moved to Seattle many years ago, we kept in touch and saw each other when we were able to. It broke our hearts when we heard Joe was sick and did phone and video calls with Joe and Kathy when Joe was able to. We lost Joe too soon, but know that he God needed another guardian angel to watch over his family and friends. Joe was loved by all who knew him and will be missed. May God bless you all.
Dal and Ava Alexander "
"I haven't talked to Joe in a few years, so I was unaware of his fight with cancer and was shocked to learn of his passing. What sad news. My condolences to his family. Joe and I worked together about 8 or 9 years ago on the 777 wings ME team. Joe was an intelligent and thoughtful person. He was also kind-hearted and generous. We traveled together once to Fort Worth, Texas for an SAE conference. On one of the evenings, we were walking around town searching for a restaurant for dinner when a man approached us and asked for some money. Joe gave him $10. We will miss you Joe!"
"Joe is at peace after a valiant fight. I respected him for all his accomplishments. He was a special friend to me and my children while at Piedmont High and I relish all the gatherings at the Gates' home in Fairfield Plantation. He ways made sure to visit when in town. God rest your soul, Joe"
"I worked with Joe. 777 wing structures. Kind, calm, smart and just an overall great gent to work with. The news of his passing is deeply saddening. The world lost huge! My deepest sympathies and condolences to all who know and loved this kind gent. "
"Very sorry for your family's loss. May you find special peace and hope from the grace of our Precious Lord during this hard time."